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Begging women with children in Kabul at the end of October
Photo: ZOHRA BENSEMRA / REUTERS
In Afghanistan, the ruling Taliban have imposed far-reaching restrictions on television content. TV stations should no longer show films or series in which women played a role or which contradict Islamic Sharia law or Afghan values. This emerges from an instruction from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. It was broadcast on television on Sunday. The ministry's spokesman, Mohammed Sadik Asif, confirmed the directive on Monday.
The broadcasting of domestic or foreign films that spread foreign cultures and traditions in Afghan society and caused immorality must be stopped, according to the instruction. In addition, no one should be offended in entertainment programs. Presenters or reporters are also allowed to appear, but they would have to wear the Islamic hijab.
Turkish, Indian and Iranian series are particularly popular in Afghanistan, while US series or films have been shown less often.
Conservatives and clerics in the country had already repeatedly criticized these programs, in which women, for example, chose their spouses themselves.
The series seduced the youth, it was said.
Satire programs are also very popular in Afghanistan.
Weekly broadcasts, for example, vilified the former government of Ashraf Ghani, corrupt officials and the military.
The economic crisis leaves millions of people starving
After the withdrawal of international NATO troops, the Taliban had conquered large parts of Afghanistan.
On August 15, the Islamists entered the capital Kabul without a fight.
The Afghan economy has since collapsed.
A drought and the upcoming winter with rising prices aggravate the situation further.
The United Nations warned that as of November, more than half of the population would not have enough food.
They also warned on Monday of the serious consequences of a collapse of the banking system.
The economic costs with the social consequences are "colossal," according to a report published on Monday by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
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The longer the delay in restoring the financial and banking system, the longer the recovery phase due to the subsequent loss of confidence in international markets.
This erosion is difficult to repair, it could take decades.
The protection of at least part of the commercial banking system is also necessary in order to be able to provide humanitarian aid.
As a result of the Taliban's takeover of power, there are no longer any regular dollar deliveries to the country, which led to a liquidity crisis.
The banking system is no longer working.
Account holders can only withdraw small amounts of money.
Banks have stopped lending.
slü / dpa