The Taliban are not allowing protests in Afghanistan for the time being. The Afghan Interior Ministry cites the reason “that demonstrators have disrupted public order and caused intimidation”.
Recent demonstrations have seen violent and reportedly deadly clashes between the participants and Taliban fighters.
The announcement came hours after demonstrations were held in several cities against the country’s new rulers. Demonstrations have been going on for three days in a row against the Taliban, who took power almost a month ago and presented members of a temporary government on Tuesday.
If protests are allowed again, they must be reported to the authorities at least 24 hours in advance. The demonstrators must tell where and when they are going to protest and make known what their aim is and what slogans they will use. A protest is only allowed if permission has been given in advance.
The United States says it is still reviewing the interim government’s announcement. “But despite claims that a new government would be inclusive, the list presented consists only of names of individuals who are members of the Taliban or their closest associates, and not women,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. He also says that its actions will judge the provisional government.
