Authorities in Afghanistan, under the Taliban-led (banned in Russia) government, have imposed a ban preventing women from attending communal prayers at mosques. This was reported by the Etilaatroz newspaper, citing sources from Herat province.
According to these sources, the new rule was not officially announced in writing, but instead passed down through local imams, who were instructed to inform worshippers. Women are now prohibited from attending Friday prayers, even though many mosques had previously designated separate areas for female worshippers.
Since taking control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have steadily rolled back women’s rights. They enforced strict dress codes, requiring women to wear full-body coverings, and claimed these measures were necessary to create an Islamic environment.
In 2022, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered the implementation of harsh punishments under Sharia law, including public executions and floggings for offenses such as theft, blasphemy, adultery, and same-sex relationships.
Women’s rights have been further eroded by bans on female education, restrictions barring women from universities and teaching positions, and a sweeping prohibition on their employment with domestic and international aid organizations.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on TASS materials