SHOCKING WORLD ALERT Slavery Reportedly Legalized Under Taliban Rule in Afghanistan
Shocking Reports Say Slavery Now Legal in Afghanistan Under New Taliban Penal Code
In a development that has shocked the international community, Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have reportedly adopted a new criminal code that appears to legalize slavery as a recognized legal status within the nation’s judicial framework. The alarming change has drawn swift condemnation from human rights groups, foreign governments, and legal experts around the world, raising difficult questions about the future of human rights and the rule of law in Afghanistan.
The information was confirmed by the account Coinvo on X, and later cited by hokanews in its reporting, adding to growing international concern about the Taliban’s evolving legal system and its implications for basic freedoms and human dignity.
 |
| Source: XPost |
A Historic Reversal
Historically, slavery was formally abolished in Afghanistan in 1923 during the reign of King Amanullah Khan, and successive constitutions upheld this prohibition for over a century. Afghanistan’s legal framework consistently rejected the institution of slavery, aligning with global norms and international treaty obligations that regard slavery as a universally prohibited practice.
The latest reported legal change marks a dramatic departure from that century-old precedent. According to multiple human rights organizations and legal analysts, the Taliban’s new criminal code, issued in January 2026, uses terminology that explicitly distinguishes between “free” persons and “slaves,” effectively providing a legal foundation for the recognition of slavery as a status in law.
What the Penal Code Says
The new criminal code, comprising 119 articles across multiple chapters, was signed by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and has been distributed to courts throughout the country for enforcement. Critics say that by embedding specific language related to slavery, the code undermines universally recognized legal norms and paves the way for discriminatory legal practices based on social status.
Article 15 of the code, as cited by Rawadari, a local human rights organization, states that for crimes without fixed punishments, discretionary penalties shall be applied “whether the offender is free or a slave.” In other sections, the term “master” appears in contexts that suggest state recognition of ownership-like relationships between individuals.
Experts emphasize that even if these articles do not explicitly outline mechanisms for buying, selling, or transferring human beings, the mere legal recognition of slavery as a category represents a profound regression in human rights and legal equality.
International Law and Human Rights Obligations
Under international law, slavery and servitude are absolutely prohibited without exception. Core treaties, such as the 1926 Slavery Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, categorically reject slavery as inherently incompatible with fundamental human dignity. Afghanistan remains a signatory to many of these instruments, although the Taliban government has not been formally recognized by any sovereign state.
Human rights defenders argue that the Taliban’s reported reintroduction of slavery terminology not only violates these international norms but also undermines the concept of universal human rights standards that modern legal systems are built upon.
Concerns From Human Rights Groups
Local and international human rights organizations have been quick to condemn the new code. Rawadari, an Afghan group monitoring violations and pushing for accountability, described the recognition of slavery as a shocking reversal that legitimizes discrimination and opens the door to systemic abuse. The organization has warned that classifying individuals explicitly as “slaves” can lead to widespread violations of human dignity and fundamental rights.
Beyond the issue of slavery, the new code has also been criticized for establishing a rigid class system that privileges certain segments of society at the expense of others. According to reports, penalties for the same crime could differ significantly based on an individual’s status, with religious scholars and elites receiving more lenient treatment compared to ordinary citizens.
A Broader Pattern of Regression
The penal code’s controversial provisions reflect a broader pattern of human rights regression in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Since reclaiming control in 2021, the de facto authorities have rolled back key legal protections and restricted basic freedoms, especially for women and girls. United Nations reports indicate sustained attacks on women’s rights, including limiting access to education, employment, health services, and public participation.
Rights groups also highlight other troubling aspects of the penal code, such as provisions that formalize hierarchical punishments and embed discriminatory interpretations of religious doctrine into law. In some cases, tribal customs or violent punishments appear to be given legal sanction, further eroding the rule of law and due process protections long recognized under international standards.
