HRW slams ‘ruthless’ Taliban government as new law bans protest
Human Rights Watch has condemned the Taliban's new police law, which includes a total ban on public protests and extends detention periods. International observers describe the legislation as a severe escalation in the suppression of dissent and human rights in Afghanistan.
Why it matters
The erosion of civil liberties in Afghanistan has significant implications for international human rights standards and regional stability.
Human Rights Watch slammed on Thursday (August 27, 2026) the "ruthless effort to suppress all dissent" by the Taliban government, after a new police law banned demonstrations across Afghanistan.
The 84-page legislation published by the justice ministry outlines a series of changes to law enforcement nationwide, including the rule that "all types of protests are banned".
Elaine Pearson, Asia director for Human Rights Watch, said the measure is "another step in the Taliban's ruthless effort to suppress all dissent".
"The Taliban authorities fear any dissent and so they are escalating their repression," she said in a statement to AFP .
The Afghan government did not respond to AFP 's requests for comment on protests being outlawed through the legislation, which was made public this month.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in