Images of living beings in Afghanistan

The Taliban government in Afghanistan is set to gradually enforce a controversial law banning the media from publishing images of all living beings, as part of its interpretation of Islamic law. The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (PVPV) stated that this law will be applied throughout the country, with officials aiming to educate the public on the supposed religious implications of such images. Reports indicate that while some media outlets have begun to comply, Taliban officials continue to share images on social media, leading to questions about the consistency of enforcement. The new law raises significant concerns about press freedom and media practices in Afghanistan, echoing similar bans during the Taliban's previous regime. Critics argue that such restrictions could further suppress the already limited media landscape in the country, while the Taliban insists that enforcement will be gradual and non-coercive. The implementation of these laws follows a broader trend of stringent regulations affecting various aspects of public life in Afghanistan since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.