Translated with AI
In the western Afghan province of Herat, clashes broke out between local residents and Taliban representatives following the mass detention of women and girls accused of violating government regulations on wearing the hijab, Fergana.ru reports, citing the Afghan publication 8am.media.
According to the Afghan publication 8am.media, citing local sources, the arrest campaign began on June 7-8. According to reports, the women and girls were detained by officers of the so-called "morality police"—the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.
The reason given for the arrests was failure to comply with clothing requirements. The publication's sources claim that a pregnant woman was among those detained.
On June 9, residents of Herat's Jabrayil district protested what they considered arbitrary detentions. Both women and men participated in the demonstration.
According to journalists, Taliban elements used lethal force to disperse protesters. Local sources reported casualties. Various publications give estimates ranging from a few wounded to more than 20.
Videos, the authenticity of which requires independent verification, have been published on social media. These images show armed men pursuing protesters and opening fire on them.
Following the protests, the authorities increased their military presence in the city. According to 8am.media, additional units were deployed to Herat, and armed fighters were stationed in various areas of the city.
The situation in Herat is reported to remain tense.
Human Rights Watch called on Taliban authorities to refrain from using violence against protesters in Herat.
Ismail Khan also condemned the arrests and persecution of women, calling such actions unacceptable.
Since the Taliban movement returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, women's rights have been significantly curtailed. Girls and young women have been banned from education beyond sixth grade, women's access to many types of employment has been restricted, and strict rules on behavior and appearance in public spaces have been introduced.
The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice regularly conducts campaigns against women accused of failing to comply with established dress and behaviour standards.
