Based on reports from informed sources, the Taliban arrested at least 12 women and one man on Thursday (3th July ) from various parts of the city of Herat. According to eyewitnesses, the number of those detained may be higher.
According to available information, the Taliban detained at least two young women from a large grocery store in the Bakrabad area of Herat city. Bakrabad, located in the southern part of Herat, is an area whose residents are predominantly Shiite.
Another eyewitness stated that a young woman was also detained by the Taliban in the Imam Fakhr Razi Square area of Herat city. According to the source, the woman was arrested by five Taliban fighters for allegedly not complying with the group’s required dress code.
Sources added that the woman was riding in a three-wheeled vehicle (rickshaw), and the Taliban also arrested the driver for transporting her.
Another source further reported that nine additional young women were detained along the 64-meter road in Herat city.
In recent weeks, the Taliban have repeatedly carried out arrests of women in Herat in connection with hijab and dress code enforcement. The group insists that women must not wear a “manto” (coat).
In response to these actions, Afghans in 30 countries have held protest gatherings, expressing their support for women in Herat and their right to choose their own dress. Inside Herat, at least two protests have also taken place against these measures; however, the Taliban prevented their expansion. During one protest in the Jebrael area, two people were reportedly killed.
The Taliban have not yet issued any official statement regarding these recent arrests.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
