Susanna Reid has hit out at contradictory words and actions from the Taliban on Good Morning Britain.
Speaking on a video link live from Doha in Qatar, Dr Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for the Taliban, was interviewed by Susanna and co-presenter Ben Shephard from the ITV studios in London.
The Taliban spokesperson told Good Morning Britain that the organisation would be offering safe passage to those wanting to leave Afghanistan.
Dr Shaheen also denied that there would be a policy of revenge and reprisals against those in Afghanistan who had worked with Western forces or the previous Afghan government over the last two decades.
However, Susanna noted reports from Afghanistan of killings and arrests done by the Taliban in recent days that contradict this.
“There is no retaliation, that is our policy,” claimed Dr Shaheen, stating they had promoted a “general amnesty”.
Susanna pushed, however, saying: “You might have a policy which you can express out in Doha but that it is not being adhered to by Taliban fighters on the ground in Afghanistan.”
Ben Shephard questioned Dr Shaheen on the issue of women’s rights in Afghanistan.
Dr Shaheen claimed: “They can continue their jobs, their work and continue to study and have access to education. There is no problem with that.”
However, the spokesperson called on women to recognise the practices of Islam and wear a hijab.
Susanna recalled cases of female professionals being mistreated by the Taliban, including a journalist prevented from going to work and another woman beaten at Kabul airport.
She described Dr Shaheen’s words and reports from the ground in Afghanistan as showing a “discrepancy”, however, Dr Shaeen claimed this was not the policy.
Ben asked if he was offering a “polished view” of what the Taliban is but that some supporters are taking a harder line that he also needs to keep happy.
“I’m just explaining to you a policy and this policy should be followed and implemented by me up until our foot soldiers,” commented Dr Shaheen.
He added: “Everyone should follow it and implement it.”
Dr Shaheen noted that there may be “incidents” that do not reflect policies and likened it to some events in the UK.
The spokesperson claimed that the Taliban is searching for “stability” in Afghanistan.
He also claimed that the Taliban would not allow terror groups in the country, including Al-Qaeda.
Ben noted that viewers were distressed to see Good Morning Britain give airtime to the Taliban and asked Dr Shaheen how they were going to prove concerns wrong.
Dr Shaheen noted a “bias” against the Taliban but noted that they were fighting for the “liberation” of Afghanistan and despite different cultures, they want the best for their country.
However, Susanna called out the oppressive and violent tactics used by the Taliban and continue to appear as a “serious threat” to many despite Dr Shaheen’s comments.
“People will make up their own minds, Dr Shaheen,” concluded Susanna.
*Good Morning Britain airs on weekday mornings from 6am to 9am on ITV with past episodes on ITV Hub.
