Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has reacted to the reported violent treatment of protesters in Herat, saying that Afghanistan needs peace, solidarity, and coexistence more than ever. Expressing concern over the recent violence, Karzai said that all Afghan citizens, particularly women, should have the opportunity to live a dignified life in the country. He added that all citizens, including women, have the right to be treated with respect and to enjoy human dignity and honor. His remarks come after the Taliban reportedly dispersed a march by a group of residents in Herat with force. The demonstration had been organized in protest against the detention of women accused of “improper hijab.” Sources told Rawi Zan that, as a result of Taliban gunfire on the protesters, one woman and a 12-year-old child were killed, while more than 30 others were wounded. Reuters could not independently verify the casualty figures, and there has been no immediate comment from Taliban authorities regarding the claims.
