Several women and girls were reportedly taken into custody by Taliban authorities in Herat in three separate incidents, according to reports emerging from the Afghan province.
Among those reportedly detained was a 13-year-old girl who was fully veiled and wearing a mask along with a hijab. Despite her clothing, reports allege that she was subjected to violence in a public area. The circumstances surrounding the incident and the reasons for the reported detention have not been independently verified.
In another development linked to the reported incidents, a local resident allegedly attempted to record the situation using his mobile phone. According to the reports, the man was also taken into custody after attempting to film the incident.
The reports have raised renewed concerns over the treatment of women and girls under Taliban rule, particularly regarding restrictions on their movement and public conduct. Afghanistan has faced widespread international criticism over policies affecting women and girls since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Details surrounding the three incidents, including the identities of those detained and any official explanation from Taliban authorities, remain unclear. No independent confirmation of the allegations or information regarding the current status of the detainees was provided in the report.
The alleged incidents add to continuing concerns about human rights and the enforcement of Taliban policies in Afghanistan, with rights groups and international organizations repeatedly calling for greater protections for women and children.