Taliban reinforce security in Herat to prevent new protests after deadly crackdown

Taliban authorities have significantly reinforced security in the Afghan city of Herat, deploying multiple security units to prevent any future demonstrations. This action comes after a protest against the arrest of women for alleged dress code violations escalated, leading to at least two deaths earlier this week. Residents describe a pervasive atmosphere of fear, with security forces present in large numbers on roads and in alleyways, effectively stifling public dissent.

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The Taliban continue to be present in large numbers in Jebrail and other areas near the city of Herat. They are deployed on the roads and in the alleyways. Two or three different Taliban security units operate in the area and are doing everything in their power to prevent any possible future demonstrations.

Local resident Hedayatullah, who participated in the protests, stated that the Taliban's actions are a form of dictatorship that denies people their fundamental right to protest. He added that despite the fear, residents are still discussing potential responses to the recent events. Another resident, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Taliban officials have engaged with community elders and local leaders in an effort to preempt future demonstrations.

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This is a form of dictatorship that deprives people of their fundamental right to protest and there are still people detained by the Taliban.

The unrest in Herat, Afghanistan's third-largest city, began after approximately 30 women were arrested on June 6 and 7 for allegedly not adhering to the strict dress code enforced under the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law. The situation culminated in a protest on Tuesday, where dozens of men and women took to the streets. This demonstration was met with a violent response from the Taliban, including the use of firearms, which resulted in the deaths of at least two people, including a child, according to United Nations confirmation.

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Taliban officials have been holding conversations with community elders and local leaders to 'prevent future demonstrations.'

Despite the crackdown, public anger in Herat remains high. Hedayatullah explained that people are opposing the "insult" they have experienced and are seeking freedom within the framework of Islamic and Afghan values. He noted that Taliban officials are actively pressuring community elders, mosque imams, tribal leaders, and local representatives to prevent any protests from taking place. The Taliban governor of Herat province, Noor Ahmad Islamjar, has publicly defended the arrests, asserting they are necessary to enforce Islamic dress code regulations.

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People oppose the insult that has occurred and seek freedom within the framework of Islam and Afghan values. Therefore, they wanted to hold demonstrations, including large-scale protests.