The Taliban government has introduced a series of draconian laws aimed at controlling women’s bodies and voices in public, under the guise of promoting “virtue” in Afghanistan.

The new regulations, outlined in a 114-page rulebook, mandate that women cover their bodies and faces in public to “avoid temptation” and require face coverings to prevent “tempting others”.

The laws, approved by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, dictate that women’s clothing must not be thin, tight, or short, and that their voices should not be heard in public, including singing, reciting poetry, or reading aloud.

Failure to comply may result in arrest. Additionally, the laws prohibit women from looking at men they are not related to, further restricting their freedoms.