Taliban Arrest Six Women in Herat and Farah for Dress Code Violations

Taliban forces have arrested six women across the provinces of Herat and Farah in western Afghanistan. Two women were detained in Herat and four in Farah. The detentions were due to the women not having a mahram present and for violations of the dress code requirements.

Reports indicate that 41 women were arrested in Herat alone last week for similar violations. Some of those detained were released after they provided guarantees to the authorities. However, they received warnings against speaking publicly about their experiences while in detention.

The recent wave of arrests comes in the context of increased enforcement of restrictions on women. This follows the ratification of the Taliban Law on Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, known as UNAMA, had previously confirmed that nearly 30 women had been arrested in Herat under comparable circumstances.

One particularly troubling case involved a young girl from the family of an arrested woman. She attempted self-immolation as a result of pressure to wear a burqa. The girl is currently hospitalized with severe burns from the incident.

Residents in the areas have reported a climate of fear that has restricted the public activities of women and girls.