Taliban Detains Women in Afghanistan Despite Hijab Compliance, Intensifying 'Psychological Abuse'

The Taliban's morality police have detained at least nine women in Afghanistan's city of Herat over the past two days for alleged dress code violations, according to reports. These detentions occurred despite the women wearing hijabs, a move that residents say contributes to escalating 'psychological abuse' and fear.

According to Amu TV, a US-based Afghan broadcaster, four women were arrested outside the Marble Market on Monday. Witnesses stated that the women were complying with dress requirements, including wearing hijabs, but were detained for wearing long coats.

Residents in Herat have expressed increasing fear of leaving their homes, with one individual telling Amu TV, "They harass women everywhere under the pretext of enforcing morality." Another resident added, "Women are being detained, intimidated and subjected to psychological abuse, yet no one is listening."

Reports also indicate an increase in street patrols by the Taliban's morality police in Kabul in recent weeks. In the Panjshir province, female doctors were reportedly told they could not work unless they wore burqas.

These recent detentions follow a protest in June where demonstrators denounced the Taliban's dress code enforcement. During that protest, officials opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in one death and several injuries. Footage from the incident showed armed men dispersing the crowd, with protesters screaming amid the sound of gunshots. Sayed Masoud Hosseini, spokesperson for Herat police, stated that the gathering had "created tensions" and disturbed public order.

Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban has imposed increasing restrictions on women and girls, including bans on secondary and university education, limits on employment, and stricter regulations on their public appearance and movement. The UN Human Rights office has described the situation as having a "crushing impact" on the Afghan people, particularly women and girls, and warned that authorities have effectively "criminalised the presence of women and girls in public life."