UN Raises Concerns Over Women’s Detentions in Herat for Dress Code Violations
5 verified2 unconfirmed
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan has expressed concern over arrests and detentions of women in the western city of Herat for allegedly not adhering to dress regulations. Afghanistan's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice dismissed the reports as "rumors," stating that hijab is a divine command that must be implemented. A human rights monitor verified at least 16 detentions since Friday, including a pregnant woman, following mosque announcements about hijab requirements. The Taliban have imposed strict restrictions on women and girls since seizing power in 2021, including bans on education and strict dress codes. Government regulations require women to wear full hijab and a face covering leaving only the eyes visible when in public. The UN mission reminded authorities of the right to freedom of movement and equality before the law.
What’s verified
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan expressed concern over arrests of women in Herat for alleged dress code violations.
The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue dismissed the reports as "rumors" and stated hijab is a divine command.
A human rights monitor verified at least 16 detentions since Friday, including a pregnant woman, over alleged non-compliance with dress requirements.
The arrests followed Friday announcements in Herat mosques that women were not allowed to leave home without wearing the hijab.
The Taliban have imposed restrictions on women and girls since taking power in 2021, including bans on education and strict dress codes.
Not yet confirmed
A Tuesday protest by 100 to 150 men in Herat, organized via social media to show solidarity with the arrested women, was dispersed by security forces using sticks, whips, and firearms, according to a single report. Witnesses reported shots fired into the air and injuries, but the precise number of wounded and whether injuries were caused by shots or other force remains unclear.
United Nations investigator Richard Bennett stated he was alarmed by "excessive use of force" against the protesters and called for accountability, from a single report.
Misconceptions
The Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue dismissed reports of arrests as "rumors," but human rights monitors and the UN have presented evidence of detentions, contradicting that denial.
Key figures
Richard Bennett, United Nations investigator on human rights in Afghanistan
Fereshta Abbasi, Afghanistan researcher for Human Rights Watch
Sources: abcnews.com, dw.com
