The Taliban is tightening its grip on women. Afghanistan’s Supreme Leader on Saturday, May 7, ordered that Afghan women now wear the burqa in public. This is the toughest restriction on women’s freedom since the Taliban returned to power in August.

“They should wear the Tchadri (another name for the burqa) because it is traditional and dignified.”The Taliban government on Saturday released an order signed by Hibat al-Akhundzada in front of a press conference in Kabul. “Women who are not very young or old should cover their faces when confronting a man who is not a member of their family.”, To avoid provocation, adds this order. If they do not have an important job outside, that’s it “It’s better they stay home.”.

During the first phase of their rule between 1996 and 2001, the Taliban made it compulsory to wear the burqa, which marked the beginning of a radical interpretation of Islamic law and Sharia rights. After ending a 20-year occupation by the United States and its allies that ousted them in 2001 and coming to power in mid-August, the Taliban promised to be more flexible this time around.

But soon they rejected their promises, gradually abolished rights and abolished 20 years of women’s freedom. These are now largely barred from government jobs and travel alone is prohibited. In March, the Taliban closed high schools and colleges for girls, hours after their long resumption.