Footage of clashes from social media
Clashes have occurred in the western Afghan province of Herat between local residents and representatives of the Taliban* movement following mass detentions of women and girls accused of violating the authorities' established rules for wearing the hijab, the Afghan outlet 8am.media reports, citing local sources.
According to the outlet, the detention campaign began on June 7–8. Women and girls were detained by officers of the so-called «morality police» — the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.
The stated reason was non-compliance with dress requirements. Among those detained, according to 8am.media's sources, was even a pregnant woman.
On June 9, residents of the Jebrail district in Herat came out to protest the arbitrary detentions. Both women and men participated in the action. According to journalists, Taliban representatives opened fire to disperse the demonstrators. Local sources reported injuries; various publications and reports cite estimates ranging from a few people to more than 20 injured. In videos posted on social media, the authenticity of which requires independent verification, armed individuals pursue fleeing participants and shoot in their direction.
After the protests, the Taliban strengthened their military presence in the city, deploying additional units to Herat, 8am.media reports. According to the outlet, armed fighters were stationed in various districts of the city. The situation in Herat remains tense.
The human rights organization Human Rights Watch called on the Taliban authorities to refrain from violence against protesters in Herat. The arrests and harassment of women were also condemned by former field commander and influential Afghan politician Ismail Khan, calling such actions «unacceptable."
Since returning to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have severely restricted women's rights. Girls and young women have been banned from receiving education above the sixth grade, women have been barred from many types of work, and strict rules on behavior and appearance in public places have been introduced. The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice regularly conducts campaigns against women accused of non-compliance with dress and conduct requirements.
*The organization is recognized as terrorist and banned in a number of countries.
