The Taliban authorities warned on Saturday they have the right to crack down on dissent and jail protesters. This was in response to growing concerns over the disappearance of two women activists.
Taliban authorities have forcefully dispersed rallies, beaten Afghan journalists and arrested critics.
Last week the two activists were seized from their homes in the capital after taking part in a demonstration.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan called for the Taliban to “provide information” on the whereabouts of Tamana Zaryabi Paryani and Parwana Ibrahimkhel, reportedly abducted from their homes on Wednesday night.
Taliban government spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, denied any women were being held, but said authorities had the right ‘to arrest and detain dissidents or those who break the law’.
There have been small protests demanding women’s rights, however, the Taliban has banned all unsanctioned protests.
“If this happened in any other country, such people would be arrested,” Mujahid said. “We are not allowing illegal activities.”
Girls in most provinces have not been allowed to return to secondary school, public universities are closed, and women have been banned from most public sector jobs.
Posters have gone up in Kabul ordering women to cover up with the all-covering burqa.
Global donors insist the Taliban respect women’s rights if their government is to be recognised.
Mujahid insists the new regime believes in women’s rights, but in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law.
‘Even without demands (from the international community), we feel the necessity for women to work and be educated,’ he said.
Allowing girls back to schools in provinces where schools remain shut, would happen ‘in the coming year’. He blamed the weak economy and inexperienced new authorities.
Hunger threatens 23 million Afghans, 55% of the population. The UN needs $5 billion this year to address the crisis.