Local sources in Herat province report that inspectors from the Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice entered the Saljuqi Haft area in the Bakrabad neighborhood of Herat city on Tuesday evening, detaining at least three women and taking them into custody.
According to sources, these women were detained despite wearing attire that the Taliban considers "full hijab." One source also noted that inspectors from the ministry had pursued two other women wearing chadors the previous day over what was described as "wearing a small amount of makeup."
Information from Herat indicates that the Taliban's crackdowns on women have entered a new phase. Local sources state that the scope of these detentions is no longer limited to what the Taliban deems "improper hijab"; women wearing face makeup, high heels, or alternative styles of dress are now also being targeted by inspectors.
Since returning to power, the Taliban has imposed extensive restrictions on the lives, education, and employment of women in Afghanistan. In the summer of 2023, the group banned women's beauty salons across the country and ordered their closure. However, reports indicate that a number of these salons continue to operate secretly and are occasionally subjected to inspections and raids by inspectors.
Since the winter of 2023–2024, numerous reports have emerged regarding the detention of women and girls on charges of "improper hijab" in various cities, including Kabul, Daikundi, Balkh, and Herat. These detentions have drawn widespread criticism and condemnation from human rights organizations and the United Nations.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
