Taliban Decree Criminalizes Criticism of Officials

DID Press: Taliban’s supreme leader issued a new decree declaring that criticism, accusations, or insults directed at the group’s officials — particularly in the media and public sphere — will now be treated as criminal acts.

An order signed by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leadership said that no one, including Taliban members themselves, is permitted to criticize or insult senior figures within the movement.

The decree introduces the phrase “criticism detached from reality” to describe comments the Taliban deem to be false or misleading. It further stipulates that insulting Taliban officials, or questioning the legitimacy of their courts and judicial processes, will be considered a punishable offense, especially when such remarks are made publicly or through the media.

The directive follows months of reports highlighting public dissatisfaction and sporadic criticism of the group’s governance across Afghanistan.

Human rights organizations have warned that the decree can significantly restrict freedom of expression and weaken public oversight of those in power.