Taliban’s Morality Police Arrests 13 on Suspicion of 'Moral Corruption’

The Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has reported the arrest of 22 individuals within a week on charges related to "moral corruption" and "witchcraft."

According to a statement shared on the social media platform X, the ministry stated that 13 individuals were arrested in the provinces of Daikundi, Kabul, Takhar, and Sar-e Pul on suspicion of "moral corruption." These individuals were handed over to the Taliban's judicial authorities for further investigation and the implementation of "divine rulings."

The ministry also reported the detention of nine people in the provinces of Ghazni, Bamiyan, Daikundi, and Sar-e Pul on charges of "witchcraft." The Taliban alleges that these individuals were promoting practices deemed contrary to "Islamic Sharia" and causing discord within families. However, it remains unclear what specific actions the Taliban considers as "witchcraft."

Earlier, the ministry announced the arrest of nine individuals in Kabul on suspicion of "moral corruption" and "gambling." These individuals were reportedly released after providing guarantees.

The Taliban's morality police conduct mobile patrols across Afghanistan, monitoring the behavior and actions of citizens. The Taliban's Promotion of Virtue law grants the group's morality police extensive powers, enabling them to enforce the group's strict interpretation of Islamic law.