The Swiss non-governmental organization International Assistance Mission (IAM) announced on Saturday that the Afghan Taliban authorities had arrested 18 employees.
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According to IAM, the employees were kidnapped from their office in Ghor, central Afghanistan, and taken to Kabul. They are one foreigner and 17 Afghans.
Two Afghan nationals and a member of the international team were arrested on Sunday, September 3, at the organization’s office, and then 15 others of Afghan nationality were arrested on Wednesday, September 13, in the same offices, IAM reported.
“At the present time, we have no information on the nature of the allegations against our staff and therefore cannot comment or speculate on this ongoing situation,” the NGO said in a press release published on Saturday.
“However, if charges are brought against our organization or any member of our staff, we will independently review all evidence presented,” he adds.
It was not immediately possible to contact spokespersons for the Taliban authorities to comment on this information.
IAM describes itself on its website as being based on Christian values, but makes clear that it does not provide assistance based on political or religious beliefs.
It has been present in Afghanistan since 1966, when it specialized in eye care, before diversifying into other areas of health and education.
“We value and respect local customs and cultures,” she explains.
The Taliban authorities have previously arrested many foreigners since their return to power in August 2021.
Leaders with a strict interpretation of Islam imposed many measures against the freedom of women who believed they adhered to Islamic law. For example, Afghan women are prohibited from working in NGOs and the United Nations.
Adolescent girls and women are also prevented from attending schools and universities and excluded from many other aspects of social life.
