Taliban authorities have released education activist Matiullah Wesa, who was detained for seven months. Wesa had been an advocate for girls' education in conservative rural areas of Afghanistan. His release came after condemnation from the UN and rights groups. The Taliban administration has restricted access to education for girls and women since taking control of the country in 2021. Wesa's organization, Pen Path, confirmed his release, and actress Angelina Jolie had previously called for his release in an open letter.