Web Desk: Amnesty International has condemned the Taliban’s latest police law, saying the measure imposes sweeping restrictions on fundamental rights and gives authorities broad powers that could further weaken due process and civil liberties in Afghanistan.
In a statement, the rights group said the legislation threatens fair-trial protections, freedom of expression, privacy, children’s rights and safeguards governing policing. It also singled out the law’s reported blanket prohibition on demonstrations as a particularly serious violation of the right to peaceful assembly.
Amnesty said the prohibition on demonstrations would further tighten an already restrictive environment for political and social dissent.
The group argued that peaceful assembly is a fundamental right and warned that a blanket ban could prevent people from publicly expressing grievances or challenging government policies.
The criticism comes against a backdrop of what Amnesty described as continued pressure on protesters and critics under Taliban rule, including arbitrary arrests and detentions.
Amnesty also accused Taliban authorities of subjecting protesters and dissidents to torture and other forms of ill-treatment, as well as enforced disappearances.
The organisation said the new law could deepen those concerns by expanding policing powers while weakening protections available to people accused of offences.
It warned that restrictions on privacy and due process could leave individuals with fewer safeguards against abuse by security authorities.
Amnesty called on the Taliban to immediately repeal decrees and policies that it says conflict with Afghanistan’s obligations under international law.
The organisation said Afghan authorities must instead ensure that policing practices respect fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and fair-trial guarantees.
The statement adds to growing international criticism of Taliban policies since the group returned to power, particularly measures affecting civil liberties and the ability of Afghans to openly challenge authorities.
Amnesty said the latest police law risks further institutionalising restrictions on basic freedoms and deepening what it described as an already severe climate of repression across Afghanistan.
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