Girls as young as 16 have been arrested across the Afghan capital, Kabul, in the past week for violating the Taliban’s hijab rules.
The girls – who were detained in shopping centres, classes and street markets – were accused of “spreading and encouraging others to wear a bad hijab” and wearing makeup.
Since taking power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have further restricted women’s access to education, employment and public spaces.
Lale*, 16, said she was arrested by the Taliban along with a number of other girls at her English language class and pulled into a police truck.
She said girls who confronted the men and refused to go were beaten, while she was lashed on her feet and legs when trying to reason with them.
“My attire was modest and even included a face mask – a precaution I had adopted since the Taliban takeover,” said Lale.
Lale, who was detained for two days and nights, said the Taliban repeatedly cursed them as infidels, for studying English and for aspiring to go abroad. »
