Taliban open fire, disperse women's rally protesting Mahsa Amini's death

Taliban forces on Thursday opened fire on a women’s rally, protesting the death of a 22-year-old woman in the custody of Iranian morality police, AFP reported.

The authorities fired shots into the air to disperse around 25 Afghan protesters in front of Kabul's Iranian embassy, as they protested the Iranian police’s treatment of Mahsa Amini, who died after being detained in Tehran for not wearing her headscarf 'properly'.

Amini’s death has prompted world-wide protests against Iran's repression of women, as deadly protests have also erupted across Iran, where at least 76 protesters have been killed by security forces.

“"Iran has risen, now it's our turn,” one banner at the rally read, as another stated "From Kabul to Iran, say no to dictatorship!".

The Taliban forces - who have forcefully dispersed women's rallies in the past and warned journalists against covering them - took and tore the banners in front of the protesters.

Activists have also taken to social media to stand in solidarity with Amini and the protests, by cutting their hair.

Mahsa Amini was visiting Tehran with her brother when she was detained by the so-called morality police for allegedly violating strict codes on female clothing.  

She was taken to Vozara police station and shortly afterward an ambulance arrived to take her to the hospital, where she died a few days later. 

Eyewitnesses said Amini was beaten by officers in a police van and then at a detention centre.