The Taliban government in power in Afghanistan has adopted a new law regulating family relations, marriage and divorce rules.
Modern.az reports with reference to foreign media that the 31-article document called "Principles of Separation between Spouses", approved by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, was published in the official gazette of Afghanistan.
One of the most striking points in the law is that a virgin girl's silence is considered consent to marriage. According to the document, if a virgin girl does not object, it can be considered consent to marriage. However, the same rule does not apply to boys and women who have been married before.
The new law also allows the marriage of minors in certain cases. According to the document, the father and grandfather can make decisions regarding the marriage of minor children. If the groom is considered "socially suitable" and the dowry is determined in accordance with religious norms, such a marriage can be considered valid.
The law also includes the principle of "right to choose after reaching puberty". According to this rule, a marriage concluded during childhood can be annulled later at the request of the party. However, this requires the consent of religious courts.
The document also gives Taliban judges the authority to intervene in adultery, conversion, long-term disappearance of a husband, and other domestic disputes. In certain cases, courts may impose separation, imprisonment, and other penalties.
It should be noted that after the Taliban's return to power in 2021, restrictions on women's rights in Afghanistan have been further tightened. Girls are prohibited from studying after the 6th grade, women's education in universities is restricted, and their participation in work, travel and public life is severely restricted.
