RASC News Agency: The Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has officially banned the sale of books featuring images in Herat, directing booksellers not to sell any books with illustrations or graphics on their covers. Local booksellers in Herat have reported that, in response to the new order, they have been forced to cover the images on books or apply stickers to them. One bookseller explained that the Taliban’s decision to prohibit images on book covers has led to a significant drop in book sales. Booksellers have also stated that this directive was issued by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which warned that failure to comply would result in the closure of bookstores.
This ban is part of the Taliban’s increasing restrictions, with the latest targeting booksellers, amid a growing wave of censorship and limitations on free expression under their rule. One bookseller in Herat remarked: “One of the most important factors in bookselling is the cover image, which plays a crucial role in about 80 percent of sales. Unfortunately, the Taliban has ordered that no books should feature images on the cover. As a result, we have decided to either cross out the images or cover them with a sticker.” Booksellers in Herat are now required to place stickers over the images on books displayed at book fairs and exhibitions. Some booksellers argue that images and graphics on book covers are essential to attracting buyers, and without them, the book market has significantly diminished in appeal.
This new directive from the Taliban has faced sharp criticism from booksellers and the general public. Residents of Herat have commented: “Two key factors are crucial for selling books: a clear and well-organized title and an image or cover that people can recognize.” However, the Taliban’s ban on images means that books can no longer openly display their covers. Earlier, the Taliban also imposed extensive restrictions on bookstores in Kabul, including ordering the ban on selling certain books.
