Taliban bans windows that overlook women

The Afghan authorities are seeking to prevent “obscene acts”

The Afghan Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has issued a decree banning windows in residential buildings that overlook areas used by women. The ruling is part of the government’s wider campaign to implement Sharia law across the country.

The statement, published by Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, outlines “the manner of placing windows facing neighboring buildings during construction.”

New buildings should not have windows through which it is possible to see “the courtyard, kitchen, neighbour’s well and other places usually used by women,” the statement reads. Existing windows with such views should be blocked, it adds.

“Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts,” the document says.

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Municipal and other relevant authorities will monitor construction sites to ensure compliance with the decree.

The Taliban took power in Kabul in August 2021 during the final stages of the withdrawal of US troops. It previously ruled Afghanistan in the 1990s, but was ousted in 2001 during the US-led invasion.

Although the Taliban initially promised to be more moderate after seizing power, the group has since imposed many Sharia restrictions, including a ban on girls’ education beyond sixth grade. It has also barred women from working in most professions, and enforced strict dress codes.

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The Taliban government has not been recognized by the UN, but maintains working ties with several countries, including Russia.