A video of a Kabul University professor is gaining worldwide attention on social media after the academic was seen tearing up his diplomas during a live TV show, declaring that education holds little meaning now that neither his wife nor daughter can study.
In the clip, the professor is seen having a conversation with a TV host before picking up his diplomas from the desk and then tearing them up in front of the stunned news anchor.
Sharing the post which went viral on Twitter on Wednesday morning, Shabnam Nasimi, former policy advisor to the Minister for Afghan Resettlement and Minister for Refugees, wrote in her caption, "Astonishing scenes as a Kabul university professor destroys his diplomas on live TV in Afghanistan."
As the video gained traction on the popular messaging app, several users shared their thoughts on the matter.
"[The] world should not recognize the Taliban as a legitimate government in Afghanistan," one netizen wrote.
"If you thought being deprived of their rights is the sort of life Afghan women should live, you are an idiot! F*** you!," another added.
"Kudos to this man for leading by example and backing his words with real action," a third said praising the Afghan professor's act.
"I don't understand a word this man says but just watching his passion in defense of his wife and daughter is immeasurable in moving women forward in their culture. Much respect and admiration to him! Love it!," a fourth opined.
Meanwhile, some others shared their concerns about the academic's safety in the wake of the scene.
"Heartbreaking - his face shows his distress. May he be safe. What strength to do this knowing the likely repercussions," a concerned user mentioned.
"Prayers for his safety. Much respect for his empathy, support and courage," a sixth summed up.
Taliban Bans Education for Women
The viral video emerged days after the Taliban's higher education minister announced that with immediate effect women would no longer be allowed to enter universities throughout the Islamic country.
The university ban on women dealt a further blow to Afghan women after they were excluded from secondary education by an order last year.
Besides restricting women and girls from gaining access to education, the Taliban has also imposed a series of other restrictions on them.
In November, the movement, which took control of Kabul last year in August, banned women from visiting parks, working out in gyms, and taking public baths.
Among other restrictions, women and girls must be accompanied by a male guardian, including their husband, father, brother, and must wear the head-to-toe burqa when going out.
* under UN sanctions for terrorist activities