Taliban Open Fire In Herat As Women Protest Against Dress Restrictions; Countries Where Strict Dress Codes Are Imposed

A protest in Herat, a city in western Afghanistan turned violent on Tuesday after security forces used force to disperse the crowd. A large number of people, including men and women, took part in demonstrations against new restrictions on women. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the strict enforcement of dress codes for women in the country led by the Taliban.

Taliban Crack Down on Women Protesting Dress Rules

Taliban police reportedly used live fire to disperse a rare protest against the detention of women accused of violating strict Islamic dress codes (Improper Hijab) in the city. According to a BBC report, citing an eyewitness, at least one person was killed and several others were wounded during the protest led by women’s rights activists. Medics told the news outlet that two people died, although the exact cause was not confirmed.

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However, police in Herat denied there were any deaths and said they acted only to maintain public order. They also said they responded to the protest but did not clearly confirm the use of live fire, but witnesses claimed security forces used sticks, whips, and guns, and that shots were fired to disperse the crowd. In the videos shared online, protesters were seen screaming, while gunfire was also heard.

Afghan women asked for education, work, dignity, and the right to exist freely.

The response? Violence.

All because women’s faces were visible. Imagine defending a regime so extreme it sees a woman’s face as a threat. Taliban sympathizers should be ashamed. pic.twitter.com/N4zdcOl6ic

— Mariam Solaimankhil (@Mariamistan) June 9, 2026

In Herat, Afghanistan, the Taliban executed people by directly firing on those who protested against the recent arrest of women over “dress-code” violations. This video documents their brutality.

Afghan patriots are fed up with Islam, which devalues life and subjugates females. pic.twitter.com/QlqSpt4ov2

— Nemat Sadat (@nematsadat) June 10, 2026

Countries That Enforce Strict Dress Codes

While Afghanistan under the Taliban is widely considered one of the strictest countries in terms of enforced dress for women, it is not the only country with such regulations. Several other countries also have strict dress rules under state policy.

Iran: Women are legally required to wear a hijab and dress modestly in public. Violations can lead to fines, arrests, or detention by morality police.

Saudi Arabia: Modest dress is required, including covering shoulders and knees. While rules have relaxed in some areas, conservative dress is still expected, especially in public and religious places.

Bhutan: A national dress code called Driglam Namzha is mandatory in schools, government offices, and formal events to preserve cultural identity.

North Korea: The state strictly controls clothing choices. Western-style clothing such as jeans is discouraged or banned, and citizens must follow government-approved styles.

Sudan: Conservative clothing is expected, especially for women. While enforcement varies, modest dress is widely practiced and sometimes legally enforced.

Maldives: Modest dress is required under Islamic law. However, some resorts have more relaxed rules for tourists.

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