Taliban Reject Reports of Women’s Arrests in Herat as ‘Propaganda’

DID Press: Taliban authorities have dismissed reports of women’s arrests in the western city of Herat, describing the allegations as part of a “propaganda campaign,” while human rights organizations continue to express concern over reported detentions linked to dress code enforcement.

Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban’s Minister for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, rejected the reports during a meeting with religious scholars, tribal elders and media representatives in Herat.

Hanafi criticized foreign governments for their criticism of the ministry, claiming that opposition to its activities amounts to opposition to Islamic principles. He also described reports of women’s arrests as “rumors” disseminated as part of an “intelligence-driven propaganda campaign.”

The remarks come after several human rights organizations reported that Taliban authorities had detained women and girls in Herat over allegations of failing to comply with the group’s prescribed dress code.

Among those raising concerns, Amnesty International described the reported arrests as arbitrary and discriminatory, saying they violate fundamental rights, including liberty, human dignity, freedom of movement, and personal choice in dress.

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, also described the reported measures as “unlawful and unacceptable,” calling on the Taliban to immediately end arrests based on women’s clothing.

Human rights organizations have warned that such measures form part of a broader pattern of restrictions on women’s rights and their participation in public life in Afghanistan.