According to The Times, the Taliban movement in power in Afghanistan has approved a new regulation regarding the age of marriage. It is reported that the document states girls can be married once they are considered to have reached puberty.
According to the publication, the Taliban has interpreted this age as starting from 9 years old. The relevant document was reportedly approved by the movement's leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, and published in the regime's official gazette.
Before the Taliban came to power, the legal age of marriage in Afghanistan was 16 for girls and 18 for boys. Marrying girls under 15 was punishable by law.
International experts view the new regulation as a serious threat to children's rights and safety. They emphasize that this decision increases the risk of legalizing violence against underage girls.
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