18 Arrested by Taliban in Afghanistan for Alleged Christian Missionary Work
KABUL, Sept 17, 2023 – The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have captured 18 individuals associated with an international NGO, including an American woman, on charges of engaging in Christian missionary activities, as announced by the government on Saturday. The International Assistance Mission (IAM) confirmed that its staff members were taken into custody from their office in Ghor province and transported to the capital city of Kabul.
According to Abdul Wahid Hamas Ghori, a spokesperson for the provincial government, security and intelligence forces had been monitoring the group for some time. He stated that incriminating documents and audio recordings were obtained, which allegedly showed the individuals inviting people to convert to Christianity. However, he did not provide additional details regarding the evidence.
The group of detainees consists of 21 individuals, including one American woman. The US State Department acknowledged the reports of the American citizen‘s detention but did not release any further information at this time. The department issued a statement urging Americans not to travel to Afghanistan due to the high risk of kidnapping or violence against US citizens in the country.
IAM released a statement earlier, stating that 18 individuals, including one international team member, are currently being held, but the organization is unaware of the specific charges against them. The ordeal began on September 3 when a foreigner and two Afghan staff members were detained, followed by the arrest of 15 more Afghan employees on Wednesday.
The IAM emphasized that if any charges are filed against their organization or any individual staff member, they will independently review the presented evidence. The organization, which has been operating in Afghanistan since 1966, aims to provide assistance without being influenced by political or religious beliefs. IAM’s website states that the organization respects and values local customs and cultures.
In 2010, IAM suffered a devastating attack in which 10 of its medics, including eight foreigners, were killed in northern Afghanistan. The motive for the attack was a subject of debate, with police suggesting it was a robbery while two militant groups claimed responsibility, including the Taliban, accusing the medics of being Christian missionaries and acting as military spies.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, numerous foreigners, including Westerners, have been detained by the Taliban authorities. The group has imposed strict restrictions on the Afghan population, following their interpretation of Islamic Sharia law, including a ban on women working for NGOs and the United Nations. Additionally, teenage girls and women are prohibited from attending schools and universities, and are excluded from various aspects of public social life.
The recent arrests of individuals associated with an international NGO for Christian missionary work in Afghanistan highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those providing humanitarian aid in the country. The accusation of engaging in missionary activities has led to apprehensions and concerns among international organizations working in Afghanistan. The situation underscores the need for continued dialogue and understanding between the Taliban authorities and the international community to navigate these complex issues.
