In an interview with The New York Times, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed that music in public will once again be banned in Afghanistan following the group’s rapid takeover of the country in recent weeks.
He also addressed the issue of music in public, which was banned during the Taliban’s previous stint in power between 1996 and 2001, suggesting it will soon be prohibited.
“Music is forbidden in Islam,” Mujahid said.
“But we’re hoping that we can persuade people not to do such things, instead of pressuring them,” he said.
Cassette tapes were destroyed and strung up on trees, according to The Associated Press.
An exception was made for some vocal religious pieces, however. Afghan radio and TV stations have been playing only Islamic songs amid the Taliban takeover of the country.
