Renowned education activist Matiullah Wesa was released by Taliban authorities this week, as reported by his organization on Thursday, following a seven-month-long detention that triggered widespread condemnation from the United Nations and various human rights groups. Since seizing control of the country in 2021, the Taliban regime has imposed restrictions on girls attending high school and women pursuing higher education at universities.
Hailing from the southern province of Kandahar, Wesa has long been a vocal advocate for girls’ education, particularly in traditionally conservative rural regions. Even during the previous Western-supported government’s tenure, Wesa highlighted the plight of numerous girls in remote areas who were deprived of educational opportunities.
Confirming Wesa’s release, a spokesperson for the Taliban administration noted that Matiullah Wesa was now reunited with his family. Nasibullah Noor, a board member at Pen Path, Wesa’s education organization, made the announcement. Wesa’s detention was initially confirmed by Pen Path and the UN Mission in Afghanistan back in late March, prompting widespread calls from foreign diplomats and human rights organizations for his immediate release.
In a show of solidarity, actress and refugee advocate Angelina Jolie penned an open letter to Wesa in August, urging for his release and the removal of all educational barriers for girls. Despite the challenges, Wesa and his team at Pen Path continued their relentless efforts, engaging with tribal elders, promoting the establishment of schools for both girls and boys, and facilitating the distribution of books and mobile libraries to communities.
