At least 30 women have been arrested in the western Afghan city of Herat for allegedly violating dress codes imposed by the Taliban authorities, according to the UN agency for women, UN Women.
The agency said some of the detained women were later released, but warned that the incident has deepened fear and anxiety among women and girls across Afghanistan.
Protests and reported violence
The arrests reportedly followed protests in the Injil district of Herat earlier this week, which were triggered by enforcement actions related to clothing regulations.
UN Women stated that Taliban security forces opened fire on demonstrators, including men, women and children, and allegedly beat some protesters.
The agency added that at least two people, including a boy, were killed and more than 20 others injured during the unrest.
Taliban enforcement and denials
Local media reported that members of the Taliban’s morality police, under the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, had detained women in recent days for failing to comply with hijab regulations.
However, local authorities have denied reports of widespread arrests of women.
Restrictions on women since 2021
Since taking control of Kabul in 2021, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls, including limits on education, employment and participation in sports.
These measures have drawn widespread international criticism and ongoing concern from human rights organisations.
The latest developments in Herat highlight continuing tensions surrounding women’s rights and enforcement practices under Taliban rule.
Source: CNA
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