The Taliban in the western province of Herat burned tens of confiscated musical instruments and sound equipments on Saturday.
The head of the Taliban’s Directorate for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Herat, Aziz ul Rahman Muhajir, said that the instruments were used to promote “corruption” and “evil” in the city. He warned that those who sell musical instruments in Herat province will be punished.
The Taliban considers singing and playing musical instruments to be “haram,” or forbidden, according to their interpretation of Sharia law.
This is not the first time that the Taliban has destroyed musical instruments. Earlier this month, the group burned a large pile of instruments in Kabul province.
The Taliban’s restrictions on music have had a devastating impact on musicians and artists in Afghanistan. Many have fled the country to seek safety, while those who remain face the constant risk of intimidation, abuse, torture, and even death. Musicians have also been forced to make pledges that they will never sing or play music again.
