Taliban forces opened fire on a protest in Afghanistan’s Herat province on Tuesday, resulting in at least one woman and a child killed, according to BBC. The demonstration was against the recent arrest of women and girls for alleged violations of Taliban dress code.
A local doctor told CBS News that three people were admitted with gunshot wounds. Videos shared online show Taliban forces firing on protesters and beating them with sticks. Protesters fought back by throwing stones and chanting for work, education, and freedom.
The BBC reported two deaths – a woman and a child – and over a dozen injuries from security forces. UN special rapporteur Richard Bennett expressed alarm at the excessive use of force against peaceful protesters in Herat.
Sayed Masoud Hussaini, a police spokesman, said security forces were fulfilling their legal responsibilities to maintain public safety and denied civilians were injured by police shooting.
The protest was in response to the Taliban’s morality police detaining about 30 women and girls for alleged dress code violations. UN mission head Georgette Gagnon accused the Taliban of stripping women of basic rights, including education, employment, free movement, and participation in public life.