Foreign media reports that the Taliban regime in Afghanistan has introduced a new law on child marriage, divorce and family relations.
This law allows a virgin girl who has reached puberty to remain silent when asked about marriage, considering it as her “consent” and allowing the marriage to take place.
However, if a boy or a previously married woman remains silent, it is not accepted as consent.
This gives a father or grandfather great power to arrange child marriages for minors in their family.
Although a marriage contracted during childhood can be annulled after the child grows up, the approval of a Taliban court is required.