The Taliban detained six individuals on charges of playing music in Balkh province, located in northern Afghanistan.
The Afghan television channel Tolo News highlighted that the arrests took place during a family gathering in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. Further details about the case are currently unavailable.
The Taliban government condemns the promotion of music, describing it as a form of “corruption” that leads to “the misleading of youth and the destruction of society.”
Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, the organization has prohibited Afghan media outlets from broadcasting music.
Moreover, recent directives have been issued instructing owners of wedding halls to refrain from playing music.
The actions taken against music performance and consumption underscore the stringent policies of the Taliban regime. They also highlight concerns over civil liberties and cultural expression in Afghanistan since the group’s resurgence.
Last month, the ruling Taliban government banned any activities of Afghan political parties in the country.
It has been two years since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. During that period, the country has been isolated globally and is struggling to kickstart its fledging economy.
The authorities hailed a victory that was able to “pave the way for the establishment of the Islamic system in Afghanistan”.
