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Mannequins in the window of a fashion shop in Herat: In future, this sight should no longer exist in Afghanistan
Photo: Sayed Aqa Saeedi / dpa
Travel restrictions for women, dress codes and strict rules for television programs: In recent months, the Taliban in Afghanistan have issued more and more rules that restrict life.
Now the Islamists want to intervene in the presentation of clothing stores.
In the west of the country, the ruling Taliban have asked fashion stores to behead mannequins.
These are idols and thus un-Islamic, said Asisul Rahman, a provincial representative of the newly created Ministry for the Preservation of Virtue, the news agency dpa. "They must be disposed of," Rahman said. Initially, however, it should suffice that the mannequins are beheaded.
The head of the competent chamber of commerce in Herat province, Abdul Wadud Faissada, complained about the new instruction.
The shopkeepers would have spent a lot of money on the mannequins.
The economy in Afghanistan is in free fall and millions of people in the country are starving.
The models are also not idols, but are set up to display clothing.
"You can find it in shops in all Islamic countries," says Faissada.
Meanwhile, videos were circulating on social media showing the heads of mannequins being sawed off.
No more music in the vehicle
In the past few weeks, the Taliban had already issued ever stricter regulations for public life.
Most recently, for example, drivers were instructed not to play music in the vehicle.
In addition, women should not be allowed to travel more than 45 miles (about 72 kilometers) without a male companion.
All vehicle owners are also requested to only transport women who wear a hijab.
As early as November, the Taliban issued an order that women are no longer allowed to be seen in films and series.
One of the few exceptions to the ban are appearances by moderators or reporters, but they would have to wear the Islamic hijab.
Most secondary schools for girls are still closed.
In many cases women can no longer go back to their jobs.
Many have fled the country since the Islamists came to power in August 2021.
asc / dpa