Taliban forces in Afghanistan open fire on rare protest sparked by women's arrests over dress code

Key Points:

• Taliban forces opened fire on protesters in Herat province, Afghanistan, killing at least one woman and a child, with several others injured, according to medical sources and local reports.
• The protest was sparked by the recent arrest of women and girls for alleged violations of the Taliban's strict dress code, which requires covering hair and faces, leading to widespread detentions by the morality police.
• Videos show Taliban forces using gunfire and physical force against demonstrators, who resisted by throwing stones and chanting for work, education, and freedom.
• United Nations officials condemned the violence, calling for respect for freedom of expression and accountability for those responsible, while Taliban authorities denied causing civilian injuries and justified their actions as maintaining public security.
• The U.N. mission highlighted the Taliban's ongoing repression of women’s rights in Afghanistan, including restrictions on education, employment, movement, and public participation, describing these actions as severe human rights violations.