Amnesty warns Afghanistan facing severe human rights violations under Taliban

Human rights group Amnesty International has said that new criminal regulations introduced by the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have effectively institutionalised repression as state policy, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.

According to the channel, in a recent report, the organisation said the Taliban’s so-called criminal code provides legal protection for oppression and discrimination, putting women, minorities and dissenting voices at serious risk.

According to Amnesty International, the newly introduced legal framework allows discrimination and abuse on the basis of gender, religion and social status.

The report said the regulations also legitimise discriminatory punishments against religious minorities and individuals who hold opposing views.

Under the new provisions, criticism of the Taliban leadership has reportedly been declared a criminal offence.

Human rights experts warned that the measures effectively turn discrimination and repression into formal state policy.

The organisation said the Taliban’s policies are pushing Afghanistan toward severe human rights violations, particularly against women and those expressing dissent.

Experts added that the laws could further marginalise women by enabling violence and discrimination against them while pushing them out of public and social life.