Eyewitnesses told media outlets that during Tuesday’s protests in Herat, the number of Taliban forces exceeded the number of demonstrators.
According to witnesses, Taliban forces opened fire on civilians in an effort to disperse the protesters and used violence to bring the demonstrations to an end. Local sources also reported that Taliban personnel treated protesters harshly during the crackdown.
Footage received from the scene shows the sound of repeated gunfire and a heavy Taliban presence among the demonstrators. Witnesses stated that several civilians were injured as a result of the shooting, and that the condition of one of the wounded individuals has been described as “critical.”
Meanwhile, a number of Herat residents have circulated calls for another protest gathering to be held after Friday prayers.
The Taliban authorities have not yet issued an official response regarding the protests or the reports concerning their handling of the demonstrators.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
