RASC News Agency: Local sources from Herat report that Taliban forces have detained at least 70 money exchangers from Khorasan Market in Herat province in a sweeping crackdown. According to these sources, the arrests were triggered after the money exchangers gathered in protest outside the Herat governor’s office, voicing their discontent over the dramatic rise in licensing fees and required bank guarantees imposed by the Taliban.
The money exchangers had earlier expressed their grievances, stating that the Taliban had increased these fees to an exorbitant 9 million kabuli rupees, a burden that has led to severe financial strain for many. Numerous money exchangers have been detained by the Taliban in recent months, raising concerns. At present, there is no available information regarding the status or whereabouts of those detained, while the Taliban have maintained silence on the matter.
This crackdown follows a troubling pattern of the Taliban’s brutal suppression of public dissent, often involving violent beatings, humiliation, and arbitrary arrests. The latest incident has intensified concerns regarding the deteriorating state of human rights and civil liberties in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Analysts warn that such actions could further destabilize Afghanistan’s already fragile economy, particularly affecting the private sector.
Previously, the Taliban closed several money exchange shops in Herat, detaining exchangers and demanding financial guarantees, effectively preventing them from reopening their businesses until the requested payments were made. Similar incidents have occurred in Kabul, where the Taliban mistreated and humiliated money exchangers, issuing threats and orders to keep their shops closed. The money exchangers argue that the Taliban’s financial demands are unsustainable and that they are unable to meet these excessive payments under the current dire economic circumstances.
