Protests in Herat Highlight Opposition to Taliban Restrictions

The United Nations expressed deep concern over the arrests of numerous women, reporting two deaths from protests supporting them.

In Herat, Afghanistan, significant public opposition emerged against the Taliban’s stringent rules on women. Protestors faced extensive security measures following demonstrations.

Reports from local media and online sources indicated that demonstrators in Herat, one of Afghanistan’s major cities, marched towards a government building. They held signs and chanted “Women, Work, and Freedom!” Independent verification of these videos remains pending.

Friday’s protests were preceded by Tuesday’s demonstrations, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a young boy. At least 20 others sustained injuries, according to United Nations reports.

Sayed Masoud Hussaini, a Herat police spokesperson, stated that no arrests or injuries occurred, describing the protesters as “agitators,” conflicting with other witnesses and UN accounts.

During Tuesday’s events, large groups of men and women assembled in Herat’s main square. Concealing their faces with scarves and masks, they called out for “education, work, and freedom!”

This area in Herat, known for its relatively liberal social stance, has a significant Hazara minority and includes Afghan refugees recently expelled from Iran. The protest slogans drew inspiration from Iran’s 2022 “Woman, life, freedom” demonstrations.