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.

Conflicting accounts

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.

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However, local authorities have denied that women were arrested.

Ongoing restrictions on women

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.

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