In Afghanistan’s western province of Herat, Afghan security officials disperse a women’s rights protest against mandatory hijab rules on Tuesday, according to residents and witnesses. Multiple accounts say Taliban morality police detain women accused of violating dress requirements, prompting local protests. Witnesses cited by Reuters and summarized in reports from Al-Monitor describe at least one death and several injuries during the crackdown, with dozens of people, including women and girls, being arrested. Residents also claim protests are met with violent dispersal by security forces.
The Taliban denies some elements of the reports. The West Australian reports that Taliban authorities reject claims that women are arrested for failing to observe hijab rules. As of publication, Taliban authorities have not provided a confirmed figure for casualties or arrests, and reports differ in their stated numbers. The situation remains disputed, with local claims of detention and violence contrasted by official denials from the Taliban.
