Pregnant New Zealand journalist who was helped by the Taliban, not her own country

Pregnant New Zealand journalist Charlotte Bellis said in a column that quarantine laws prevented her from returning to her homeland, after which she had to seek help from the Afghan Taliban.

Pregnant New Zealand journalist who was helped by the Taliban, not her own country
Pregnant New Zealand journalist who was helped by the Taliban, not her own country

CCR News,

Charlotte Bells gained global attention when she asked Taliban leaders about their treatment of women and girls (Photo by Charlotte Bells / Instagram Account)

Charlotte Bellis, a pregnant New Zealand journalist, said quarantine laws prevented her from returning to her homeland, prompting her to turn to the Afghan Taliban for help.

Bells published a column in the New Zealand Herald on Saturday in which he described it as "barbaric irony" that he had once asked the Taliban about the treatment of women and now he is asking his government to do the same. Asking questions


Bells wrote in his column: "When the Taliban offer you, a pregnant, unmarried woman, safe haven, you know your situation has deteriorated."

Chris Hopkins, the minister for New Zealand's Cove 19, told the Herald that his office had instructed authorities to see if they had taken appropriate action in the Bells case.

New Zealand has managed to keep the spread of the corona virus to a minimum. According to national rules, returning citizens are required to spend 10 days in isolated quarantine hotels run by the military, leaving thousands stranded in various countries seeking to return.

Chris Bunny, co-head of New Zealand's quarantine system


The stories of citizens stranded abroad in dire straits have embarrassed Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her government.


Bells, who worked for Al Jazeera last year, was covering the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.


Bellis gained international attention when he asked Taliban leaders about their treatment of women and girls.

Bells said in a column that when she returned to Qatar in September, she found out she was pregnant. She described her pregnancy as a "miracle" because doctors said she could not have children.

According to Bellis, she is expecting a baby girl in May. She added in the column that she moved to her native Belgium with her partner, Holbrooke, but could not stay long because she was not a resident there.

He said the two had only Afghan visas Person, so when he spoke to  the senior Taliban leaders, they assured him that they would be very safe if they came to The Afghanistan.

According tothe   Bellis, Taliban Govmt Person told him to just tell people that you are married? and if the situation worsens? then call us and don't worry.

Bells added that he had sent 59 documents to New Zealand authorities in Afghanistan but his request for an emergency return had been rejected.

Chris Bunny, co-head of New Zealand's quarantine system, told the Herald that Bell's emergency request was not conditional on him traveling within 14 days.

He said staff-had contacted Bells about another request, which would be-as needed.

Bells, said after  talking to the lawyers, and  politicians and public relations people's in New Zealand, his case seems to be moving toforward again but he has-not yet been approved to-go home.