A new family law has come into force in Afghanistan, according to which the silence of a girl who has reached puberty is now considered legal consent to marriage, the New York Post writes.
According to the new rules, if a girl who has reached puberty does not verbally object to marriage, this may be interpreted as consent to the wedding.
At the same time, the rule applies only to girls who have never previously been married. For men, widows, and divorced women, verbal confirmation remains mandatory.
The document was signed by Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada.
In addition, the regulation governs issues of divorce, child custody, and accusations of marital infidelity.
Among critics, particular outrage was caused by the provision allowing marriages with underage girls. Such unions may be recognised as legal if approved by guardian relatives and a court controlled by the Taliban. At the same time, the dissolution of such a marriage through the courts is permitted.
