British Library rejects Taliban archive
August 28, 2015  22:35
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The British Library in London has declined to store a large collection of Taliban-related documents over concerns regarding breach of terrorism laws.

The collection, related to the Afghan Taliban, includes official newspapers, maps and radio broadcasts.

The British Library said it feared it could be in breach of counter-terrorism laws and had been legally advised not to make the material accessible.

"Although the archive was recognised as being of research value, it was judged that it contained some material which could contravene the Terrorism Act, and which would present restrictions on the Library's ability to provide access to the archive for researchers," a library spokesperson said. 

Alex Strick van Linschoten, an author and researcher who helped spearhead the Afghan project, said it was "surprising and disappointing".
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