Taliban Detain Afghan Men for Imitating Peaky Blinders Fashion

Four Afghan men were recently detained by the Taliban in Herat for dressing in clothing reminiscent of the popular television series Peaky Blinders. Videos of the group, which featured them in suits and flat caps, circulated widely on social media, attracting the attention of local authorities.

The men, aged between 20 and 24, were seen strolling through the streets of Herat, showcasing their distinctive 1920s-inspired outfits, which starkly contrast with traditional Afghan attire. According to CBS News, the group was apprehended at a café last Thursday.

A spokesperson for the Taliban's Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice stated that the men were charged with "promoting foreign and un-Islamic culture" and "causing public disturbance through inappropriate attire". Instead of facing criminal charges, they were sent to a rehabilitation centre, typically reserved for individuals who have deviated from accepted social norms.

The enforcement of Sharia law in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan has led to strict dress codes and the prohibition of various Western cultural influences. Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, these regulations have been rigorously applied, reflecting the regime's interpretation of Islamic values.

The incident marks one of the first known cases where individuals have been detained for mimicking characters from a specific foreign television series. A Taliban spokesperson in Herat stressed that the values represented in Peaky Blinders are contrary to Afghan culture. They stated, "Even jeans would have been acceptable, but the values in the Peaky Blinders series are against Afghan culture."

Afghan scholar and journalist Bilal Sarwary commented on the absurdity of the situation, noting, "In Afghanistan, even fashion has consequences. This week, four young men from Herat were arrested by the Taliban for the unforgivable crime of dressing like Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders." He added that the incident exemplifies the current climate in Afghanistan, where even benign expressions of personal style are met with severe repercussions.

After their questioning, the men appeared in a video expressing their gratitude to the officials, stating they were unaware of any laws they had violated. One of them remarked, "I have innocently been sharing content that was against Sharia which had many viewers." They pledged to refrain from such activities in the future.

The Taliban's response to this incident has sparked criticism from various quarters, highlighting the regime's stringent approach towards cultural expression. As Afghanistan continues to navigate the complexities of life under Taliban rule, such events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by its citizens.

In a related development, the Afghan Supreme Court recently ordered the public execution of an individual convicted of killing multiple family members, an act witnessed by thousands, drawing international condemnation.

As the world watches, the situation in Afghanistan remains precarious, with cultural and social freedoms severely curtailed under the current regime.