The reported detentions have raised concerns among humanitarian organisations operating in Afghanistan, although Taliban officials deny that NGO workers were arrested.
Around 20 Afghan aid workers were detained by the Taliban’s morality police near the Iran-Afghanistan border because their beards were allegedly considered too short, according to three sources from humanitarian organisations.
Incident Reported at Islam Qala Border Crossing
The detentions reportedly took place on Saturday at the Islam Qala Border Crossing, a major crossing point between Afghanistan and Iran.
According to internal statements shared with AFP by aid workers who requested anonymity for security reasons, the individuals were employed by organisations working with the United Nations and were assisting at a reception centre serving returning migrants and displaced people.
One internal statement from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that morality police detained “national male staff members from UN implementing partner organisations” because of “trimmed or shaved beards.”
Workers Released After Brief Detention
Sources said some of the detained workers were released later the same day, while others were freed the following day.
A third aid worker told AFP that morality police entered a facility at the border crossing and detained employees from several service-providing organisations before transferring them to the nearby Kohsan district.
The sources requested anonymity due to concerns about their safety and the sensitive nature of humanitarian work in Afghanistan.
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Taliban Officials Deny NGO Arrests
The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, commonly known as the morality police, did not immediately comment on the allegations.
However, Ziauddin Taib, who oversees morality police operations in Herat province, rejected claims that NGO staff had been arrested or imprisoned.
“No one from NGOs has been arrested or imprisoned,” he told AFP.
He acknowledged, however, that five government employees from various departments had been detained because their beards were considered too short.
Growing Restrictions Since 2021
Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, authorities have increasingly enforced strict social and religious regulations through the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
While most Afghans are practising Muslims, residents of major urban centres previously had greater freedom regarding personal appearance and lifestyle choices. Under Taliban rule, regulations concerning dress, grooming and public behaviour have become significantly stricter.
The reported incident highlights ongoing tensions between humanitarian organisations and authorities as aid agencies continue operating in a country facing severe economic hardship, displacement and humanitarian challenges.
