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Taliban's New Penal Code Legalizes Slavery, Sparks Outrage

2/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Taliban approved a penal code that legalizes slavery and imposes a class-based justice system.
The code imposes penalties by social status, including 15 days in jail for beating his wife.
The law lacks protections, increasing the risk of torture and arbitrary detention.
The United Nations condemns it as gender apartheid; former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown warns it may amount to crimes against humanity.

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Story summary

The Taliban approved a penal code that legalizes slavery and imposes a class-based justice system.
The code imposes penalties by social status, including 15 days in jail for beating his wife.
The law lacks protections, increasing the risk of torture and arbitrary detention.
The United Nations condemns it as gender apartheid; former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown warns it may amount to crimes against humanity.