A meeting between an Afghan Taliban delegation and European Union officials in Brussels has sparked controversy across Europe, with human rights activists, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, accusing the EU of 'legitimising a regime accused of severe rights abuses'.
The EU defended the talks, saying limited engagement with Afghanistan's 'de facto authorities' was necessary to facilitate the deportation of failed asylum seekers who commit crimes or are considered security risks.
Malala strongly criticised the meeting after learning about it. In a video posted on X, she said she was shaken and deeply disturbed that such discussions had taken place in Europe.
'This is the same Taliban that banned girls from secondary schools and forced them into marriage. The same Taliban that, earlier this month, arrested dozens of women in Herat for how they were dressed. The same Taliban that detains, beats and executes women who dare to speak out or break their rules,' said Malala.
She added that Europe must not legitimise a regime responsible for one of the worst human rights crises in the world and stressed that any engagement with the Taliban must begin and end with the rights of Afghan women and girls.
Malala Slams EU Meeting with Taliban, Warns of 'Legitimizing Oppression'
Malala condemned the meeting after learning about it, saying she was shocked and deeply troubled that such talks had taken place in Europe. | World News
