Two Young Men Arrested and Sentenced in Balkh for Breaking Ramadan Fast

Local sources in Balkh province report that the Taliban administration has arrested two young men in the Dahdadi district on charges of breaking their Ramadan fast. Each has been sentenced to two months in prison and 20 lashes. According to sources, this verdict was issued on Wednesday, 24 February. These two young men are reportedly local residents who were punished following a court decision under the Taliban administration. So far, local Taliban officials in Balkh have not issued an official statement regarding the case. According to the penal code of Taliban courts, if a Muslim deliberately breaks the fast during Ramadan without a legitimate religious excuse, a judge may sentence them to 20 lashes as well as up to two months in prison. This regulation has also been enforced in several provinces during previous Ramadans. Earlier, the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Bamyan province detained six hotel owners and bakers for allegedly “disrespecting Ramadan” and “disobeying recommendations,” sending them to prison. Such punishments have consistently raised concerns about the manner of enforcement and the protection of citizens’ rights.