KABUL: The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has released education activist Matiullah Wesa, who was arrested for advocating girls’ education in the country.
His brother, Attaullah Wesa, confirmed his release on Thursday, stating that Matiullah was “on his way back home.” However, there is no immediate information available regarding his physical condition.
Matiullah Wesa, the founder of the non-profit organization PenPath, has been an outspoken advocate for girls’ education.
According to PenPath, he was taken into custody by the Afghan Taliban seven months ago and was freed after spending 215 days in prison
PenPath has been dedicated to advocating for education in rural villages, assisting in the reopening of schools, and establishing libraries for more than a decade.
Since their return to power in August 2021, the Taliban imposed restrictions on girls’ education, prohibiting attendance beyond the sixth grade. In December of the same year, they also issued a ban on women attending universities.
Afghanistan stands as the sole nation globally with such constraints on female education.
