The United Nations announced today, Tuesday, that a prominent activist for the education of Afghan girls was arrested in Kabul this week, and called on the Taliban authorities to clarify the reason for his arrest.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) stated, "Matiullah Wesa, the head of the 'Pen Path' organization and a defender of girls' education in Kabul, was arrested yesterday, Monday."
It urged the authorities to clarify his whereabouts and the reasons for his arrest, and to ensure he receives legal support and can communicate with his family.
Wesa hails from Kandahar province in the south of the country and has been advocating for girls' education for years, especially in conservative rural areas, including during the previous Western-backed government when he said educational services did not reach many girls living in the countryside.
Wesa told Reuters last year that his work is far from politics, and his focus is on encouraging communities to educate girls.
