At least two people were killed after Taliban forces reportedly opened fire on protesters in Herat following arrests of women accused of violating Afghanistan’s strict Islamic dress code rules.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES NEWS
Witnesses said Taliban police fired at demonstrators during a gathering attended by around 100 to 150 people earlier this week. Taliban authorities denied using weapons during the crackdown.
In a statement, 10 independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council said at least two people, including a boy, were killed and more than 20 others injured, some after being beaten with sticks.
“Allegations that women were detained for dress code violations are deeply concerning and may constitute arbitrary and unlawful detention,” the experts said, adding that the actions appeared to violate rights to freedom of expression and protection from gender discrimination.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said at least 30 women had been arrested in Herat over alleged dress code violations. The agency said dozens of others received verbal warnings before the women were later released.
“Individuals have the right to express dissent peacefully without fear of violence, intimidation or reprisals,” UNAMA said, urging Taliban authorities to comply with international legal standards.
The Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice enforces the country’s dress code regulations, which require women to wear a full hijab, including a head covering and loose clothing that conceals the body. In many areas, women are also expected to wear face coverings.
Since returning to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces, the Taliban government has imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls, including bans on secondary and higher education, employment limitations, and restrictions on movement and public participation.
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Public protests are rare in Afghanistan, where dissent against Taliban policies is heavily restricted.
Herat police spokesperson Sayed Masoud Hosseini defended the security response, saying authorities acted after “rioters” gathered under the pretext of protesting hijab regulations and disrupted public order.
“The situation was brought under control in the shortest possible time,” Hosseini said, adding that freedoms must operate within the framework of Islamic law and social values.
The crackdown also drew condemnation from Médecins Sans Frontières after one of its female medical workers was detained in Herat while traveling to work at a pediatric hospital ward. The aid organization said the woman was released after two days following a written pledge to comply with Taliban dress requirements.
Human rights organizations and UN officials have repeatedly warned that the Taliban’s restrictions on women are isolating Afghan women from public life and violating fundamental freedoms under international law.
