Several people were injured in Herat after Taliban security personnel reportedly opened fire to disperse a protest in support of Afghan women arrested for dress code violations.
Taliban authorities in Afghanistan cracked down on a protest over women's dress code violations, with multiple witnesses reporting shots being fired.
Between 100 and 150 Afghan men had gathered in Herat to show solidarity with women arrested for going out in public without a full chador cloak or face-covering burqa.
Security forces dispersed the protest using 'sticks, whips and firearms,' one witness told the AFP news agency.
A photographer at the rally told AFP he saw security forces 'striking protesters and firing weapons in the direction of the crowd,' adding: 'A significant number of people were injured.'
A spokesman for Herat police said that people 'attempted to gather and create tensions under the pretext of protesting issues related to the observance of the hijab' dress code.
The protest had reportedly been organised via social media where residents were called upon to 'defend the rights of our sisters.'
UN alarmed by 'excessive use of force' One human rights monitor told AP on Monday, however, that they had verified at least 16 detentions in Herat since Friday over alleged non-compliance with dress requirements, including a pregnant woman.
