Afghanistan: Anti-hijab protests violently dispersed in the west of the country, a woman killed according to witnesses

Afghan security forces dispersed a women's rights demonstration in the western province of Herat on Tuesday, following tensions sparked by the arrest of women accused of violating Taliban-imposed dress codes. Witnesses reported a violent crackdown that resulted in casualties.

According to several residents, at least one person was killed, several others were injured, and dozens of protesters, including women and girls, were arrested during the operation. However, the exact circumstances of the violence remain difficult to independently verify.

The protests reportedly began after the Taliban's morality police intervened, making arrests for violating strict hijab regulations. These measures are part of the restrictions implemented by the authorities since their return to power in 2021.

Taliban authorities have not confirmed any casualties or arrests related to the demonstration. A spokesperson for the Herat police stated that the gathering had created tensions and disrupted public order, while characterizing the protest as opposition to a religious obligation.

For his part, an official from the local department for "promoting virtue and preventing vice" disputed reports of arrests for not respecting the hijab, stating that the authorities were limiting themselves to awareness-raising and advising actions with the population.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed numerous restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan, particularly in education, employment and civil liberties, drawing sharp criticism from the international community and human rights organizations.