Turbulence in Herat: Afghan Women's Protest Derailed by Security Forces

In Herat, Afghanistan, security forces dispersed a women's rights protest sparked by the detention of women accused of ignoring Taliban dress codes. Witnesses report casualties and arrests amid a crackdown on dissent. The Taliban maintains its stance on dress laws, amidst growing international criticism of its women's rights policies.

Afghan security forces disrupted a women's rights protest on Tuesday in Herat, following allegations that Taliban morality police detained women for violating mandatory dress codes. Witnesses reported one fatality, with several others injured and dozens arrested, including women and girls.

The Taliban has not confirmed any casualties or arrests. Herat police spokesperson Sayed Masoud Hosseini told the state-run Bakhtar News Agency that the protest in Jebrail area disturbed public order under the guise of opposing the Islamic hijab, a religious duty according to him.

Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban has enforced strict limits on Afghan women, particularly impacting education and employment opportunities, igniting widespread international critique. The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has urged Taliban officials to uphold women's freedom of movement and equality before the law.