Former Afghan Justice Minister Fazl Ahmad Manawi has condemned the reported detention of women and girls in Herat over what has been described as failure to comply with the Taliban’s preferred dress code, calling the practice a violation of human dignity and social values.
Reacting to reports that women had been detained on allegations of “improper hijab,” Manawi said taking women and girls into custody on such grounds was unacceptable and harmful to their dignity, reputation, and fundamental rights.
He argued that the consequences of such actions extend beyond the individuals involved and affect families, communities, and the broader social fabric of Afghanistan.
“How can women and girls be subjected to humiliation, social stigma, and harm in the name of religion and then be told that this serves Sharia?” Manawi said, questioning the justification offered for such measures.
According to the former minister, undermining the dignity of citizens weakens social cohesion and creates deeper divisions within society.
At the same time, former Afghan Information and Culture Minister Karim Khurram also expressed concern over the reported incidents. He stated that the honor and dignity of women hold a special place in Afghan culture and Islamic teachings and urged the Taliban to release any detained women and prevent similar actions from occurring in the future.
The statements add to growing criticism from political figures, civil society activists, and human rights organizations regarding restrictions imposed on women since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
The controversy centers on reports from Herat claiming that women were detained because their clothing did not meet standards enforced by Taliban authorities. Local sources and rights advocates have alleged that multiple women were taken into custody during recent operations in the city.
The Taliban, however, have rejected those claims. Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, spokesperson for the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, denied reports that women had been arrested for failing to observe hijab requirements.
Speaking on Monday, Khyber described reports that 21 women had been detained as false and characterized the allegations as rumors intended to undermine religious rulings and damage the ministry’s reputation.
His comments come despite numerous reports from local residents, activists, and media outlets that have described detentions and increased restrictions on women in Herat over recent days.
The issue of women’s rights remains one of the most contentious aspects of Taliban rule and continues to generate criticism from international organizations, human rights groups, former Afghan officials, and foreign governments.
The latest dispute highlights the widening gap between the Taliban’s interpretation of social regulations and the concerns raised by critics, who argue that increased restrictions on women further limit their participation in public life and deepen Afghanistan’s isolation from the international community.
As conflicting accounts continue to emerge, the debate surrounding the treatment of women in Afghanistan remains at the center of both domestic political discussions and international scrutiny.
