The UN mission in Afghanistan confirmed at least one boy was killed and several others injured during a crackdown on a protest in Herat against the arrest of women for dress code violations. The Taliban stated security forces responded to rioters disrupting public order.
The incident highlights the Taliban's continued suppression of dissent and severe restrictions on women's rights in Afghanistan, drawing international condemnation and concern for human rights.
A violent crackdown on a protest in western Afghanistan against the arrests of women for allegedly violating dress code regulations resulted in at least one death, the United Nations’ mission in Afghanistan reported. Eyewitnesses stated that Taliban police opened fire on Tuesday during a protest by approximately 100 to 150 people in Herat against the weekend arrests of women.
The UN mission confirmed that at least one boy was killed by gunfire, with several others sustaining injuries, including from being beaten with sticks. The mission is also verifying reports of a second fatality. Protests are uncommon in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, which has imposed strict interpretations of Islamic law, including severe restrictions on women and girls.
The UN mission, UNAMA, stated that at least 30 women were arrested in Herat over the weekend for alleged dress code violations, though they have since been released. UNAMA urged authorities to repeal policies restricting women's rights and emphasized that law enforcement must adhere to international legal standards, asserting the right to peaceful dissent.
Herat police spokesperson Sayed Masoud Hosseini stated that security forces responded to 'rioters' who disrupted public order under the guise of protesting hijab regulations. He reiterated that individual and social freedoms must align with Shariah law and social values, deeming any disruption unacceptable. Previously, Afghanistan’s vice and virtue ministry had dismissed reports of arrests as rumors, emphasizing the mandatory nature of the hijab.