NGO
KABUL: The interim government in Afghanistan sealed the office of an NGO and apprehended 18 individuals, including a US citizen affiliated with the organization
Additionally, the government has shut down the office of the International Assistance Mission located in the Lal wa Jangal district of Ghor province.
The IAM), based in Afghanistan, disclosed that the Taliban conducted two raids on their office this month. They detained their staff, including a foreign national. However, the organization did not reveal the identity of the foreign individual.
IAM said, “The Afghan authorities detained three staff members – two Afghan nationals and one international team member – working at IAM’s office in Ghor province on September 3, 2023.
Meanwhile, 15 more Afghan national staff members were taken from the same office on 13 September. We understand that all 18 people have now been transferred to Kabul.”
The organization further added that the authorities have moved the detainees to Kabul.
IAM expressed its lack of information regarding the nature of the allegations against its staff members. The organization, therefore, refrained from commenting or speculating on the ongoing situation.
However, they pledged to independently review any evidence presented should charges be brought against their organization or any of its staff members.
According to Afghan media, among the detainees are several women, including an American. Abdul Wahid Hamas, a spokesman for the provincial government, stated that the detainees have been held on charges related to “propagating and promoting Christianity” in Afghanistan.
Since assuming control of Afghanistan from the previous government in Kabul two years ago, the Taliban has imposed restrictions, including barring teenage girls from attending schools beyond the sixth grade nationwide.
They have also ordered most female government employees to remain at home and have banned women from working for humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan.
Additionally, women are prohibited from visiting public parks, gyms, or bathhouses, and they must be accompanied by a close male relative during long road trips.
