Afghan Taliban authorities have arrested or detained dozens of women in recent months, accused of violating dress codes and restrictions on appearing in public without a male guardian, the United Nations mission in the country said Thursday. At least 52 women and one girl were arrested or detained in Kabul and the western city of Herat between July and September, the mission, known as UNAMA, said. The alleged violations included wearing colorful scarves or makeup, leaving hair visible or not wearing a chador, a cape-like wraparound garment, the AP reports. UNAMA said it was “gravely concerned” about the arrests, detentions and threats of arrest.
“The number of cases could be significantly higher due to under-reporting linked to protection concerns and stigma,” the mission said, adding that it was “also alarmed by incidents involving verbal abuse, beatings and threats against women, including women traders.” The Taliban government did not immediately respond to this statement. In June, Afghan authorities opened fire during a rare protest in Herat against the arrest and detention of women for alleged dress code violations. At least one person was killed and several injured at the time, according to witnesses and the UN mission.
Since taking power in 2021, as U.S.-led forces withdrew from Afghanistan, the Taliban government has imposed rules based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law, or sharia. Dissent is not tolerated and protests against government decisions are illegal. The rules include severe restrictions on women and girls, including a ban on continuing education beyond primary school and limits on what women can wear and where they can go. Women must wear the full hijab in public, including a headscarf, a long body-covering dress, and a face covering. The Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice enforces the rules.
Gn world
