Taliban Enacts New Regulation Allowing “Non-Injurious” Domestic Punishment, Criminalizes Women Fleeing Homes

By The Expozer News On Feb 20, 2026

TEC News| 20th February, 2026.

Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, the Taliban, have introduced a new penal and criminal procedural regulation that critics say further entrenches restrictions on women’s rights and legal protections.
The regulation, reportedly signed by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, has taken immediate effect across Afghanistan.

Domestic “Punishment” Provision
According to reports, the code permits husbands to physically punish their wives and children under discretionary ta’zir provisions, provided the punishment does not result in what the regulation defines as “severe visible harm.” Such harm reportedly includes: Broken bones, Fractures, Open wounds, Visible bruising.
If injuries meeting this threshold occur, the maximum penalty for the husband is said to be up to 15 days’ imprisonment, contingent on the wife proving the abuse in court.

Legal observers warn that the framework places a heavy evidentiary burden on women. Allegations must be substantiated before Taliban judges under strict procedural rules, conditions analysts argue may significantly limit victims’ ability to seek redress.

Human rights advocates say the regulation narrows the definition of punishable domestic violence while weakening avenues for accountability.

The regulation also reportedly criminalizes women who leave their marital homes without their husband’s permission.

Under the new provisions:
A woman who flees to relatives may face prosecution. Refusal to return after a judicial order could lead to up to three months’ imprisonment. Relatives who shelter or “obstruct” her return may also face similar penalties.

Separately, the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has reinforced beard regulations for men. Authorities now require men to maintain beards longer than a fist length. Reports indicate that barbers in several provinces have faced arrests, detentions, and shop closures for trimming beards considered non-compliant.

Analysts describe the regulation reportedly spanning between 90 and 119 articles as formalizing stricter interpretations of social conduct and gender roles. International observers and rights groups continue to express concern over the implications for Women’s safety Access to justice, Personal freedoms.