Four young men in Herat were summoned by the Taliban’s Department of Vice and Virtue after appearing online in outfits inspired by the TV series Peaky Blinders. Their photos and videos showed them wearing three-piece suits, flat caps, and holding cigars, copying the style of characters from the British period drama.

Officials said the clothing was “in conflict with Afghan and Islamic values.” They argued that the outfits promoted foreign culture and did not reflect Afghan identity. The men were instructed to appear before the “morality police” for questioning, where they underwent what authorities called a “rehabilitation and advisory session.”

The group, all in their early twenties from the Jibrail area of Herat, said they had no intention of violating any rules. Officials later released a video in which the men stated they did not realize their fashion choices were considered inappropriate. They also said they would avoid such styles in the future.

According to Taliban representatives in Herat, Afghan society should follow traditional cultural and religious models, not foreign media trends. They said the outfits had “no link” to Afghan customs and criticized the men for imitating actors from a foreign show.

Before being summoned, the friends had appeared in a local YouTube interview, explaining that they admired the style of Peaky Blinders. They said the reaction from locals had initially been positive, with people stopping them on the streets to take pictures.

Since the Taliban took control in 2021, authorities have imposed strict rules on clothing, entertainment, and public behavior.

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