Taliban imposes further restrictions on Muharram mourning ceremonies across Afghanistan

The Taliban government has imposed new restrictions on Muharram mourning ceremonies in Afghanistan, causing widespread discontent among the Shia community.

According to new instructions described by the Taliban government as a “commitment,” the observance of Ashura in certain areas is limited to three days, and the invitation of Sunni Muslims to participate is prohibited. Additionally, conducting interviews with the media is banned.

Part of the “11-point commitment” states that the ceremonies must be conducted in accordance with Taliban laws and only in the Takiyas (mourning centres) agreed upon by both parties. The second article of this commitment mentions that the final list of speakers for the ceremonies must be submitted in advance to the Taliban government.

The instructions also specify that mourners are not allowed to enter the Takiyas in groups. Among other restrictions mentioned in the “commitment” are the prohibition of using loudspeakers, limiting the mourning ceremonies in the first ten days of Muharram to only three days.

According to local sources, Taliban has destroyed several centers for distributing charity drinks along Ustad Mazari Road in west of Kabul since Wednesday, July 10.

Previously, the Taliban had banned the raising of Ashura flags in certain provinces and public gatherings. Last year, the group also imposed restrictions on Muharram mourning ceremonies.

The Taliban has been ruling Afghanistan for three years. During these years, the group has significantly restricted the rights and freedoms of Afghan citizens, particularly the Shia and Hazara communities, exacerbating tension and unrest in the country.