11/06/2026
HAZARA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION CONDEMNS TALIBAN’S VIOLENT CRACKDOWN ON PEACEFUL PROTESTERS IN JEBRAIL, HERAT
The Hazara Cultural Association strongly condemns the brutal and unwarranted use of lethal force by Taliban fighters against peaceful demonstrators in the predominantly Hazara district of Jebrail, Herat, on Tuesday, 9 June 2026.
According to harrowing eyewitness testimonies reported by the Hasht-e Subh Daily, Taliban forces fired live ammunition directly into a crowd of peaceful citizens who had gathered to courageously advocate for women’s rights. Eyewitnesses confirmed that fighters made absolutely no effort to de-escalate the situation, choosing instead to open fire directly at the heads, chests, and legs of the demonstrators to forcefully break up the crowd.
Reports indicate that more than 20 people have been injured in the assault. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and terror, including a young man being shot in the chest and falling to the ground, with the continuous gunfire preventing onlookers from immediately rendering medical aid or transporting the wounded to hospitals.
"This latest atrocity in Jebrail is a horrifying demonstration of the dual perils facing our community," said Barat Ali Batoor, President Hazara Cultural Association. "Hazaras are not only being targeted by terrorist groups, but are facing direct, lethal violence from the de facto authorities simply for exercising their fundamental right to peaceful protest and standing up for human rights. Firing directly into a crowd of peaceful civilians is an unconscionable violation of international law.
"The Hazara Cultural Association highlights that this violent crackdown underscores the complete absence of legal protections and basic civil liberties for ethnic groups and religious minorities in Afghanistan under the current regime.
In light of this critical escalation, the Hazara Cultural Association calls upon the international community to take immediate action:
Demand Accountability: We call on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and global human rights bodies to urgently investigate the violence in Jebrail and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Protect Civil Society: We urge international governments including Australia to apply direct diplomatic pressure on the de facto authorities to immediately cease the use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters and respect the rights of women and ethnic groups and religious minority groups.
Amplify Hazara Voices: We call on global media outlets to rigorously report on the ongoing state-sanctioned violence and structural persecution facing the Hazara people across Afghanistan.
We stands in solidarity with the brave individuals of Jebrail who risked their lives to defend human dignity and women’s rights. We will continue to advocate tirelessly for justice, safety, and accountability for our community.
