Education activist Wesa detained in Kabul

ATLANTA (Pajhwok): An education activist and head of the Qalam Laar community (Pen path), Matiullah Wesa, has been arrested in Kabul.

Wali Mohammad Akhlaqi, brother of the detainee, confirmed to Pajhwok Afghan News late on Monday Wesa was arrested in the Khoshal Khan Mena area of the 5^th police district.

He said: “Wesa and I were coming out from the mosque after Asar prayers. After the prayers, Wesa left the mosque before I did. On coming out of the mosque, I saw security personnel in two vehicles without number plates talking to Wesa.”

Akhlaqi alleged the behaviour of the security personnel was inappropriate as they asked them to show ID cards. He added the security people took away Wesa with themselves.

According to him, Wesa has been promoting the cause of education and he is not involved in politics.

Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur, also expressed his concern over the arrest of Wesa. Bennett tweeted that the safety of Wesa was crucial and all his legal rights must be respected.

UNAMA also tweeted: “Matiullah Wesa, head of @PenPath1and advocate for girls’ education, was arrested in #Kabul Monday. UNAMA calls on the de facto authorities to clarify his whereabouts, the reasons for his arrest and to ensure his access to legal representation and contact with family.”

Representing the Qalam Laar community, Wesa has travelled to remote areas of the country to encouraging people to send their children to school. He also distributed stationery to students.

Soon after Wesa’s arrest, a campaign for his release was launched on social media. Authorities were asked to free him immediately.

Nasim Khan, a Facebook user, wrote Wesa was following specific aims that were not contrary to the interests of anyone. He called the detainee an impartial and apolitical individual.

Rahmatullah Andar tweeted: “Wesa’s only sin is that he is encouraging people towards education, peace and stability.”

Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, the chairman of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), also asked for Wesa’s release in a tweet. He remarked talking about education or human rights was no crime.

On social media, a campaign has been launched under the Hashtag “Release Matiullah Wesa”. However, the government has not yet commented Wesa’s arrest.

aw/sa/mud