'Like caged animals': Women in Afghanistan refuse to accept new chastity laws Israel today

The recent announcement by the Taliban that women of almost all ages will have to wear a full face-covering headdress (except for a breathable mesh) has led to protests in recent days on the country's streets in the face of growing women's rights erosion since the extremist organization took control of the country in August. 

"Justice! Justice!", They shouted from one of the two main rallies that were in Kabul, the state capital this week. 

"We want to live like humans, not like a caged animal in the corner of the house," said Saira Sami Alimiyar, one of the leaders of the demonstration according to the Indian website NDTV. 

One of the protesters told Reuters that this was not only a difficult interpretation of Islamic law but also a well-thought-out move by the authorities: "They want to exclude us from the public and politics, this is the reason for their moves against women."

The protesters, who took to the streets taking considerable risks in the face of not wearing full coverage, said it was a move that deprived them of human rights. "We do not want them to treat us like a slave who should beg our owner for a piece of bread."

Another woman told Reuters the insult they were forced to perform even in activities they were allowed to do: "We work as women and we do surgeries, we have to wash our hands up to our elbows" (so that they are not unclean).

According to local media reports, Taliban police violently dispersed the demonstrations and even tried to stop the protesters and bring them to the Interior Ministry so that they would confess their sins.

Recall the latest decision actually joins a series of measures against women announced by the Taliban, including the abolition of girls' studies in the upper elementary classes.

Those who will be punished if a woman is caught without a proper head covering are the men in her home: her husband or another relative.

In case the warnings are not heeded, the men will be sent to jail or dismissal. 

Recent moves have in fact blocked the possibility for the time being that the pragmatic current in the Taliban will rule the country and it seems that the intention of the Islamic rulers is to return to the dark days of the 90s when it comes to women’s rights. 

Were we wrong?

Fixed!

If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us