Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has called for accountability for those responsible for violence against protesters following the Taliban crackdown on public demonstrations in Herat.
On Tuesday, June 9, Bennett wrote on X that he had noted the excessive use of force against protesters in Herat.
He stressed the need to de-escalate tensions and respect citizens’ freedom of expression, particularly that of women and girls.
The UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan said, “Those responsible for violence must be held accountable.”
Earlier today, local sources in Herat said that Taliban fighters opened fire on residents in the Jebrail area who had gathered for a protest, leaving several people injured.
A video obtained by the Hasht-e Subh Daily shows clashes between Taliban fighters and protesters, with the sounds of gunfire and people screaming.
In the video, Taliban fighters can be seen carrying weapons, chasing protesters, and firing directly in an attempt to disperse the gathering.
An eyewitness in Herat’s Jebrail area confirmed to the Hasht-e Subh Daily that, after several people were injured, Taliban forces prevented residents from transporting the wounded to medical centers.
The incident comes as the Taliban have issued a new order stating that women and girls without a burqa will be arrested, and since last Saturday, dozens of women and girls have been detained by the group’s fighters.
