Authorities in the western Afghan city of Herat have arrested at least 30 women for allegedly breaching dress rules imposed by the Taliban, according to the United Nations agency for women’s rights.
UN Women said some of those detained had since been released but warned the arrests had fuelled widespread concern among women and girls across the country.
The detentions prompted protests earlier this week in the Injil district of Herat, which were met with a security response.
The agency said Taliban forces reportedly fired on demonstrators, including men, women and children, and carried out beatings during the unrest.
Reports suggest that officials from the Taliban’s Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, often referred to as the morality police, had detained women in the days leading up to the protests for alleged violations of hijab regulations.
However, local authorities have denied that women were arrested.
Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan.
These measures have included limits on access to education, employment and sport, drawing sustained international criticism and raising concerns about the erosion of women’s rights.
UN Women said the latest developments risk deepening fear among Afghan women already living under severe constraints.
International organisations have repeatedly called on the Taliban to reverse restrictions on women and uphold fundamental rights, warning that continued measures could further isolate Afghanistan diplomatically and deepen its humanitarian crisis.
Türkiye’s foreign minister has renewed calls for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to disarm and disband, during talks with...
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign ...
ICT Week Uzbekistan 2026 will bring startups, investors and global technology companies to Tashkent from 22 to 25 September, with venture capital, ...
Maritime trackers received new reports of an attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), adding to concerns about energy supplies after Saudi Arabia shut down a vital oil pipeline on Saturday.
A Kyiv-Warsaw train was struck near the Polish border, Ukraine's state railway firm said on Sunday. No passengers were injured. Ukrainian Railways said that the country's railways were facing systematic attacks for a second day and warned of widespread delays.
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
Swedes vote in an election on Sunday (13 September) that could see the far-right enter government for the first time if the country's right-wing parties can form a majority.
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said an attack on a train near the Polish border was an attempt to intimidate Ukraine's allies.
Türkiye’s foreign minister has renewed calls for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to disarm and disband, during talks with Syrian officials in Damascus.
Pakistan is providing targeted relief to millions of people after a sharp rise in global oil prices pushed domestic petrol and diesel prices higher, with disruption around two major Middle East shipping routes adding pressure to the country’s energy supply chain.
The European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have launched a $5.7 million initiative in Afghanistan to help farmers reach markets, strengthen agribusinesses and withstand climate and economic shocks.
ICT Week Uzbekistan 2026 will bring startups, investors and global technology companies to Tashkent from 22 to 25 September, with venture capital, artificial intelligence and international expansion at the heart of the four-day event.
More than 20 hospitals and health centres in Gaza could lose a key source of fuel from 19 September, according to the Strip's Health Ministry.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment