Afghanistan's New Penal Code Imposes Harsher Penalties for Animal Abuse Than Domestic Violence

Afghanistan's new penal code, issued by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada in January, imposes lighter penalties for domestic violence against women than for animal mistreatment, with a husband facing 15 days in prison for severe wife-beating if proven. The 119-article decree also criminalizes women visiting relatives without their husband's permission, punishing them with up to three months in prison. UN officials have criticized the code for legitimizing violence, restricting women's rights, and violating international legal obligations.