Taliban security forces in Afghanistan opened fire with live bullets, batons, and whips to suppress women's rights protesters in Herat city, resulting in at least two deaths. The unrest was sparked by public anger after the Taliban's "morality police" launched raids and detained many women, accusing them of violating Islamic dress codes.
A rare major protest occurred in Herat, western Afghanistan, on Tuesday (9 Jun) after reports emerged that officials from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, known as the Taliban's "morality police," began arresting women deemed improperly dressed according to government-mandated hijab rules.
Local witnesses and participants reported that security forces used live ammunition, batons, and whips to disperse the crowd, resulting in at least two deaths, numerous injuries, and many arrests, including women and girls.
Medical personnel in the area confirmed to media that two people died but did not specify the causes of death. Multiple witnesses said they saw people shot and fall wounded during the incident.
Videos shared on social media captured continuous gunfire amid women’s screams pleading for officials to stop harming protesters. Another clip featured protesters chanting slogans such as "Education, Work, and Freedom," symbolizing Afghan women's calls for basic rights.
Sayed Masood Hosseini, spokesperson for Herat police, stated that protesters engaged in actions disturbing public order and attempting to create tension under the pretext of protesting hijab rules. He affirmed that authorities took measures to maintain security and peace in the area.
Meanwhile, some provincial officials denied reports of mass arrests of women for improper dress. The head of Herat's office for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice said officials merely provided advice and raised awareness about compliance with Islamic dress codes.
However, many local residents told reporters that since last weekend, they witnessed women being detained in public spaces, and officials conducted vehicle checks on cars and rickshaws to find women perceived as improperly wearing the hijab, causing markets and commercial districts to become noticeably quieter.
Women's protests in Afghanistan have been rare since the Taliban regained control of Kabul in 2021, due to severe repression including assaults, imprisonment, intimidation, and restrictions on education, work, and social life for women.
Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, expressed concern over the excessive use of force against what appeared to be peaceful demonstrations and called for investigations and accountability for those responsible.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan urged the Taliban authorities to respect freedom of movement and equality under the law amid growing international criticism over increased restrictions on Afghan women's rights over recent years.