Helmand Residents Report Harsh Treatment by Taliban Promotion of Virtue Enforcers

LASHKARGAH, Afghanistan (Afghan Verified) -- Several residents in Lashkargah, the capital of Helmand province, said Taliban promotion of virtue enforcers and district police have patrolled the main market over the past three days, reprimanding women for improper hijab.

Residents reported that enforcers at market gates block women lacking proper hijab or a mahram, using bad language rather than offering advice. One resident said the enforcers' conduct provoked clashes with local people yesterday.

Residents complained to Amin Badakhshani, head of the Taliban's promotion of virtue department in Helmand. Sources said Badakhshani dismissed the complaints, telling them women should not visit the market without a mahram and must wear the chadri.

Enforcers have also mistreated shopkeepers with shortened or shaved beards, residents said, taking some away and closing their shops.

Afghanistan International reported similar enforcement in Kandahar province, where checkpoints order youth not to shave beards, adopt trendy hairstyles or listen to music.