UN Voices Concern Over Reports of Women Arrested in Herat for Clothing

The United Nations has voiced deep concern over reports of women being arrested in Herat for their clothing. UN Women noted that these incidents have a profound impact on the women and their families, potentially leading to long-term consequences including social stigma, violence, and isolation.

Georgette Gagnon, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, said that the arrest of a woman in Afghanistan comes with great social stigma that can expose her to further violence and isolation even after release. UN experts called for an investigation into the use of force against protesters, stressing that peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and movement are fundamental rights. They urged the Islamic Emirate to probe the suppression of protests in Herat.

Herat Governor Noor Ahmad Islamjar rejected the reports, describing them as false. He said the process of enforcing hijab is handled by women officials without the presence of men. The governor also claimed that images showing security forces firing on protesters in Jibraeel town are fabricated using artificial intelligence. He asserted that no girls or women are being held in any prisons.

Reports of the arrests surfaced this week, though the Ministry of Virtue and Vice has not commented on the matter.