The arrest of a prominent girls’ education activist in Kabul was announced today by the United Nations, calling on the Taliban authorities to explain why he was arrested.

Representatives of the information bureau and intelligence agency of the Taliban government did not immediately respond to a request for comment and did not confirm the arrest.

“Matiullah Vesha of Pen Path, a supporter of girls’ education, was arrested on Monday in Kabul,” the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement. “UNAMA calls on the de facto authorities to clarify his whereabouts, the reason for his arrest, and to ensure that he has access to legal representation and contact with his family.”

His brother Matiullah Uesha confirmed his arrest, saying he was arrested as he left the mosque after evening prayers on Monday.

“Matiullah had finished his prayer and was leaving the mosque when he was arrested by people in two cars,” Samiullah Vessa told AFP. “When Matiulla asked them for an identity card, they beat him and took him away by force.”

Matiullah Vesa, a 30-year-old native of the southern province of Kandahar, has been an advocate for girls’ education for years, especially in conservative rural areas. He is the founder and president of Pen Path.

During the previous Western-backed government’s tenure, she said educational services did not reach many girls living in rural areas. His organization Pen Path held meetings with tribal leaders, called on communities and authorities to reopen schools, and provided books and mobile libraries.

The Taliban government banned most girls from secondary education and women from universities, citing problems with the Islamic dress code for women. Officials said they were starting work on reopening schools, but did not give a timetable.

Vesa told Reuters last year that he does his job with an impartial, non-politician, adding that he is focused on helping communities encourage girls’ education.

According to APE/Reuters/AFP