Taliban Expands Surveillance in Kabul with 90,000 Cameras
The Taliban has unveiled an extensive network of 90,000 CCTV cameras across Kabul, claiming the initiative will enhance public safety and reduce crime. However, critics express concerns that this surveillance system may be used to suppress dissent and enforce strict moral codes under the Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia law. The BBC has become the first international media outlet granted access to observe this surveillance operation in action.
A New Era of Surveillance
In a bustling control center, Taliban police officials monitor the daily lives of Kabul’s six million residents through a vast array of screens displaying live feeds from the newly installed cameras. Khalid Zadran, a spokesperson for the Taliban police chief, emphasized the system’s capabilities, stating, “We monitor the entire city of Kabul from here.” The authorities assert that this surveillance will help combat crime, particularly in areas where suspicious gatherings are detected.
Before the Taliban regained control in 2021, Kabul had only 850 cameras in operation. The dramatic increase in surveillance technology reflects the Taliban’s commitment to enforcing law and order. However, the introduction of these measures has raised alarms among human rights advocates, who fear that the cameras will be used to monitor and punish those who oppose the regime or fail to adhere to its strict moral guidelines.
Concerns Over Privacy and Rights
The surveillance system includes advanced facial recognition technology, allowing officials to categorize individuals based on age, gender, and even facial hair. Zadran noted that the cameras can zoom in on individuals from kilometers away, raising significant privacy concerns. Rights organizations, including Amnesty International, warn that such surveillance under the guise of national security could further entrench the Taliban’s oppressive policies, particularly against women.
Under the Taliban’s rule, women face severe restrictions, including limited access to education and employment. Fariba, a young graduate, expressed her fears that the cameras might be used to enforce dress codes for women in public spaces. “There is significant concern that surveillance cameras will be used to monitor women’s hijabs too,” she stated, highlighting the pervasive atmosphere of fear among those who oppose the Taliban’s strict regulations.
Financial Burden on Citizens
The implementation of the surveillance system has not come without costs. Reports indicate that some residents have been pressured to contribute financially to the installation of cameras near their homes. Shella, a local woman, revealed that her family was asked to pay thousands of afghanis, a substantial amount in a country where many earn only a fraction of that monthly. “If families refused to pay, they were threatened with water and power cuts within three days,” she explained.
Despite the Taliban’s insistence that contributions were voluntary, many citizens feel compelled to comply due to the dire economic situation in Afghanistan. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with 30 million people in need of aid, according to the United Nations. The Taliban’s focus on surveillance raises questions about priorities in a country grappling with widespread poverty and insecurity.
The Future of Surveillance in Afghanistan
As the Taliban continues to expand its surveillance capabilities, concerns about the implications for civil liberties and human rights remain at the forefront. The police claim that data collected from the cameras is stored securely and only for three months, but the lack of data protection laws in Afghanistan raises further doubts about privacy and accountability.
While the Taliban asserts that the surveillance system is intended to enhance safety and curb crime, many Afghans feel increasingly powerless under the watchful eyes of the cameras. Jaber, a local vegetable seller, voiced his frustration, stating, “We are treated like trash, denied the opportunity to earn a living.” As the situation evolves, the balance between security and individual rights will remain a critical issue for the people of Afghanistan.
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