Afghan police dispersed a women's rights rally in the western city of Herat on Wednesday, using force to break up the demonstration and detaining several activists, witnesses said.
Protest Against Restrictions
The protest, organized by a local women's rights group, called for an end to restrictions imposed by the Taliban authorities, including bans on girls' education and women's employment. Dozens of women gathered in a central square, chanting slogans and holding placards before police intervened.
Witnesses reported that officers used batons and sprayed water to disperse the crowd. At least five protesters were taken into custody, though their identities and current whereabouts remain unknown.
Growing Crackdown
The incident marks the latest in a series of crackdowns on women's activism since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. International human rights organizations have condemned the restrictions, calling them a violation of fundamental freedoms.
Taliban officials have not commented on the dispersal, but have previously stated that protests must be authorized and comply with Islamic law.
The rally comes amid heightened international scrutiny, with the United Nations and other bodies pressing the Taliban to reverse policies that have effectively erased women from public life.
