Afghan Teacher in Sweden Suspended for Supporting Taliban on Girls' Education

Swedish media reported that an Afghan citizen working as a teacher in a Swedish school has been suspended from his duties due to his support for the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

The reports, published on Monday, March 10, emerged after the teacher expressed support in an interview with Afghan media for the prohibition on girls' education. He stated: "The previous government of Afghanistan made a mistake when it allowed girls to go to school."

Swedish outlets did not name the individual, but sources identified him as Ahmad Khan Andar, a former officer during the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan era under the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA). Andar has come under legal scrutiny in Sweden for his pro-Taliban statements. He also criticized the promotion of Western culture under the prior Afghan government.

Swedish authorities expressed concern over his remarks. In response to questions from Swedish television, Andar clarified that his views pertain solely to the situation in Afghanistan and that he does not discuss politics with his students in Sweden.

Western countries have previously pursued legal action against some Taliban supporters.