HRF strongly condemns the Taliban regime’s violent crackdown on peaceful protestors in Herat, Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of two people. The protest was in response to the Taliban’s detention of women accused of “improperly wearing the hijab.”

Protesters reportedly chanted “education, work, freedom,” to express their demands for fundamental rights and freedoms. Security forces responded with force, including the use of “sticks, whips, and firearms” on demonstrators, injuring many.

The mandatory hijab requirement is one of several measures implemented by the Taliban that restrict women’s rights. This protest in Herat represents an act of resistance against the gender apartheid imposed by the Taliban.

HRF calls on the regime to end the violent suppression of peaceful demonstrators and to respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.