At least 30 women were arrested in Afghanistan’s western city of Herat for allegedly violating Taliban-imposed dress rules, according to a statement by UN Women.

The agency said the arrests took place amid growing enforcement of restrictions on women and girls across the country. While many of those detained have since been released, the incident has increased fear and uncertainty among Afghan women.

Protests Met With Violence

The arrests were followed by protests in Herat’s Injil district on Tuesday.

According to UN Women, Taliban security forces allegedly opened fire on demonstrators, including men, women and children, and beat some protesters. The agency said at least two people, including a boy, were killed and more than 20 others were injured.

“The arrests have heightened fear and apprehension among women and girls across Afghanistan,” the statement said.

Taliban Deny Arrest Claims

Local media reported that officials from the Taliban’s morality police, known as the Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, detained women for allegedly failing to comply with hijab regulations.

However, local Taliban authorities denied reports that women had been arrested.

Growing Restrictions on Women

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls. These measures include limits on education, employment, public participation and sports, drawing widespread criticism from the international community.

(with inputs from Reuters)