Four Men Arrested in Afghanistan for Dressing Like ‘Peaky Blinders’ Characters
At least four young men in Afghanistan were arrested by the Taliban for dressing up as characters from the British TV show 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 of the men, dressed like the Shelby family in suits, waistcoats, flat caps, and overcoats, have gone viral on Afghan social media. In the clips, the men walk around the town 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 men were promoting foreign culture, which they considered against Islamic values.
Saif Khyber, a spokesperson for the ministry for the propagation of virtue and prevention of vice, 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 actions were not in line with Afghan culture.
The ministry also said the men expressed “remorse” after receiving guidance and were asked to apologize, though officials did not give details about how the apology was made.
The Taliban enforce strict rules on clothing and appearance for men, including long beards and traditional Afghan outfits like salwar kameez with a hat or turban. Western clothing like T-shirts and pants is discouraged. The group has also banned music, television, and other forms of entertainment under their interpretation of Sharia law.
Before their arrest, one of the men, Asghar Hussaini, who dressed as Tommy Shelby, spoke about their plans to bring their style to the public. “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 rules and arrests have drawn criticism internationally. Observers say these actions continue to restrict personal freedoms in Afghanistan, similar to their rule in the 1990s.
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