Residents and local sources in western Afghanistan say Taliban have detained several women in the provinces of Herat and Farah in recent days, the latest reported arrests following a wave of detentions in Herat earlier this month.
According to local sources, four women were detained in Farah and two in Herat on Monday. Residents said the women were accused of traveling without a male guardian, known as a mahram, or of failing to comply with the Taliban’s prescribed dress code.
Sources also alleged that some of the detainees were subjected to mistreatment during their arrests.
One resident of Herat said fear of detention has become so widespread that many women now avoid leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary.
“No one wants to leave the house anymore. Even mothers and grandmothers go out only when they have no other choice. They leave home with fear,” the resident said.
Several women detained in Herat in recent days have since been released after family members provided guarantees for them, according to local residents. Sources said those released were warned not to speak publicly about the circumstances of their detention.
Another resident said women detained during previous rounds of arrests had recounted similar experiences after being taken into custody by Taliban morality enforcers.
“Last week, 41 women were detained. Those who returned tell the same stories about what happened to them,” the resident said.
The reports come amid growing concerns over the Taliban’s enforcement of morality regulations, particularly following the implementation of their Law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which has expanded restrictions on women’s appearance and presence in public spaces.
A relative of one woman previously detained in Herat alleged that she attempted self-immolation after facing pressure from her family following her release.
“After she was detained, her family pressured her, saying she should have worn a burqa. She set herself on fire,” the relative said. “A large part of her body was burned, and she is currently in hospital.”
Women’s rights activists say the detentions have deepened fear among women and girls already facing extensive restrictions under Taliban rule.
The reported arrests follow a broader campaign by Taliban morality officials in Herat that has drawn criticism from rights groups and Afghan activists.
Earlier this month, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed that nearly 30 women and girls were detained in Herat by Taliban morality officers over allegations related to dress code violations. UNAMA also reported that protests against the arrests were dispersed by Taliban forces, leaving at least one person dead.
The Taliban have defended their enforcement of Islamic dress requirements and public conduct regulations, arguing that such measures reflect Afghanistan’s religious and cultural values.
Human rights groups, however, say the detentions are part of a broader pattern of restrictions that has increasingly limited women’s freedom of movement, employment and access to public life since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
Taliban have not publicly commented on the latest reported arrests in Herat and Farah.
