“Have no information about accusations”: Taliban arrest 18 employees of Swiss NGO

class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>

According to IAM, the employees were abducted from their office in Ghor, central Afghanistan, and taken to Kabul. It concerns a foreigner and seventeen Afghans.

Two Afghan nationals and a member of the international team were arrested at the organization’s office on September 3, and another 15 Afghan nationals were arrested at the same office on September 13, IAM said.

“At this time we have no information about the nature of the allegations against our employees and therefore cannot comment or speculate on this ongoing situation,” the NGO said in the statement. “However, if allegations are made against our organization or any member of our staff, we will independently investigate all evidence presented.”

IAM is also in contact with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the United Nations and the Coordination Office for NGOs in Afghanistan, the statement continued.

Spokespeople for the Taliban authorities were not immediately available for comment.

On its website, the IAM describes itself as based on Christian values, but makes clear that it does not provide assistance based on political or religious beliefs.

The organization has been active in Afghanistan since 1966, when it specialized in ophthalmology and later expanded into other areas of healthcare and education: “We value and respect local customs and cultures,” she explains.

According to IAM, in 2010, ten members of an IAM camp, including several doctors, were murdered by unknown assailants. The incident took place in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province.

Since returning to power in August 2021, several foreigners have been arrested by Taliban authorities. (SDA)

Source: Blick