RASC News Agency: Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Taliban, is widely regarded as the most hardline figure within the movement. Beyond imposing draconian restrictions on the Afghanistani people, he has also enforced strict limitations on Taliban members themselves. Analysts consider Mullah Hibatullah the purest embodiment of Taliban ideology a leader intolerant of criticism, fiercely opposed to freedom of expression, independent media, and any form of open discourse. Many see him as a direct continuation of the first Taliban regime. Under his rule much like in Mullah Omar’s era women’s voices have been entirely erased from public life, broadcasting images of living beings is forbidden, stoning remains a sanctioned punishment, beards and turbans are mandatory, and people are forced, often through public beatings, to attend congregational prayers. His governance mirrors the brutal and repressive policies of Mullah Omar’s rule.
During the first Taliban regime, women were banned from public life, education was strictly limited, and freedom of speech was nonexistent. To Mullah Omar, any form of education outside religious madrassas was meaningless, and artistic expression was tantamount to blasphemy. Music was outlawed, and even listening to it could result in severe punishment. Mullah Hibatullah has fully revived this brand of authoritarianism. His so-called morality police operate tirelessly to control every aspect of public and private life minds, voices, actions, and even written expression. Over the past three and a half years, he has imposed sweeping restrictions, not just on society but even within the Taliban’s own ranks.
His ultimate goal is to enforce absolute obedience to his rule. Dissent is not tolerated any Afghanistani who dares to protest or criticize the regime effectively signs their own death warrant. Even within the Taliban’s leadership, no one is allowed to challenge his authority. Those who have such as Sirajuddin Haqqani and Abbas Stanikzai have faced swift retribution and political isolation. Many believe Mullah Hibatullah is not just a successor to Mullah Omar, but a more extreme iteration of him a ruler who has intensified oppression and solidified a system designed to eliminate all forms of resistance and free thought.
