Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – The Taliban have allegedly “threatened” Herat University faculty members with imprisonment for failing to maintain a beard of a specific length, sources close to the matter report. During a meeting held on October 29, a representative from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice reportedly informed professors, department heads, and deans that all male staff must grow beards “one fist length” from the chin and attend congregational prayers.
A source present at the meeting stated that non-compliance could lead to imprisonment.
This beard mandate is part of a larger set of restrictive policies the Taliban have imposed nationwide since their return to power over three years ago. Under the Taliban’s morality laws, the “Virtue and Vice” regulations enforce stringent grooming and behavior standards, sparking widespread criticism both domestically and internationally.
The Taliban’s uncompromising interpretation of Islamic law continues to incite condemnation for infringing upon personal freedoms and imposing strict limitations on Afghan citizens.