Reactions From the International Community
Western governments and international bodies have expressed deep concern over these developments. Critics argue that the Taliban’s legal overhaul represents a broader effort to cement authoritarian control and normalize practices that violate fundamental rights.
Some political leaders have called for increased pressure on the Taliban regime, including diplomatic isolation and sanctions. Others emphasize the need for sustained engagement with humanitarian exceptions to protect vulnerable populations, even as they denounce the legal changes.
International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for the restoration of formal legal frameworks that align with Afghanistan’s international obligations and respect for human dignity. Amnesty’s regional campaigner for South Asia pointed to the dismantling of the country’s constitutional order and the replacement of universal protections with a system that prioritizes obedience over rights.
The Taliban’s Justification
Although the Taliban government has provided minimal public explanation for the controversial legal changes, some officials frame the new code as an effort to codify practices rooted in their interpretation of Islamic law. However, many Islamic scholars argue that the modern concept of slavery is inconsistent with contemporary Islamic teachings that emphasize justice and human dignity.
The use of classical terminology such as “ghulam” (slave) may be intended to reflect historical legal classifications, but critics contend that its modern application undercuts commitments to human rights and equality enshrined in both Islamic and international legal traditions.
What This Means for Afghans
For ordinary Afghans, especially women and marginalized groups, the implications of the new criminal code are deeply troubling. The codification of hierarchical legal categories could reinforce social divisions, deepen legal discrimination, and make access to justice more arbitrary and unpredictable.
Human rights groups warn that these legal shifts could normalize violence and systemic oppression, eroding trust in legal institutions and exacerbating existing humanitarian crises in the country.
Looking Ahead
As the international community grapples with how to respond to these developments, many experts emphasize the need for sustained attention to Afghanistan’s human rights situation. The reintroduction of slavery language in legal texts is not merely symbolic; it represents a broader erosion of legal norms that protect individual dignity and freedom.
Efforts to hold the Taliban accountable through international legal mechanisms, diplomatic pressure, and targeted sanctions are among the tools discussed by policymakers and human rights advocates.
At the same time, humanitarian organizations continue to call for protections that ensure the safety of vulnerable populations and uphold basic human rights irrespective of political negotiations.
Conclusion
The reported legalization of slavery in Afghanistan’s penal code marks one of the most alarming legal regressions in recent history. By recognizing slavery as a legal status, the Taliban’s legal system stands in stark contrast to a century of anti-slavery norms, international law, and basic principles of equality and human dignity.
The confirmation of this information by Coinvo on X and its citation by hokanews has brought renewed global attention to the serious human rights implications of Afghanistan’s evolving legal order. As concerns mount, the international community faces the urgent challenge of responding to a situation that threatens the most fundamental rights of Afghan citizens.
hokanews.com – Not Just Crypto News. It’s Crypto Culture.
Writer @Ethan
Ethan Collins is a passionate crypto journalist and blockchain enthusiast, always on the hunt for the latest trends shaking up the digital finance world. With a knack for turning complex blockchain developments into engaging, easy-to-understand stories, he keeps readers ahead of the curve in the fast-paced crypto universe. Whether it’s Bitcoin, Ethereum, or emerging altcoins, Ethan dives deep into the markets to uncover insights, rumors, and opportunities that matter to crypto fans everywhere.
Disclaimer:
The articles on HOKANEWS are here to keep you updated on the latest buzz in crypto, tech, and beyond—but they’re not financial advice. We’re sharing info, trends, and insights, not telling you to buy, sell, or invest. Always do your own homework before making any money moves.
HOKANEWS isn’t responsible for any losses, gains, or chaos that might happen if you act on what you read here. Investment decisions should come from your own research—and, ideally, guidance from a qualified financial advisor. Remember: crypto and tech move fast, info changes in a blink, and while we aim for accuracy, we can’t promise it’s 100% complete or up-to-date.
You May Also Like
Crucial: Australia’s Digital Asset Licensing Mandate Set to Transform Crypto Landscape
