Taliban forbid 'unauthorised' protests

Small number of people disturbing security, disrupting normal life in guise of demonstrations, says interior ministry

KABUL:

The interim Taliban administration on Wednesday declared it mandatory to obtain prior authorisation before holding any protest marches in Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban took control of Kabul on Aug. 15, small groups of women have staged rallies in three cities, including Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif and Kabul, demanding that their rights be protected.

After the Taliban seized Panjshir province Monday, forcing resistance fighters led by Ahmad Massoud, the son of Mujahideen commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, to flee the city, demonstrations were held in Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif.

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Those who want to hold a protest march or rally must get permission from the interim Justice Ministry, and they will then be provided with security, according to a statement released by the Taliban administration's interim Interior Ministry.

“Timings and other details must be shared with the relevant authorities at least three hours in advance and approval must be obtained,” the statement said.

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A small number of people are disturbing security, harassing people and disrupting normal life in the guise of demonstrations, it added.

“They should avoid holding demonstrations under any name or title for the time being,” the statement said.

In the case of a violation, it said, "the responsibility for each incident will be shifted to the violators, who will face serious legal actions."