Taliban Arrests 18, Including American, for Preaching Christianity in Afghanistan

The Afghan Taliban have detained 18 staff members, including an American, from the nonprofit group International Assistance Mission (IAM) on charges of preaching Christianity. The Taliban have imposed strict interpretations of Islamic law since seizing power, including restrictions on women's rights and banning women from working for aid organizations. The IAM, which has been working in Afghanistan since 1966, focuses on improving health, community development, and education. The United Nations has expressed concern over the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.