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Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have arrested or detained dozens of women in recent months for alleged violations of dress codes and restrictions that prevent them from appearing in public without a male guardian, the United Nations mission in the country reported on Thursday.
At least 52 women and one girl were arrested or detained in Kabul and the western city of Herat between July and September, said the mission, known as UNAMA. Alleged infractions included wearing colorful scarves or makeup, leaving hair visible, or not wearing a chador, a cloak-like garment that covers the entire body.
UNAMA expressed being “deeply concerned” by the arrests, detentions, and threats of arrest.
“The number of cases may be significantly higher due to underreporting linked to fears for their safety and stigma,” the mission noted.
It added that it was also “alarmed by incidents involving verbal abuse, beatings, and threats against women, including merchants”.
The Taliban government has not yet responded.
Afghan authorities opened fire in June during a protest in Herat over the arrests and detentions of women. At least one person was killed and several were wounded at that time, according to witnesses and the UN mission.
Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban government has imposed rules based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia. Dissent is not tolerated, and protests against government decisions are illegal.
The rules include severe restrictions for women and girls, including a ban on education beyond primary school and limits on what women can wear and where they can go.
Women must wear a full hijab in public, including a headscarf, a long tunic that covers the body, and a face veil. The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice enforces the rules.
[Publicidad]