Key facts
- Taliban officials provided insights into their governance and views on women's rights.
- Governor Abdullah Sarhadi, a former Guantanamo detainee, presided over a divorce case.
- Former suicide attack planner Habibullah Badr expressed support for education for all.
- Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid linked women's rights and freedoms to Sharia law.
- Officials expressed no regret for past actions, including the destruction of ancient Buddha statues.
A BBC report has offered a rare glimpse into the day-to-day realities of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, highlighting the perspectives of influential figures within the movement. The report features encounters with Governor Abdullah Sarhadi of Jawzjan province and Habibullah Badr, a former planner of suicide attacks.
In one instance, an 18-year-old woman, identified as Tuba, sought a divorce from her husband due to alleged abuse. Governor Sarhadi initially advised her against divorce, questioning her future prospects and dignity, and suggested a financial settlement. Her husband demanded four times the dowry, which her family refused. Sarhadi stated that officials would warn the husband against further abuse, threatening jail time, but Tuba's father indicated the family would pursue legal avenues, acknowledging the difficulty for women to obtain divorces without spousal consent.
Governor Sarhadi, who was previously held in US detention at Guantanamo Bay, also spoke about his past as a military commander during the Taliban's first rule in the 1990s. He admitted to destroying the ancient Buddha statues in Bamiyan, stating he had no regrets and acted according to God's will. He also commented on the impact of a recent ban on smartphones for officials, noting it slowed down communication.
Habibullah Badr, who was previously responsible for suicide attack operations in Kabul, expressed a desire for schools and education to be open to all, though he was prevented from elaborating further. He was cautious about discussing his past violence, fearing it would upset people. He is currently on medical leave but previously served as deputy head of prisons.
Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, whose real name is Tahir Shah Seddiqi, stated that women's rights and freedom of speech must be viewed through the lens of Sharia law. He claimed that allowing women to work in offices would lead to 'immoralities' and undermine their dignity. Regarding education for women, he indicated that the issue is under discussion to find a Sharia-based solution.