Taliban opens fire on women protesters in Afghanistan

“Education, work, freedom.”

This was the chant echoing through the Afghan city of Jebrail, Herat, as women in Afghanistan gathered to protest against the Taliban's recent crackdown on “non-compliance with dress restrictions.”

News media widely reported that the women took to the streets peacefully, but the Taliban responded by opening fire, leaving at least two dead, based on conflicting reports. More than a dozen were injured. The Kabul Press posted this alarming video showing the reality on the ground.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has confirmed that at least one person, a boy, was killed by gunfire, while several others were beaten with sticks. The UNAMA is verifying reports of a second fatality.

The Guardian reported, “Local sources said two people were killed, three wounded and at least 13 others detained after being beaten by officials.” And a doctor at a local hospital, who preferred to remain anonymous, told CBS News, “At least three people were admitted for treatment with gunshot wounds.”

Police in Herat downplayed the situation, denying any knowledge of deaths and brutality. They acknowledged they responded to the protest, telling the BBC that officers had “taken action to ensure security and maintain public order.”

The incident took place in a predominantly Hazara neighbourhood. The Hazara community is predominantly made up of Shia Muslims (in contrast to the Taliban, who follow Sunni Islam), making them one of the most vulnerable in Afghanistan. They endure oppression from the Pashtun ethnic group—the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan.

Speaking out against the violence and brutality against Afghan women, an Open Doors regional partner commented, “We are concerned about the events that have taken place in Herat and saddened by the loss of life and injuries. Women have a God-given right to live in freedom and dignity. They should be allowed access to education and work for the betterment of the whole of Afghan society.”

The current situation is yet another reminder of the consequences for going outside of the Taliban’s radical interpretation of Islam. Any religious minorities—including Shia and Christian—are at risk. And anyone caught converting from Islam to follow Jesus could be put to death.