Taliban-Mohtasban raid women’s gathering in Herat; reports indicate attempt to arrest women

Kabul Times News | Report: Tabassum Aslamyar

Local media in Herat province have reported that the Mohtasban of the Taliban’s Ministry of Popular Propaganda raided a women’s gathering in the city.

According to these reports, the incident took place on Wednesday evening in a private house in Herat city. Local sources said that the Taliban Mohtasban entered the gathering after hearing the sound of music.

According to the sources, after the Taliban forces entered the house, tensions arose between the organizers of the gathering and the Mohtasban. It was also reported that the Taliban forces intended to take away a number of women and girls present at the gathering.

Further details about the number of people present at the gathering, the fate of the possible detainees and the exact reasons for the Taliban’s action have not been released.

This incident is being reported at a time when social and cultural restrictions on women in Afghanistan continue, and activities related to private women's gatherings have in some cases been met with reactions from Afghan institutions.