Taliban leader bans windows overlooking places 'usually used by women'

Afghanistan's Taliban leader has ordered that new residential buildings are constructed without windows looking onto "places usually used by women" and said that existing windows with such views should be blocked to prevent "obscene acts".

The Taliban's supreme leader has issued an order banning the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas used by Afghan women and saying that existing ones should be blocked.

According to a statement released late Saturday by the Taliban government spokesman, new buildings should not have windows through which it is possible to see "the courtyard, kitchen, neighbour's well and other places usually used by women".

"Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts," according to the decree posted by government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on social media platform X.

Municipal authorities and other relevant departments would have to monitor construction sites to ensure it is not possible to see into neighbours' homes.

In the event that such windows exist, owners would be encouraged to build a wall or obstruct the view "to avoid nuisances caused to neighbours", the decree states.

Taliban authorities have banned post-primary education for girls and women, restricted employment and blocked access to parks and other public places.

Some local radio and television stations have also stopped broadcasting female voices.

(AFP)

Read more on FRANCE 24 English

Read also:
Taliban celebrates three years since returning to power in Afghanistan
Afghan women erased by the Taliban as the international community looks on
Germany deports Afghan nationals for first time since Taliban takeover