KABUL: The Afghan Taliban have dismissed concerns raised by Amnesty International regarding the installation of security cameras in the capital city, Kabul, and other areas, asserting that these cameras have been deployed to enhance security measures.
In a statement issued on Friday, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry dismissed Amnesty International’s apprehensions as “baseless” and categorically rejected allegations of human rights violations, privacy infringements, and the imposition of restrictions on the population.
Mufti Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the ministry, questioned why concerns about the invasion of privacy and human rights were not raised when the United States and NATO conducted surveillance operations by deploying balloons equipped with surveillance capabilities throughout the country, including Kabul, for their intelligence purposes.
“Everyone is aware that the installation of security cameras is a vital necessity for security, not only in Afghanistan but also in cities and capitals across the globe. The Islamic Emirate is committed to maintaining security, safeguarding the rights of its citizens, and adhering to all principles of Sharia,” Qani emphasized.
Amnesty International Criticizes Afghan Taliban’s Decision
On Thursday, Amnesty International criticized the Afghan Taliban’s decision to install 62,000 security cameras, expressing concerns that this move would infringe upon the fundamental rights of Afghanistan’s population, especially women in public spaces.
The rights group contended that the potential deployment of this surveillance system could also undermine the right to privacy and freedom of assembly and expression, rights that have been under mounting pressure since the Taliban assumed power, resulting in diminishing adherence to the rule of law in the country.
Matt Mahmoudi, Amnesty International’s researcher and advisor on artificial intelligence and human rights, stated, “If implemented, this surveillance infrastructure would further erode privacy and freedoms and contribute to an already precarious human rights situation, where the rule of law is increasingly at risk.”
