Taliban Bars UN Rapporteur, Citing 'Propaganda' Accusations

The Taliban have denied Richard Bennett, a UN-appointed special rapporteur, entry to Afghanistan, accusing him of spreading propaganda. Bennett, tasked with monitoring human rights, urged the Taliban to reverse their decision. The Taliban have faced international criticism for their stance on women's rights since taking over in 2021.

The Taliban have denied entry to United Nations-appointed special rapporteur Richard Bennett, accusing him of spreading propaganda, the administration's spokesperson revealed to local broadcaster Tolo.

Bennett, appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council in 2022, had been monitoring Afghanistan's human rights situation since the Taliban's rise to power in 2021. He had previously stated that the Taliban's treatment of women and girls might constitute a crime against humanity. Despite being based outside Afghanistan, Bennett has visited the country several times to assess the situation.

In response to the ban, Bennett urged the Taliban to reconsider their decision, stating he would continue engaging with Afghans both within and outside the country. Taliban spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi claimed that Bennett failed to obtain a travel visa and accused him of ignoring professional conduct and creating biased reports detrimental to Afghanistan's interests.

(With inputs from agencies.)