Monday 22 November 2021
Hijab compulsory for moderation
Taliban bans films with women
The Taliban forbid Afghan TV channels from broadcasting films and series in which women play a role. Content that contradicts Islamic Sharia law or Afghan values may no longer be shown. These would spread immorality.
In Afghanistan, the ruling militant Islamist Taliban have imposed far-reaching restrictions on television content. TV stations are no longer allowed to show films or series in which women play a role or which contradict Islamic Sharia law or Afghan values, according to an instruction from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which was issued to television stations on Sunday became. The Ministry’s spokesman, Mohammed Sadik Asif, confirmed the directive.
The broadcasting of domestic or foreign films that spread foreign cultures and traditions in Afghan society and caused immorality must be stopped, according to the instruction. In addition, no one should be offended in entertainment programs. Presenters or reporters are also allowed to appear, but they would have to wear the Islamic hijab.
Turkish, Indian and Iranian soap operas are particularly popular in Afghanistan, while US series or films have been shown less often. Conservatives and clerics in the country had already repeatedly criticized these programs, in which women, for example, chose their spouses themselves. The series seduced the youth, it was said.
Satire programs are also very popular in Afghanistan. Weekly broadcasts vilified the former government of Ashraf Ghani, corrupt officials and the military.