Taliban Summon 550 Morality Police for Training Seminar in Kabul

The Taliban Ministry of Virtue Promotion and Prevention of Vice has summoned 550 morality police officers and preachers to Kabul for a three-day training seminar. The event aims to instruct participants on methods of invitation, guidance, and corrective activities. It will also explain the provisions of a new law that was ratified by Hibatullah Akhundzada.

This training takes place against a backdrop of criticism directed at the ministry. The criticism intensified after violent clashes occurred in Jibraeel Town in Herat province. During those clashes, ministry agents confronted women protesting the dress code. The confrontations led to Taliban forces opening fire, resulting in two deaths and several arrests. The incidents sparked further protests and drew international attention, with solidarity gatherings and marches held in more than 15 cities worldwide.

Noor Ahmad Islamjar, the Taliban-appointed governor of Herat, commented on the situation. He noted that adherence to the dress code had declined markedly in the area. Islamjar referred to the arrested women as mentally and religiously ill. He suggested that their views were shaped by non-Afghan culture introduced through migration. The governor directed authorities to remove such women from the streets.

In addition to the Herat events, the ministry has conducted mass arrests of women in several districts of Kabul. These operations targeted violations of the dress code regulations.

The upcoming seminar represents an effort by the ministry to standardize and improve its approach to enforcement and public guidance activities.