Local sources in Herat province say that the Taliban have released some of those detained during recent protests in the province after several days in custody, following written guarantees provided by their families.
Sources told media on Friday, 19 June, that around 10 individuals who had been arrested during protest gatherings in the Jebrael area and in front of the Taliban governor’s office have been released. However, according to the same sources, several detainees remain in custody, and their fate is still unclear.
One of the released individuals, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said their release was secured through written guarantees from their families and mediation by local elders and community figures.
He added: “We were told that we must appear again in Taliban military court sessions, as no final decision has yet been made regarding our cases.”
The individual also claimed that during detention, the detainees were subjected to intense interrogations, torture, and beatings, and were questioned about individuals or groups allegedly involved in organizing the protests.
Critics of the Taliban describe these measures as a form of pressure on families to provide guarantees and to deter criticism and protest against the group.
The recent protests in Herat began following reports of women being detained for allegedly failing to comply with Taliban-imposed dress code requirements in the Jebrael area. The demonstrations quickly spread and, in some cases, turned violent following interventions by Taliban forces.
According to international reports, at least one person was killed during the unrest, while another later died from injuries sustained. However, Taliban authorities have not provided clear details regarding these incidents.
As the protests continued, another gathering took place near the Taliban governor’s office in Herat, which, according to sources, was met with a heavy security presence and road closures leading to the area. Witnesses say the demonstration was dispersed shortly afterward with warning gunfire and the arrest of several protesters.
It has also been reported that the Taliban detained some individuals on charges such as filming the protests or clashing with morality police officers allegations for which no judicial details or formal legal proceedings have been made public.
Despite the release of some detainees, local sources emphasize that many others remain in custody, with no clear information about their location or legal status. This has further heightened concerns over how the Taliban are handling civil protests in Herat.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
