Defying Violence, Women Join in Protest Against the Taliban

In their latest demonstration, women in Kabul called for their rights to be respected. The protest was once again broken up by force, in a sign that the Taliban will not tolerate peaceful dissent in Afghanistan.

KABUL, Afghanistan — Despite the threat of violent beatings and retaliation, hundreds of women marched in the streets of Kabul on Tuesday morning, calling for the Taliban to respect their rights and making it clear that they would not easily surrender the gains they have made over the past two decades. But as the crowds grew, with the women joined by hundreds of men, protesters were met with blows from rifle butts and hit with sticks, according to witnesses. Then shots rang out. The crowd scattered and for the second time in less than a week, the Taliban used force to crush a peaceful demonstration. Even as the Taliban continued to fight to destroy armed opposition in the country, seizing control of the restive Panjshir Valley on Monday, and planned to announce a new government that they have promised will be inclusive, the breakup of the demonstration on Tuesday was yet another indication that they would use a heavy hand to stifle peaceful dissent.