Taliban Arrest Driver, Hoteliers, and Bakers in Bamyan over “Moral” and Religious Violations

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban’s Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Bamyan province has arrested a driver, six hoteliers, and bakers for alleged violations of Islamic law and regulations imposed by the group.

On Wednesday, February 18, the department issued a statement saying that the driver was sent to prison after repeated warnings for transporting women without a male guardian (mahram, a male relative whom women are religiously allowed to travel with). The statement added that Taliban officials had repeatedly informed drivers that “under Sharia law, transporting unrelated women or sitting alone with them is considered against religious rules.” The department emphasized: “Anyone who continues to violate these recommendations after repeated religious advisories will face legal action according to Sharia principles and laws.”