Afghan poet uses poetry to confront Taliban's new laws: Video
Afghan poet Zuhal hopes to communicate with the Taliban government through her poetry after the introduction of stricter rules.
A 35-article law, unveiled last week, introduces strict rules on personal behaviour and public conduct, including full-body coverings for women and bans on various activities such as displaying photos of living beings, homosexuality, and public music.
"When the Taliban came to power (in 2021), they closed down many places for women and I wanted women's voices to be heard and to make them understand that we also exist, that we are part of society," Zuhal said in an interview with AFP.
Afghanistan's Taliban authorities have firmly defended the new morality regulations amid widespread international condemnation.
The Taliban's chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, criticized international and local critics for what he called a lack of understanding of Islamic principles. He argued that dismissing the law without proper insight is "arrogant" and could "even lead to the decline of their faith."
The European Union has expressed strong disapproval, labelling the new regulations a "serious blow" to Afghan women and girls.
