Taliban Violently Disperse Women's Rights Protest in Herat

Taliban security forces in Afghanistan's western Herat province violently broke up a protest advocating for women's rights, according to eyewitness accounts reported by Reuters. The demonstration erupted when morality police allegedly attempted to detain several women for not adhering to the strict dress code. Reports from the scene suggest one person died and several others were injured, with dozens, including girls, taken into custody. Taliban authorities have not yet commented on the reported fatalities or arrests. The head of the Herat morality police, Sheikh Azizur Rahman Al-Muhajir, denied reports of arrests for dress code violations, stating his inspectors were merely providing guidance on the Islamic hijab. However, a Herat police spokesperson acknowledged that the gathering caused 'tensions' and disrupted public order. Some residents claimed security forces targeted women who were compliant with the dress code, which mandates full face and body covering. The United Nations has criticized the use of force against 'apparently peaceful protesters.' UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, expressed alarm over the 'excessive violence.' The UN's mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had previously voiced concern over reports of women being detained for alleged clothing violations. The Taliban maintain they respect women's rights in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law, despite widespread international criticism for severely restricting women's freedoms since their return to power in 2021.

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I am alarmed by today's excessive violence in Herat.