15 Mar Playing and listening to music is a crime
Since the Taliban assumed power in 2021, they have consistently launched attacks, harassed, and threatened our singers and musicians. They have destroyed and burned numerous musical instruments, deeming music to be contrary to Islamic principles. These actions have brutally silenced the voices of these artists and stifled their extraordinary talents.
I tried my best to communicate with one of our musicians living in Afghanistan, who is enduring a very challenging existence. Unfortunately, I was unable to convince them to speak out, as they have faced severe intimidation from the Taliban, who have sternly prohibited them from playing music, singing, discussing their lives, or expressing their grievances to the media. I questioned one of them why they were reluctant to share their hardships and stories, and their response encapsulates their reasons. Here, I present the response of one of them, which I believe serves as a comprehensive answer to all my questions.
“The reason for my reluctance and fear in discussing my life is obvious. While it might seem to you that our existence is reduced to mere breathing, for me, it no longer represents genuine living. I’ve been deprived of playing music, which was once the embodiment of my passion, love, and emotional expression. Music used to be my strength, my weapon, my source of happiness, and my means of sustenance. Yet, they’ve forcibly taken it away from me. In their eyes, taking a life may be considered acceptable, while singing a song is deemed a crime. As he shared this, tears welled up in his eyes.
When they assumed power, a shroud of fear enveloped all my musician friends and me, as we were suddenly branded as dangerous criminals. They ruthlessly destroyed musical instruments, and some musicians were physically assaulted. We had no idea where to hide our instruments, so some of us buried them in gardens and various other concealed locations. The reality that we find ourselves in the 21st century engaging in such clandestine actions is utterly unimaginable. So, when you question why I’m hesitant to speak, this is the compelling answer.
The Taliban allocate the majority of their income to intelligence operations, and today, their spies are pervasive throughout the city, often masquerading as beggars, taxi drivers, and various other disguises. They have publicly declared that they will not tolerate any opposition to their rule, repeatedly threatening both us and our children. If you suggest that I should stand up for my rights, you must understand that our struggle spans not merely two years, but a staggering 40 years. This prolonged conflict has consumed everything we once held dear, leaving us bereft of the passion and hope for freedom. I cannot, in good conscience, endanger the lives of my children. You may label me a coward, and yes, I confess, I am a coward”.