Women in Herat Report Arrests by Taliban for Dress Code Violations

Women in Herat have described being arrested, tortured, and insulted by the Taliban despite wearing appropriate clothing. They say the group is using such actions to create an atmosphere of terror, deprive women of public life, and seek their complete elimination from society.

The arrests began on Saturday. One woman was arrested on LiLami Road in Herat and spent two days and one night in prison, where she was tortured and insulted.

The arrests have sparked public anger and led to protests that were suppressed. UNAMA confirmed the death of a teenage boy during the protests.

The situation has caused fear among women and girls, including elementary school girls who wear the mandated hijab out of fear. International organizations and countries have called for the lifting of the restrictive policies against women and girls.