Four young Afghan men were detained by Taliban authorities in the Jibrail township of Herat after they were seen dressing like characters from the popular British television series Peaky Blinders. The men, known locally for their distinctive style of trench coats and flat caps, were accused of “promoting foreign culture” by the Taliban officials, who have placed strict regulations on dress and behavior in Afghanistan since they took power.

According to Taliban authorities, the men’s clothing choices violated cultural and religious norms, which they claim are essential to preserving Afghan identity and values. The men were reportedly taken into a rehabilitation program, where they were advised to adhere more closely to Afghan cultural and religious standards. These rehabilitation programs have been a part of the Taliban’s efforts to impose their interpretation of Islamic law, which includes strict codes on dress and conduct.

The incident sparked a wave of criticism, with a friend of the detained group calling the detention “ridiculous.” The friend emphasized that the men dressed in this manner simply for fun and did not intend to promote foreign political ideologies. He further argued that their attire was an innocent reflection of their personal style and had no connection to the broader issues surrounding foreign culture or politics.

The men were later released, with a spokesperson for the Taliban clarifying that they were “summoned and released” rather than formally arrested. The spokesperson added that the men had been advised to respect Afghan customs moving forward. While the detention did not result in criminal charges, the incident still highlights the ongoing tension in Afghanistan between individual expression and the strict societal controls enforced by the Taliban.

The Peaky Blinders look, characterized by its sharp suits, trench coats, and flat caps, is a fashion statement popularized by the British television series of the same name. The show, which is set in post-World War I Birmingham, has gained a global following, including among young people in Afghanistan. However, the Taliban’s reaction to the men’s attire underscores the group’s ongoing attempts to curtail any influence they consider as foreign or incompatible with their vision of Islamic governance.

In the broader context, the Taliban’s cultural enforcement has extended to various areas of daily life in Afghanistan, particularly after their return to power in August 2021. Women’s rights, entertainment, and dress codes have been subject to severe restrictions, and the group’s authorities have shown little tolerance for what they consider “un-Islamic” behavior.

While the Taliban’s interpretation of Afghan culture and religion is not universally accepted within the country, their rule has created an environment where such incidents, involving the suppression of personal expression, are becoming increasingly common. Many Afghan citizens, particularly young people, are navigating the challenges of balancing their modern lifestyles with the growing pressure from the government to conform to traditional and religious values.

As international attention remains focused on Afghanistan, incidents like this one serve as a stark reminder of the continued restrictions on personal freedoms and the impact of the Taliban’s governance on Afghan society. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing humanitarian crisis and economic instability in the country, which has left many Afghans grappling with uncertainty and fear for their future.