Afghan morality ministry dismisses over 280 security personnel for being clean-shaven

Afghanistan’s morality ministry dismissed over 280 security personnel for being clean-shaven, and more than 13,000 individuals were detained for engaging in immoral acts.

After taking over the government in Afghanistan, the Taliban authorities implemented new regulations for government employees. These guidelines required that all employees refrain from shaving their beards and wear traditional Afghan attire.

Afghanistan's Ministry of Virtue and Vice said in its annual report that over 280 security force personnel were dismissed for not having beards.

According to Mohibullah Mokhlis, an official at Vice and Virtue Ministry, beardless officers in the security forces were specifically identified and then dismissed.

Over 21,328 musical instruments were destroyed to enforce a strict interpretation of Islam as defined by local authorities.

The officials conducted a crackdown on thousands of computer operators who were selling indecent films in markets.

The morality ministry did not provide any details about its crackdown on women who did not adhere to strict dress codes or travel restrictions.

Mohibullah Mokhlis stated that the authorities implemented a new dress code requiring women to wear all-enveloping burqas. In case of violations, their male family members would face reprimand instead of the women themselves.

He further added that local officials rescued 200 women from being sold and prevented 20,000 cases of violence against women.

The UN and human rights organsations have criticised the Afghan Ministry of Virtue and Vice for subjecting women to harsh punishments for violating Islamic dress codes. However, Afghan officials refute these claims.