Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has expressed concern over the Taliban’s newly published “Law on Preachers”, saying it appears to discriminate on religious grounds.
Bennett said in a post on X that the law, which was recently published in the Taliban’s official gazette, appears to favor the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence, contrary to international human rights law.
“Human rights protect religious and ethnic minorities,” Bennett said, adding that a full analysis of the law is underway.
The law sets conditions for religious preachers, defining a preacher as someone who calls people to Islam and religious teachings. It requires preachers to be Muslim and followers of the Hanafi school, and says religious outreach programs must be conducted in accordance with Hanafi jurisprudence.
The law also directs preachers to explain religious rulings and topics including the “virtues of jihad.” It refers to “jihadist struggle” as one method of religious outreach.
The law was approved last year by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and includes a preface, three chapters, two sections and 17 articles. It has now been formally published.
Under the law, religious preaching will be overseen by the Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, meaning such activities will be regulated under the ministry’s authority.
The publication is part of a broader Taliban effort since returning to power in 2021 to formalize decrees and laws issued by its leader through the official gazette.
The Taliban previously published a law on the propagation of virtue and prevention of vice, giving morality enforcers broad powers to monitor social behavior, dress and public conduct in line with the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic law.
Critics say the latest law could expand ideological control over society and deepen pressure on religious minorities. Taliban describe such laws as part of regulating religious and social affairs.
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