Taliban says no women journalists at Muttaqi's presser 'unintentional'
What's the story
The absence of female journalists at a press conference addressed by Taliban leader and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi was unintentional, an Afghan Taliban spokesperson told CNN-News18. The event held at the Afghanistan Embassy followed talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Muttaqi. The decision not to have female reporters present has drawn widespread criticism, with claims of denial of entry.
Spokesperson's defense
Taliban spokesperson says Muttaqi meets women journalists regularly
An Afghan spokesperson defended Muttaqi, saying he meets women journalists regularly in Kabul. The spokesperson said, "Muttaqi meets women in his office in Kabul regularly. I myself do interviews with female journalists." This statement is likely referring to non-Afghan female reporters who are required to adhere to a strict dress code when interacting with Taliban officials.
Women's rights crisis
UN report on women's rights crisis in Afghanistan
Under the "Taliban 2.0" regime that took power in August 2021, Afghan women and girls face what the UN calls the most severe women's rights crisis in the world. Instead of a more moderate approach, the Taliban have systematically expanded and intensified their restrictions on women's lives, effectively erasing them from public existence.
MEA statement
MEA clarifies non-involvement in press interaction
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified its non-involvement in the press interaction after opposition parties expressed outrage over the incident. "MEA had no involvement in the press interaction held yesterday by the Afghan FM in Delhi," it said. The exclusion of women journalists has sparked political outrage across India, with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarify his position on this matter.
Political reactions
Political outrage over exclusion of women journalists
Vadra called the incident "an insult to India's women journalists" and asked PM Modi to clarify his position. Former Union Home Minister P Chidambaram also expressed shock, saying male journalists should have walked out in solidarity with their female colleagues. The Taliban minister's visit is the first high-level delegation from Kabul to India since they took power in Afghanistan in August 2021.