Kabul, June 9: Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur monitoring human rights in Afghanistan, has expressed deep concern regarding the treatment of women under the Taliban regime. He described the recent arrests of women and girls in Herat for not adhering to a mandated dress code as regrettable. Bennett has called on the Taliban administration to immediately halt these arrests and release the detained women.
Local media reports indicate that police enforcing Taliban’s “morality” laws have detained at least 21 women and girls in Herat for allegedly violating the dress code. The arrests occurred in various neighborhoods, including Southern Road, Almas Market, and the Qasar area. Notably, one of the detained individuals is a nurse working at the Herat Regional Hospital.
In a post on social media platform X, Bennett stated, “For the third consecutive day, a significant number of women are being arbitrarily arrested, which is not only concerning but entirely unacceptable and illegal. Such actions must cease immediately.”
This situation follows a directive issued by the Taliban’s “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” department in Herat. The directive mandates male guardians to ensure that the women in their families comply with the Taliban’s prescribed Islamic dress code.
AMU TV reported that according to the directive, women in public spaces without appropriate coverings, uncovered faces, tight clothing, or makeup may be detained and sent to women’s detention centers.
Human rights organizations have noted that since the Taliban regained power in 2021, they have imposed numerous strict restrictions on women and girls. These include bans on secondary education, restrictions on university attendance, reduced employment opportunities, and control over their participation in public life. The recent arrests have intensified international concerns regarding women’s freedoms and rights in Afghanistan.
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