Taliban introduces new law, sparking global concern over women’s rights

The ruling Taliban government in Afghanistan has issued a new penal code that has drawn widespread criticism for placing greater emphasis on animal protection than on women’s rights. According to the decree, a man who severely beats his wife—causing visible bruises or injuries—faces a maximum prison sentence of 15 days. This punishment applies only if the wife is able to present evidence in court. In contrast, individuals found organizing fights between animals or birds could face up to five months in prison. The law also states that a woman who stays at her parental home without her husband’s permission may be sentenced to three months in jail. Additionally, the code introduces provisions that differentiate punishments based on social status. Individuals from higher social classes may receive only a warning, while those from lower or poorer backgrounds could face corporal punishments, including flogging. The decree, identified as a 60-page document with 119 articles, outlines penalties for women visiting relatives without spousal consent and grants husbands and family heads authority to determine and enforce punishments within households. The United Nations has strongly condemned the new law, calling it a serious violation of human rights and gender equality. The global body has urged Afghan authorities to revoke the decree. However, the law does not apply differential treatment in cases of murder, where anyone found guilty faces the death penalty. Another major offence listed is insulting Prophet Muhammad, although in such cases, the death penalty may be reduced to six years of imprisonment if the accused shows remorse.