Taliban Law Allowing ‘Conditional’ Domestic Violence Sparks Global Outrage
A newly introduced criminal code by the Taliban in Afghanistan has drawn widespread international
condemnation after reports indicated that it permits domestic violence against women and children
under specific conditions.
The legal framework, signed by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada in early 2026, forms part
of a broader restructuring of Afghanistan’s judicial system since the group returned to power in 2021.
According to details from the code, husbands are allowed to physically discipline their wives and
children as long as the abuse does not result in visible severe injuries such as broken bones or open
wounds.
Reports indicate that the regulation significantly weakens protections for victims of domestic abuse,
with penalties for offenders described as minimal even in cases where harm is established.
The development has been widely criticised by human rights organisations and observers, who argue
that the provisions effectively legitimise violence within households and further erode the rights of
women and girls in Afghanistan.
International reaction has been swift. Advocacy groups and commentators have described the code as a
dangerous institutionalisation of abuse, warning that it could normalise violence and limit access to
justice for victims.
Public figures and activists have also spoken out against the measure, urging religious and global leaders
to condemn the policy and push for stronger protections for Afghan women.
Analysts note that the law is part of a broader pattern of restrictions imposed on women since the
Taliban regained control, including limits on education, employment, and public participation.
The Taliban has not formally responded to the wave of criticism, but officials have consistently defended
their governance approach as being rooted in their interpretation of Islamic law, rejecting external
interference in domestic affairs.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
