INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Afghan authorities detained 17 International Assistance Mission (IAM) workers, alleging they were promoting Christianity.Abdul Hai Zaeem
Zaeem is the Culture Director for Ghor province
One American citizen is among those held.IAM states that 18 of their staff are in custody
Three got arrested on September 3
The remaining 15 were taken later and moved to Kabul.IAM did not say why they were arrested
But Zaeem claimed it was for discussing Christian beliefs.IAM has been active in Afghanistan since 1966
The group has spent over $40 million on healthcare, education, and local growth
Six women were among those arrested.Christian Faith Sparks Arrests of NGO Team in Afghanistan
Most people in the country are Muslim
Being a Christian is not illegal, he said
But promoting Christianity in a Muslim society is not allowed.BackgroundThe IAM is a long-standing NGO
It has served Afghanistan for decades
They focus on healthcare, education, and community building.The group has a vast experience in the country
Most Afghans practice this faith
event puts focus on religious freedom
It raises questions on the role of NGOs too
Will they be able to operate freely? That remains uncertain.The Taliban took power last year
Since then, many international groups have left
