Afghanistan International: Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada attempted to block the use of smartphones in Afghanistan before ordering the shutdown of wireless internet, sources told Afghanistan International. According to the sources, about a year ago in Kandahar, Akhundzada asked the Taliban’s council of clerics to find a “religious justification” for banning smartphones. The aim, they said, was to prevent criticism of the Taliban, halt negative publicity and silence voices the group described as “corrupt.” A source in Kandahar said the clerics responded that banning smartphones was impossible because millions of dollars had been invested in the sector. They argued the move would cause severe disruption to daily life, commerce and education. Click here to read more (external link).
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