Police Break Up Anti-Hijab Protests in Western Afghanistan; One Killed, Dozens Arrested

Afghan security officials dispersed a protest by women’s rights activists in Herat on Tuesday, following the detention of women accused of violating mandatory dress rules. Witnesses reported one death, several injuries, and dozens of arrests, including women and girls. Taliban authorities did not comment on casualties or arrests.

The protest began after morality police detained women accused of failing to adhere to Islamic hijab requirements. Herat police spokesperson Sayed Masoud Hosseini told Bakhtar News Agency that the gathering had “created tensions” and disturbed public order under the guise of opposing the Islamic hijab, which he described as a religious obligation.

Sheikh Azizur Rahman Al-Muhajir, head of Herat’s Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, denied reports of women being arrested for failing to observe hijab rules. He stated that inspectors provided guidance and raised awareness about the Islamic hijab.

Since taking power in Kabul in 2021, the Taliban has imposed strict restrictions on women and girls, including limits on education, employment, and sports, drawing international criticism. Herat, once a vibrant city, has undergone significant changes since the Taliban’s rise to power.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan expressed concern over reports of women detained in western Afghanistan for allegedly not meeting dress requirements. The mission urged Taliban authorities to respect freedom of movement and equality before the law.

The Taliban claims it respects women’s rights according to its interpretation of Islamic law.