Taliban leader declares no need for Western laws, says ‘democracy is dead in Afghanan’ | World News

Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada stated on Sunday that Afghanan has no need for Western laws, asserting that democracy is no longer relevant under the group’s rule. Speaking at the Eidgah Mosque in Kandahar during a sermon marking Eid al-Fitr, Akhundzada said that Afghanan would operate solely under its own laws based on Islamic principles.
“There is no need for laws that originate from the West. We will create our own laws,” Akhundzada said in Pashto, in an audio message shared the Taliban government’s chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, on X.
Criticism of the West
Akhundzada used his Eid sermon to criticize Western nations, accusing them of uniting against Muslims. He referenced the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as evidence of what he described as hostility toward Islam. He said non-believers have united against Muslims.
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His remarks align with the Taliban’s broader anti-Western rhetoric, which has been a central theme of their rule.
While the group has established diplomatic relations with countries such as China and the United Arab Emirates, it remains largely unrecognized on the global stage due to concerns over human rights violations and the suppression of women’s rights.
Taliban has engaged in talks with the US in recent months, particularly over issues such as prisoner exchanges. Under President Donald Trump, these interactions increased, although they have not led to any significant changes in US policy toward Afghanan.
The Taliban continue to demand the unfreezing of Afghan assets held abroad, while the US and other nations have conditioned financial assance on improvements in human rights, particularly women’s rights.Story continues below this ad
Women rights
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have enforced a rigid interpretation of sharia law, severely restricting the rights of Afghan women and girls.
Women have been excluded from secondary and higher education, barred from most jobs, and banned from public spaces such as parks, gyms, and bathhouses.
Despite initial promises of a more moderate rule, Akhundzada has taken an increasingly authoritative role in shaping Taliban policies, reinforcing strict religious and social controls.
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Internal divisions
While Akhundzada and his close circle maintain a hardline stance, there are internal divisions within the Taliban leadership.
Some officials have argued for greater engagement with the international community and the easing of strict policies to attract foreign aid and investment.
However, Akhundzada has resed such calls, insing that the Taliban’s rule must be governed strictly their interpretation of Islamic law.
The lack of credible opposition within Afghanan has further cemented the Taliban’s control, but some members of the adminration have quietly voiced concerns about the concentration of power in Akhundzada’s hands.
(With inputs from AP)
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