Taliban militant's acceptance to Turkish university stirs debate

Duvar English 

A Taliban member's acceptance to a Turkish university has stirred controversy, with the rector of the education institution releasing a statement that didn't refute the militant's remarks. 

Journalist Mehmet Akif Ersoy from Habertürk TV, who has been reporting from Kabul, said that he was approached by an armed Taliban militant who told him that he was accepted to İnönü University. 

"A Taliban member approached our crew. He spoke Turkish. He showed me his ID and a paper. He was accepted to Malatya's İnönü University. He told me that he wants to go to Turkey. He said, 'I will receive my education in Turkey,'" Ersoy said on Aug. 23, prompting surprise among viewers.

The program's host was also surprised to learn that a Taliban member was accepted to a Turkish university and asked, "Is he a regular citizen?" 

"No, he's not. He's an armed Taliban member," said Ersoy in response. 

Upon criticism on social media, İnönü University rector Prof. Ahmet Kızılay said that students from Afghanistan will be registered after evaluations are made by the state's relevant security units. 

"We're following the issue closely," Kızılay said, without refuting the Taliban militant's remarks. 

Germany in talks with Turkey, US, Taliban to extend evacuations from Kabul airportDiplomacy

Turkey reinforces Iran border to block any Afghan migrant waveDiplomacy

Taliban spokesman says they need Turkey the most to rebuild AfghanistanDiplomacy