Taliban vow to honor women's rights, but within "cultural frameworks"

In his first press conference from Kabul, a Taliban spokesperson said Tuesday the group would honor women's rights and an independent media, but within the "frameworks" of Islamic law.

The big picture: The Taliban's swift takeover has renewed fears that the group will return to the brutal grip it ruled with in the 1990s, when women's freedoms were severely restricted, other human rights were limited and executions were carried out in public.

The Taliban now insist they have changed, but will still rule Afghanistan within the norms of Islamic law.

What they're saying: "Women are going to be very active within our society, within our framework," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on Tuesday, adding that women will be allowed to work and study "within our frameworks."

Repeatedly questioned on what that would mean in practical terms, Mujahid continued to give vague answers. "We are guaranteeing all their rights within the limits of Islam," he said.