Taliban rebukes UN concerns over laws banning women's faces, voices in public

The Taliban rejected Monday criticism levied by the U.N. against their government over new laws barring women from speaking and showing their bare faces in public.

Zabihullah Mujahid, main spokesman for the Taliban’s government, in a statement warned against "arrogance" from those who may not be familiar with Islamic Sharia law, particularly non-Muslims who might express reservations or objections.

"We urge a thorough understanding of these laws and a respectful acknowledgment of Islamic values. To reject these laws without such understanding is, in our view, an expression of arrogance," he said.