Key facts
- Afghan security forces dispersed a women's rights protest in Herat on Tuesday.
- Witnesses reported one death, several injuries, and dozens of arrests during the protest.
- The protest was sparked by attempts to arrest women accused of violating mandatory dress rules.
- Video footage showed armed officials breaking up the demonstration with gunshots heard.
- The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan voiced concern over detentions for dress code violations.
Afghan security officials dispersed a women's rights protest in the western province of Herat on Tuesday, with witnesses reporting one death, several injuries, and dozens of arrests. Residents stated that Taliban morality police detained women accused of violating mandatory dress rules. Sayed Masoud Hosseini, spokesperson for Herat police, told the state-run Bakhtar News Agency that the gathering had "created tensions" and disturbed public order under the pretext of opposing the Islamic hijab, which he described as a religious obligation. Witnesses said the protests erupted when officials from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice attempted to arrest women opposing the mandatory dress requirements. Some residents claimed officials targeted women who were already observing the required dress code. Video from Herat showed armed officials breaking up the demonstration, with gunshots heard in the background. Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed significant restrictions on women and girls. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan expressed concern over reports of women detained for allegedly failing to meet dress requirements and urged Taliban authorities to respect freedom of movement and equality.