Shiite Protest Caravans Rally in Herat Against Taliban Restrictions

Shiite protest caravans in Herat carried Ashura flags and chanted "Labbayk Ya Hussain" as they patrolled the 12th, 9th, and 13th districts of the city.

The protests were a response to statements made by Ahmadullah Muttaqi, the Taliban's Director of Information and Culture, who had called Ashura a "heresy”.

Local residents told Afghanistan International that the protesters expressed their "disgust" with the Taliban official's remarks during their late-night demonstration on Thursday.

Previously, Ahmadullah Muttaqi had referred to Ashura as a "heresy" during a meeting with local officials and Shiite representatives on Wednesday, insisting that "political and foreign heresies" must be stopped.

With the arrival of the month of Muharram and the days of Ashura, the Taliban have launched extensive campaigns to remove Shiite religious symbols, such as mourning flags, in various cities, including Kabul and Herat. In recent days, the Taliban have taken down Ashura flags in the Jebrael township and other Shiite-populated areas of Herat.

On Wednesday, the Taliban's intelligence agency arrested seven protestors who were demonstrating against the Taliban's prevention of Ashura ceremonies.
Some Herat residents reported that the city has taken on a military atmosphere amid tensions between Ashura mourners and local Taliban officials. These residents warn that the continuous Taliban restrictions on mourning ceremonies could lead to clashes between the people and the Taliban in the city.