LONDON: A number of high-profile British actors and directors, including Academy Award nominees Riz Ahmed and Benedict Cumberbatch and “James Bond” Director Sam Mendes, have signed a letter urging the UK government to provide safe haven to artists from Afghanistan.

The letter, sent to The Times, asks ministers to establish a “humanitarian corridor” to help Afghanistan’s creative professionals, many of whom face repression under the newly re-established Taliban regime, escape the country.

Following the withdrawal of US and coalition troops and civilian personnel last month, it has been widely reported that the Taliban have outlawed music across the country, and that several creatives have been killed by the group. Women in the creative industries, in particular, face a bleak future.

Sir Ian McKellen, star of “The Lord of the Rings” and “X-Men” films, and “Harry Potter” actress Emma Watson are among the signatories, alongside Colin Firth, Keira Knightly, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Dame Emma Thompson. 

“Over the past two decades, civil society has flourished in Afghanistan with new freedoms ushering in a golden age of art, music, film and writing,” the letter read.

“At the same time, political dissent and journalism have thrived in a region where free expression is not always respected. With the Taliban takeover of the country, this rich legacy is in imminent peril. We now have a duty to those artists, writers and film makers who will be silenced if we do not act immediately,” it added.

“We urge the British government to co-operate with the international community to create a humanitarian corridor for those seeking safe passage out of the country.

“We also call on those in positions of influence in the creative industries to help those who have escaped to continue their vital work and safeguard the culture of Afghanistan for future generations.