According to the Associated Press, Taliban leaders have banned the voices and faces of women in public under new laws to promote “virtue” in Afghanistan.

The radical Islamist group had set up a ministry for “vice prevention” after seizing power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US and coalition troops.

On Wednesday, authorities published a 114-page handbook of virtues and vices, covering aspects of daily life such as public transport, music, shaving and partying.

The laws, approved by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, stipulate that it is mandatory for all women to cover their bodies in public and that covering their faces is essential to “avoid temptation and not to seduce others.”

Clothing should not be thin, tight or short. If the clothing does not fit properly, it can lead to arrest.

The laws, approved by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, stipulate that it is mandatory for all women to cover their bodies in public and that covering their faces is essential to “avoid temptation and seduction of others” (Pictured: Afghan women in burqas walk along a road in Kandahar, Afghanistan).

The radical Islamist group had established a ministry for “prevention of vice” after seizing power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US and coalition troops (Pictured: Deputy head of the Military Affairs Commission Mullah Yaqoob (R) attends a military parade marking the third anniversary of the Taliban government’s takeover)

Clothing must not be thin, tight or short and failure to comply may result in arrest (pictured: Afghan women in burqas walk along a road in Kandahar, Afghanistan)

Officials on Wednesday published their 114-page vice and virtue rulebook, which covers aspects of daily life such as public transport, music, shaving and partying (pictured: Men at a parade in the southern province of Helmand held yellow bombs, symbolizing the type of explosives used in roadside bomb attacks during the war).

A woman’s voice is considered intimate and therefore should not be heard in public when she sings, recites poetry or reads aloud.

A woman’s voice is considered intimate and thus should not be heard in public while singing, reciting poetry, or reading aloud.

It is forbidden for women to look at men to whom they are not related by blood or marriage, and vice versa.

The law also bans music, women traveling alone and men and women socializing unless they are related. A United Nations report last month said the ministry was contributing to a climate of fear among Afghans.

Fiona Frazer, head of the UN mission’s human rights office in Afghanistan, said: “The position of the de facto authorities that this surveillance will continue to escalate is a matter of grave concern for all Afghans, particularly women and girls.”