‘They had violated the rules of the veil’. At least three were injured in the clashes
Afghan police opened fire on more than 100 people in the city of Herat during a protest for women’s rights. The clashes caused at least three injuries. Various international media report it.
The demonstrators denounce the repression by the Taliban which has led to the arrest of over a dozen women for violating the dress code. Government regulations state that women can only go out in public wearing the full hijab, which includes a veil and a long robe that covers the entire body. Compliance with these rules is entrusted to the feared Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.
Richard Bennett, the UN special envoy for human rights in Afghanistan, said he was “alarmed by the excessive use of force against apparently peaceful protesters in Herat”. In a post on X, he said those responsible for the violence must be held accountable. “It is time to de-escalate, respect the freedom of expression of citizens, especially women and girls, and avoid further harm,” Bennett said.
