In recent days, reports have emerged about the Taliban intensifying their censorship and widespread banning of books in Afghanistan. The group has targeted not only books authored by women but also works containing images of living beings or content they deem inconsistent with their interpretation of Islamic principles. Recent actions include the systematic removal of hundreds of book titles from libraries and universities in Herat and other parts of the country.
By banning books authored by women, the Taliban have once again demonstrated their aim to suppress freedom of expression, silence women’s voices, and impose their narrow and extremist ideology. This move represents not only a blatant violation of cultural and educational rights but also a systematic effort to erase the identity and achievements of women in Afghan society.
According to sources, the Taliban have banned hundreds of book titles for allegedly contradicting their ideological values. Some of these works have been removed simply for containing images or concepts the Taliban describe as “un-Islamic.” This is a clear example of their attempt to suppress critical thinking and eliminate any form of cultural or ideological dissent.
This censorship aligns with the Taliban’s ongoing repressive policies since their return to power, which have drastically restricted art, culture, and freedom of expression. Their bans on music, painting, cinema, and widespread censorship of literary and cultural works are part of their broader agenda to impose their rigid ideology on Afghan society.
The Taliban’s actions, which violate freedom of expression, the right to education, and access to cultural and intellectual resources, must be unequivocally condemned. Baamdaad - The House of Poetry in Exile calls on the global community, human rights organizations, UNESCO, and advocates for freedom of expression to respond firmly to these repressive policies.
Silence in the face of these actions will normalize the violation of human rights and further entrench these misogynistic policies. International efforts to support culture, knowledge, and freedom in Afghanistan are vital. This attack on the culture and identity of the Afghan people must not be accepted.
Baamdaad - The House of Poetry in Exile remains committed to fighting censorship and oppression and calls on all free citizens of the world to join the struggle against censorship, repression, and the assault on human dignity and freedom.
Baamdaad - The House of Poetry in Exile!
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