Afghans Hold Rare Public Protests Against Taliban Rules

Article excerpt

Dozens of Afghan women were arrested and at least two people were killed when crowds took to the streets in rare public protests against Taliban rule. The United Nations expressed deep concern over the crackdown, marking an unusual show of dissent in a country where public opposition to the government carries significant risk. The protests underscore growing tensions between the Taliban's strict governance and segments of the Afghan population seeking greater freedoms, particularly women's rights advocates who have faced intensifying restrictions since the Taliban's 2021 takeover.