Taliban banned Afghan women from singing and speaking in public places.

The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Afghanistan is introducing a new ban for women. They are now prohibited from reading the Quran aloud and praying in the presence of other women. This was reported by the head of the Ministry, Mohammad Khaled Hanafi.

In August 2024, the Afghan government passed a law containing 35 articles. The law prohibits women from speaking in public places and appearing in public with an uncovered face. These new prohibitions were introduced to combat vice and support honesty.

Afghan women and human rights activists condemned these measures, considering them part of a misogynistic policy that restricts women's rights to movement, work, and free speech.

One of the women's rights activists stated: "How can women, who have to feed their families, buy bread, seek medical help, or simply live if their voice is banned? These laws restrict women and make our lives unbearable".

Article 13 of the law mentions that a woman's voice is equated with vice. The Taliban called it an "intimate" voice and banned women from singing, speaking, or reading aloud in public places. However, this is all allowed at home, but only in such a way that the voice is not heard outside.

The Taliban also banned the entry of UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett and accused him of spreading propaganda.

Recall, Manizha Talash, an Afghan breakdancer, was disqualified from the 2024 Olympics for wearing a cloak with the inscription "Freedom for Afghan women". The girl, who fled Afghanistan after the arrival of the Taliban, now lives in Spain and represents the refugee team at the Olympic Games.