US House Foreign Affairs Chairman Criticizes Taliban Suppression of Women, Backs Crimes Against Humanity Probe
WASHINGTON (Afghan Verified) -- Brian Mast, chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the Taliban on Thursday for suppressing Afghan women and girls, including bans on work and education as well as requirements for full body coverage.
Mast made the remarks during a committee session attended by Afghan female students. He described the policies as brutal and voiced support for a congressional bill that would require the State Department to investigate and report whether Taliban restrictions on women and girls constitute crimes against humanity, torture or gross human rights violations.
"Every day of delay means more suffering for women and girls in Afghanistan," Mast said, according to Amu TV, adding that the Taliban's behavior was tied to their religion.
US Representative Randy Fine, speaking at the session, called the Taliban an "evil and violent regime" that repugnantly suppresses women under the guise of religion, per Afghanistan International.
Amu TV also reported Mast highlighting a separate Senate bill, dubbed the "Ban on Paying Taxpayers' Money to Terrorists," aimed at preventing US taxpayer funds from reaching the Taliban, citing concerns over aid potentially benefiting the group.
The session underscored ongoing US congressional scrutiny of Taliban policies toward women amid broader efforts to impose accountability.
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Where reports agree
- Brian Mast spoke in US House Foreign Affairs Committee session criticizing Taliban suppression of women/girls including bans on education/work and full coverage
- The bill mandates State Department report on Taliban actions against women and potential classification as crimes against humanity/torture/human rights violations
- Afghan female students attended the session
Where reports differ
- Exact number/names of Afghan students: 'a number' (Afghanistan International) vs. three named (Hamira, Zahra, Taiba) (Amu TV)
- Randy Fine's statements reported only in Afghanistan International
- Mast's phrasing on religion and Biden withdrawal only in Amu TV
- Amu TV mentions separate Senate aid ban bill not in Afghanistan International
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