8am: Following calls to action by citizens inside and outside the country to protest the detention of women in Herat and the crackdown on their demonstrations, the Taliban have stepped up the interrogation, detention, and imprisonment of social activists and social media users across the province. After the public protests in the Jibrail district of
Amu: Taliban governor in Herat has acknowledged the recent detention of women and girls in the western city, claiming those arrested suffered from what he described as “psychological” and “religious” problems. In comments published by Al-Emarah, a Taliban-affiliated media outlet, Noor Ahmad Islamjar confirmed that women had been detained in recent days for allegedly failing
Afghanistan International: UN Secretary-General spokesperson Farhan Haq said Taliban forces used live ammunition to disperse a civil protest in Herat. He urged the Taliban to refrain from any unnecessary or disproportionate use of force against peaceful demonstrations. Speaking at a press briefing in New York on Wednesday, June 10, Haq said the United Nations is
8am: Following public protests in Herat against the detention of women for not wearing a chadari (burqa), the Taliban has issued a statement on hijab, calling on women to cover their entire bodies and faces and to behave in a manner that prevents their voices from being heard. In a statement titled “Islamic Hijab” published
Afghanistan International: An eyewitness to Tuesday’s protests in Herat told Afghanistan International that he personally witnessed one person being killed and at least 22 others injured during the protest. Other local sources also reported civilian casualties and said there may have been at least one fatality. However, the exact number of dead and injured has
Afghanistan International: Residents of Herat told Afghanistan International that Taliban authorities launched a large-scale operation on Saturday to detain women accused of violating the group’s mandatory dress code, with more than 20 women reportedly arrested in one area alone. Witnesses said Taliban officials also detained women at the Almas Sharq shopping centre and in the
Amu: A senior Taliban cleric in Kabul has said that schooling for women and girls is “forbidden,” arguing that they should be limited to studying certain religious subjects, including matters related to marriage, child-rearing and household responsibilities. Click here to read more (external link). Related Afghan Everest climber launches campaign for girls’ education in Afghanistan
Afghanistan International: United Nations Security Council says Taliban officials and fighters committed sexual violence against women, with United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan documenting 21 cases involving 15 women and six girls in 2025. According to the report, Taliban officials and fighters subjected Afghan women to rape and gang rape. Some victims were also stripped
NPR: The photos, which document the sparse reality of the cousins’ lives today and their hopes for a less gloomy future, are on display through May 30 at the Photoville Festival in Brooklyn, New York. Click here to view photo essay (external link).
Ariana: Karzai said in a statement: “While I consider universal education vital, I once again emphasize that the doors of schools and universities must be opened to girls as soon as possible. By providing opportunities for education and learning to young people—both girls and boys—the country’s problems and needs can be resolved by the capable