The Azadegan Movement in Exile Supports the Protests of Women and Citizens in Herat

Kabul Times News | Report by Tabassum Aslamyar

The Azadegan Movement in Exile has issued a statement expressing its support for the recent protests of women and citizens in Herat province and condemning the treatment of the protesters.

The statement states that the recent protests in Herat are not just a reaction to a specific event, but rather a reflection of the widespread dissatisfaction of citizens who, according to the movement, have faced increasing restrictions, deprivations, and pressures in recent years.

The Azadegan Movement in Exile has emphasized that despite extensive restrictions, Afghan women, especially women in Herat, continue to strive to defend their rights, freedoms, and human dignity, and their presence in the recent protests indicates the continuation of women’s civil demands in the country.

The statement calls the arrest of protesting women and the treatment of citizens participating in protest rallies a “violation of human rights and civil liberties.” The movement also claimed that the restrictions imposed on women are part of broader policies that have limited their participation in social, educational, cultural and political spheres.

The Freedmen in Exile Movement has called on the United Nations, the Human Rights Council, governments and international human rights organizations to take more practical and effective measures to protect the rights of Afghan women and address the situation of detainees.

Another part of the statement states that the international community should not remain silent about the situation of women's rights in Afghanistan and that the issue of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Afghan citizens must be a priority for international organizations.

In conclusion, the movement, while declaring solidarity with the protesting women and citizens of Herat, emphasized that demands for freedom, equality and justice are still among the main demands of a large part of Afghan society.

This statement was issued at a time when the recent protests in Herat have brought different reactions among civil activists, human rights defenders and political organizations.