Taliban morality police detained at least 30 women in Herat over dress code; security forces then fired on protesters, killing an 11-year-old boy, UN and HRW say
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In early June 2026, officers enforcing the Taliban's dress-code rules detained at least 30 women in Herat, Afghanistan, according to the UN; the detained women were reported released on June 8. Reporting by IPS News says some of those arrested wore burqas covering their faces and bodies. On June 9, Taliban security forces beat and shot at protesters in a predominantly Hazara neighborhood of Herat. Human Rights Watch, citing the UN, reports an 11-year-old boy was fatally shot; UN independent experts said at least two people were killed and more than 20 injured. HRW witnesses said security forces afterward searched homes and examined phones for protest videos. On June 11, UN experts and UN Women voiced grave concern. IPS reports the provincial governor blamed the protests on misunderstandings and outside influence and said demonstrations are not allowed; HRW reports no Taliban response to its findings.
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