The Taliban raided the offices of a Swiss non-profit group based in Afghanistan, detaining 18 employees – including an American – for allegedly spreading Christianity, the country’s government said.
The International Assistance Mission (IAM) confirmed on Friday that the Taliban stormed its office in Ghor – located 400 miles outside Kabul – on September 3 and 13 and took away nearly 20 workers.
Three members, including an American, were arrested in the first raid and 15 others were arrested 10 days later.
They were transferred to an unknown location in Kabul.
The Swiss charity – which helps improve healthcare and education in the country – said it was “aware of the circumstances that led to this incident and was not advised of the reason for the detention of our staff,” it said in a statement.
“At this time, we have no information about the nature of the allegations against our staff and, therefore, cannot comment or speculate on this ongoing situation.”
Eighteen non-profit workers – including an American – have been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan after the terrorist organization stormed the International Aid Mission office twice.AP
Taliban officials, however, said the detainees had been detained for “spreading and promoting Christianity” in the predominantly Muslim country.
Government spokesman Abdul Wahid Hamas said several women, including Americans, were among those detained, VOA News reported.
“The well-being and safety of our colleagues is paramount to us, and we are doing everything possible to ensure their safety and ensure their speedy release,” the organization said.
Government spokesman Abdul Wahid Hamas said several women, including Americans, were among those detained. They were arrested for “spreading and promoting Christianity” in the predominantly Muslim country. EPA
The group sent a letter to the Ministry of Economy, where it is registered as a non-governmental organization, and is working with the UN and ACBAR to “deepen our understanding of the situation” and work for their release.
The non-profit organization has been operating in Afghanistan for nearly 60 years and is a Christian-based organization that works to improve healthcare, education and community development.
However, the non-profit organization follows the customs of Middle Eastern countries.
Nonprofits have come under greater scrutiny since the Taliban took over after the US pulled out of the country two years ago, introducing tougher laws.
The Taliban have banned women from working for aid organizations in the country and the terrorist organization has implemented tougher laws against women, banning them from public spaces.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
