UNAMA Condemns Arrest of 30 Women in Herat by Taliban Morality Police
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed concern over the arrest of at least 30 women in Herat city by Taliban-run morality police known as the Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. According to the UN body, the arrests were accompanied by what it described as “excessive use of force.”
A report published on Wednesday, June 7, states that these women were detained on June 6 and 7 for allegedly not adhering to the Taliban administration’s prescribed dress code. UNAMA added that dozens of other women received verbal warnings during this crackdown.
Although those arrested were released on June 8, UNAMA emphasized that such arbitrary detentions have deep repercussions on the personal and family lives of the women involved. Georgette Gagnon, head of UNAMA, warned that these actions could leave women vulnerable to violence, social pressure, and increased isolation even after their release.
UNAMA also raised concerns about another incident in the Jebreil area of Herat, where Taliban fighters reportedly used violence against protestors. According to the findings, at least one person was killed by gunfire, and several others were injured from beatings. Reports of an additional death are under investigation.
The UN body has once again urged the Taliban administration to lift all restrictive policies and measures targeting women and girls and to comply with international human rights commitments. In recent months, broad restrictions on women’s dress, education, and social participation have sparked widespread domestic and international criticism.
