KABUL: The UN special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan has been stopped from entering the war-hit country. AFP cited a diplomatic source as saying, “Richard Bennett was informed of the decision that he would not be welcome to return to Kabul several months ago,”.
Since returning to power in August 2021, Afghan Taliban have enforced rules based on a strict interpretation of Sharia law. Women have been stopped from secondary and higher education, as well as blocked from working in offices or entering public parks, gyms and travelling without a male relative.
The interim government of Afghanistan remains unrecognized by any other country, with its restrictions on women a key sticking matter. Afghan Taliban have systematically rejected criticism of their policies from the UN and world.
Earlier on Tuesday, a local news channel of Afghanistan, Tolo News cited chief Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid as saying that Richard Bennett had been barred because he was appointed to spread propaganda about Afghanistan.
