HERAT, Afghanistan: Afghans scrapped protest plans in Herat on Friday as heavily armed security forces were deployed in the city, after an earlier rally against tightening restrictions on women was violently dispersed.
An AFP journalist saw military vehicles stationed around the city and patrolling the area where a demonstration had been called for Friday afternoon.
“People gave up on the demonstration today to prevent more bloodshed,” said a 34-year-old teacher, who along with other residents AFP is not naming for safety reasons.
The deployment followed a crackdown launched by the morality police on Saturday, during which dozens of women were arrested for not wearing the body-cloaking chador or burqa.
At least two people were killed and more than 20 wounded in a protest held by residents days later, a group of UN experts said. Police have denied that any weapons were used during the demonstration.
On Friday, the AFP journalist also saw armed police officers patrolling on motorcycles and additional checkpoints where intelligence agents were present.
“Even the movement of a small number of people from one area became difficult due to these security measures,” said the teacher. “The atmosphere is very bad.” Herat police did not comment on the increased security when asked by AFP.
