INews
Taliban fighters beat female protesters and fired into the air to disperse a rare rally in the Afghan capital, Kabul, according to reports, days before the first anniversary of the group’s return to power.
Around 40 women had marched on the education ministry in Kabul on Saturday, chanting “bread, work and freedom”. Despite the pledges made when it retook power, the Taliban has rolled back Afghan women’s rights, including keeping girls out of school and restricting women’s right to work.
Some protesters who took refuge in nearby shops were chased and beaten by Taliban fighters with their rifle butts, according to the AFP news agency. Some journalists covering the demonstration were also beaten with hands and sticks.
The women carried a banner reading “August 15 is a black day” as they demanded rights to work and political participation.
“Justice, justice. We’re fed up with ignorance,” they chanted, many not wearing face veils.
“Unfortunately, the Taliban from the intelligence service came and fired in the air,” said Zholia Parsi, one of the organisers of the march.
“They dispersed the girls, tore our banners and confiscated the mobile phones of many girls.”
But protester Munisa Mubariz pledged to continue fighting for women’s rights. “If the Taliban want to silence this voice, it’s not possible. We will protest from our homes,” she said…
