Taliban Detain Four Men for Imitating ‘Peaky Blinders’ Characters
At least four young men in Afghanistan were arrested by the Taliban for dressing up as characters from the popular British TV series Peaky Blinders.
The arrests took place in Herat province, and the men, all in their early 20s, were sent to a rehabilitation center, Taliban officials said on Sunday.
Videos and photos of the men, dressed like the Shelby family with suits, waistcoats, flat caps, and overcoats, have gone viral on Afghan social media. In the clips, they walk through Herat with serious expressions and are seen holding cigar-like cigarettes. The videos have received millions of views.
In Afghanistan, even fashion has consequences. This week, four young men from Herat were arrested by the Taliban for the unforgivable crime of dressing like Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders. No weapons, no gang warfare. Only flat caps and long coats proving far too threatening… pic.twitter.com/fBT4PK9oOu
— BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) December 10, 2025
The Taliban said the arrests were made because the men were promoting foreign culture. A spokesperson for the ministry for the propagation of virtue and prevention of vice, Saif Khyber, told reporters, “A programme for their correction has begun. We, praise be to God, are Muslims and Afghans; we have our own religion, culture and values. We have saved this country from the spread of corrupt cultures through great sacrifices, and now we will defend it as well.” He added that the men’s behavior went against “Islamic values and Afghan culture.”
The ministry said the men showed “remorse” after receiving guidance and were asked to issue an apology, though details about the conditions of their apology were not shared.
The Taliban has strict rules on dress and appearance for Afghan men, requiring long beards and traditional clothing such as salwar kameez with a hat or turban. Western-style clothing like T-shirts and pants is discouraged.
The regime also bans most forms of entertainment, including music, television, and musical instruments, citing Sharia law.
Before their arrest, one of the men, Asghar Hussaini, who dressed as the main character Tommy Shelby, spoke to media about their plans. “We want to go to all provinces of Afghanistan and showcase the culture and different types of clothing in Afghanistan in future globally,” he said.
The Taliban’s strict rules and the arrests have drawn attention internationally. Human rights groups say such measures echo their hardline rule in the 1990s and continue to restrict freedoms in Afghanistan.
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