The Taliban authorities in northern Afghanistan arrested 14 individuals for playing musical instruments and singing. The arrests took place in the capital of Takhar province on Thursday night, where the group had gathered at a residential house to engage in music, which is strictly prohibited under the current regime. According to the provincial police, the gathering was considered a public disturbance, prompting the authorities to detain the participants for further investigation.
Since seizing control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban government has steadily imposed an interpretation of Islamic law that includes severe restrictions on entertainment, particularly music. The ruling regime views music as a source of “moral corruption” and a potential disruption to public order. As part of their effort to enforce this vision, the Taliban has cracked down on public performances, private gatherings, and broadcasts that include music. The regime has also shut down music schools and destroyed musical instruments and sound systems.
The Taliban’s stance on music is part of a broader trend of social repression, which includes bans on cultural expressions deemed incompatible with their interpretation of Islamic principles. This includes restrictions on the playing of music in wedding halls, which were once a popular venue for live music performances. While some wedding venues have resorted to secret music sessions in segregated women’s sections, they still face the risk of raids and penalties.
This cultural crackdown has caused many Afghan musicians to flee the country in search of safety and livelihood, as music and the arts are no longer viable careers under the Taliban’s rule. The few musicians who remain have been urged by the authorities to pivot to Islamic poetry or unaccompanied vocal chants, which the Taliban consider permissible forms of musical expression.
The recent arrests reflect the ongoing cultural and societal challenges under Taliban rule, where traditional Afghan art forms are stifled in favor of a strict interpretation of Islamic values.
