Taliban allows men to beat wives as long as they don’t bruise or break bones

The Taliban’s leader signed the new penal code into law (Picture: EPA)

The Taliban has introduced a new penal code which allows husbands to abuse their wives and children, as long as it doesn’t break bones or cause ‘open wounds’.

The barbaric code, signed into law by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, would still prosecute those who cause visible fractures or injuries.

But the abuser would only be convicted if the woman can prove abuse in court – showing her wounds to the judge, while remaining fully covered.