Afghan education activist arrested by Taliban

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She also called on the ruling Islamist Taliban to share information about Matiullah Wesa’s whereabouts. As president of the PenPath organization, Wesa has been committed to the education of girls and boys since 2009, especially in remote parts of his country. The 30-year-old activist from Kandahar in southern Afghanistan has recently openly asked the Taliban to reopen secondary schools for girls.

The Taliban justified Wesa’s arrest on Tuesday with “suspicious activity”. The government has a right to an explanation, Abdul Haq Hammad of the Taliban-led Ministry of Information and Culture said on Twitter.

However, it is still unclear why the arrest has now been made. Wesa’s work had been known to the general public for many years. He regularly reported on his activities and those of his organization on social media.

The Taliban came to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 with the withdrawal of international troops. Initially they had promised to rule more moderately, but lately their rule has become more authoritarian and dogmatic. They are extremely repressive towards all forms of opposition.

The Islamists are mainly criticized internationally for their curtailment of women’s rights. Girls can only go to school up to and including group 6, universities are now taboo for them. A large number of professions are no longer open to women. Recently, there have been increasing reports that girls are increasingly being taught in secret schools.

(SDA)

Source: Blick