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Doctors Without Borders Paramedic Arrested in Afghanistan for Not Wearing Face Covering

12 June 2026 09:55

A Doctors Without Borders paramedic was arrested in Herat, Afghanistan, for not wearing a face covering while on her way to work. The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on women's dress code violations.

- The paramedic was detained for two days along with her husband. - At least 30 women were arrested in Herat over the weekend for similar violations.

- A rare protest on Monday was violently dispersed, resulting in one death. - The couple was forced to sign a commitment to wear a niqab, with family members as guarantors.

The incident underscores the draconian restrictions on women in Afghanistan, impacting healthcare access and delivery.

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Heratpoliticshealthcrime