Taliban authorities in Herat briefly detained four young men for dressing like characters from the British TV show «Peaky Blinders,» wearing long coats and flat caps. Officials said their outfits promoted foreign culture and opposed Afghan and Islamic values, CBS News reported.
According to Afghanistan’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, the men weren’t arrested as they were simply summoned for a conversation, or so-called «rehabilitation,» during which they were told not to repeat the behavior. Officials stressed that Afghan society should maintain its cultural and religious identity, rather than copying Western media.
The young men said they dressed for fun, inspired by the show’s fashion, with no political intent. Videos and photos of them spread widely on social media, sparking both praise and criticism.
Since the Taliban regained power in 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces, Afghanistan has imposed stricter rules on clothing, media and public behavior. Women and girls face major restrictions on education and work. Critics say such cases show shrinking personal freedom under Taliban rule.
