Herat Protest Shuts Down: Taliban Police Fire Live Rounds, Two Women Die

Taliban police in the western Afghan city of Herat used live ammunition to disperse a rare protest demanding the release of women detained for allegedly violating strict Islamic dress codes. Witnesses reported that the shooting killed two women and wounded several others, although police officials denied any fatalities.

This event follows a series of arrests of women who were deemed to be wearing the hijab improperly. Since the Taliban re‑established rule in 2021, women’s movements against new dress mandates have been severely limited, with reports of beatings, imprisonment and threats of death by stoning.

According to a spokesperson for the Herat Police Command, the protest “disturbed public order” and was described as attempting to create tension under the guise of protest. The U.N. special rapporteur on Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, condemned the excessive use of force and called for accountability.

A series of videos circulating online capture the gunfire and the anguished screams of the protesters. CCTV footage also shows police firing into the air and striking demonstrators with batons and whips.

A woman covered with a long robe and a medical mask walks down a street in Herat, while men observe in the background
A woman covered with a long robe from head to toe, with her face covered by a medical mask, walks down the street near a tuktuk. Men can be seen in the background.

The incident in Herat underscores the growing tension between the Taliban regime and women who wish to exercise their rights. While police continue to enforce strict dress codes, the international community is increasingly calling for reforms and accountability.