Afghan Girls’ Education Activist Arrested by Taliban Forces

Matiullah Wesa, founder and president of Pen Path, a non-governmental organization advocating for girls’ education, was arrested by Taliban security forces in Kabul on Monday.

The UN has called for the Taliban to clarify Wesa’s whereabouts and reasons for his arrest, and to ensure his access to legal representation and contact with family. Wesa’s brother reported that Taliban forces surrounded their family’s house, beat up his other two brothers, insulted their mother, and confiscated Wesa’s mobile phone.

Wesa has been a vocal advocate for girls’ education, campaigning house-to-house to promote literacy and end the Taliban’s bans. His most recent tweets coincided with the start of the new academic year, during which girls have been barred from attending school or university.

Social media activists have created a hashtag campaign demanding Wesa’s immediate release.
The Taliban have imposed strict restrictions on women’s and minority rights since their takeover of Afghanistan, including banning women from going to university and limiting girls’ education to sixth grade.

Staff Reporter