Taliban arrest six in Kabul over "illegitimate relations"

The Taliban's Ministry of "Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" announced the arrest of six individuals in Kabul on charges of "illegitimate relations." In a statement released on Saturday, the ministry reported that the detainees have been referred to judicial authorities for prosecution.

The Taliban emphasized that its ombudsmen are actively working to apprehend individuals accused of "illicit relations," urging Afghan citizens to assist in their efforts under the group’s strict moral code. The statement is part of the Taliban’s broader crackdown on what they deem "immoral actions."

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban claim to have arrested over 13,000 people for similar offenses. The group's enforcement of public morality laws has especially targeted women, imposing stringent restrictions and granting broad powers to officials to arrest and detain citizens. Human rights organizations have condemned these actions as violations of basic rights and a systematic campaign of discrimination against women in Afghanistan.