Prominent Afghan Girls' Education Activist Arrested by Taliban, UN Confirms

Matiullah Wesa, a prominent Afghan girls' education activist and head of the Pen Path NGO, has been arrested in Kabul by Taliban security forces. The UN has called on the Taliban authorities to clarify the reason for his detention and ensure his access to legal representation and contact with family. Wesa has been a vocal advocate for girls' education in rural areas and has repeatedly called on the Taliban government to reverse its bans. The Taliban administration has barred girls from school beyond the sixth grade and women from universities.