HERAT: Heavily armed security forces were deployed across Herat on Friday, prompting residents to abandon planned protests following a crackdown in which morality police arrested at least 30 women for alleged dress code violations and violently dispersed a subsequent rally, killing at least two people.
Independent experts said Taliban forces allegedly fired on men, women, and children during Tuesday’s demonstration and also beat some participants. Among the two reported dead was a boy, while more than 20 others were injured in the incident.
Local police rejected the allegations, saying no weapons were used during the protest and accusing demonstrators of attempting to “disturb public order.”
The Taliban authorities govern under their strict interpretation of Islamic law. While the hijab or flowing abaya is commonly worn in many Muslim-majority countries, the Taliban require women to be almost completely covered when leaving home.
This includes the compulsory wearing of a body-covering burqa or chador along with a face mask, an interpretation of modesty rules that is widely viewed as extreme.
Following social media calls for further demonstrations against the crackdown after Friday prayers, military vehicles and heavily armed security personnel were stationed across the city.
Armed police officers also patrolled on motorcycles, while additional checkpoints were set up by police and intelligence agents.
“People gave up on the demonstration today to prevent more bloodshed,” said a 34-year-old teacher, speaking anonymously for safety reasons. “Even the movement of a small number of people from one area became difficult due to these security measures. The atmosphere is very bad.”
A 27-year-old resident described the heavy security presence as “horrible,” saying: “On every street there is a suspicious private car with people in casual clothing sitting inside and observing others.”
The UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented the initial arrests of women over the weekend, saying they were detained for allegedly violating decrees that include bans on perfume and strict face-covering requirements.
Among those detained was a hospital worker employed by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), who was reportedly held for two days.
Before her release, the medic, her husband, and relatives were required to sign a written commitment to comply with clothing rules enforced by the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice authorities. MSF said it was outraged by the detention.
The arrests have deepened fear and anxiety among women and girls across the country. UN Women, the UN agency for gender equality, expressed grave concern over the long-term and profound impacts of arbitrary detentions.
“A woman’s detention in Afghanistan carries enormous stigma, which can put women at risk of further violence and isolation in their families and communities even after they are released,” said Georgette Gagnon, the UN deputy special representative leading UNAMA.
UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts also voiced deep concern over reports of excessive force used during the crackdown.
On Wednesday, Herat’s Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice department issued a new list of rules for women, including bans on makeup and visible hair, as well as requirements to wear socks and face masks. The notice warned that failure to comply could result in “detention and imprisonment.”
Across Afghanistan, women are already barred from many public spaces, including parks and gyms, while girls’ education is prohibited beyond the age of 12.