The Taliban, which governs Afghanistan, has issued a new decree permitting husbands to physically abuse their wives as long as it does not result in broken bones or open wounds, prompting criticism from human rights activists who say it legalizes violence.
On 3 March 2026 GMT+7, CNN reported that the Taliban government in Afghanistan issued a new decree allowing husbands to physically assault their wives provided it does not cause broken bones or open wounds.
The decree document was first published by "Rawadari," an Afghan rights group, after it leaked. It was later translated into English by the Afghanistan Analysts Network. Although such punishments have been enforced in practice before, this is the first time they have been explicitly codified since the Taliban returned to power following the withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces in 2021.
The punishment for wife abuse is up to 15 days in prison if the injury is severe. According to the decree, if a husband causes a broken bone, open wound, or clear bruising and the wife files a complaint to the court, the husband will be imprisoned for 15 days.
Mahbouba Seraj, a women’s rights activist, said men have complete authority over women; their word is law. The decree also states that anyone who forces animals, such as dogs or fighting cocks, to fight will face five months in prison—a harsher penalty than for wife abuse. Furthermore, fathers can punish children for not following religious practices like prayer, while teachers who injure students causing broken bones will be removed from their positions.
Additionally, the decree increases penalties for those who criticize Taliban leaders: offenders face 39 lashes and one year in prison. Those who defame senior officials may be jailed for six months and whipped 20 times.
,CNN