Kabul: A peaceful protest by Afghan women in the capital city was stopped by Taliban forces on Saturday. Dozens of women were seen on the streets chanting "bread, work, and freedom". Many of them did not wear face veils.
They carried a banner saying "August 15 is a black day".
They also chanted they are tired of discrimination against women. The first anniversary of the Taliban takeover is approaching and women are demanding the right to education, work, and freedom of movement. By taking to the streets, they are denouncing the restrictions imposed by the Taliban government.
Images shared on social media showed that the Taliban fired warning shots and physically assaulted women. When the women marched in front of the education ministry building, Taliban fighters first fired into the air. The women who ran and took refuge in nearby shops were chased and beaten with rifle butts. Some journalists covering the rally were also beaten.
Another video showed that a small group of women was cornered by the Taliban members in a closed place. An activist was heard saying: "We are inside a drug store. They have imprisoned us here."
The gathering was dispersed by attacking the group, reported the DPA news agency.
The Taliban has banned basic women's rights since taking charge. It has also implemented strict laws to deal with those who protest and their families. Women who took to the streets demanded rights to work and political participation. None of the nations have recognised the Taliban government.