A protest in western Afghanistan's Herat city against the arrest and detention of women over alleged dress code violations turned violent on Tuesday, with reports indicating that at least three people were injured after security forces intervened.
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More than 100 people gathered to protest the detention of over a dozen women by Taliban authorities, AP reported.
Armed police reportedly arrived at the scene and opened fire during efforts to disperse the crowd. Witnesses said several rounds were fired, and clashes later broke out between protesters and security personnel.
Afghanistan ministry denies report
However, Afghanistan’s vice and virtue ministry dismissed the reports of arrests and detentions of women.
“The issues being spread about women being arrested in Herat are all rumors,” it said in a statement, adding that wearing the “hijab is a divine command, a law that we are obliged to implement.”
UN raises alarm over use of force
Reacting to the incident, Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, expressed concern over reports of excessive force.
"I am alarmed by excessive use of force against seemingly peaceful protesters in Herat today," Bennett said, calling attention to the deteriorating human rights situation in the country.
Concerns over women's rights and freedom of protest
The demonstration comes amid growing concerns over restrictions imposed on women since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces.
Under the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law, women face strict regulations governing education, employment and public appearance.
Current rules require women to wear a full hijab, including a face covering that leaves only the eyes visible, when in public.
The regulations are enforced by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. Public protests against government policies are also prohibited, making such demonstrations rare.
