Taliban morality police in Afghanistan briefly detained 20 staff members working with UN-linked humanitarian agencies in Herat province, near the Iran border, citing alleged violations of the country’s rules.
The detentions took place in Islam Qala, a key overland transit point connecting Afghanistan and Iran. The area hosts humanitarian support centres run by agencies including the World Health Organization and the International Organization for Migration.
According to the report, Taliban regulations require men in Afghanistan to maintain full beards. The detained workers were accused of not following the rule, with some said to have beards shorter than the prescribed length or to have shaved completely.
After issuing a warning that not only locals but also employees of humanitarian organisations must comply with Taliban laws, the authorities released the workers a short time later.
