Iranian photographer released from Taliban custody, handed over to embassy
An Iranian photojournalist recently taken into custody by the Taliban-run government in Afghanistan has been released and handed over to officials at the Iranian embassy in Kabul.
Taliban Deputy Spokesman Bilal Karimi has confirmed on Saturday the release of Mohammad Hossein Velayati, who works for the Tehran-based Tasnim news agency.
The Iranian photojournalist has not returned home yet but is expected to do so as soon as possible.
Velayati legally entered Afghanistan through the air border and stayed in Kabul for 10 days. He was arrested at Kabul International Airport in the Afghan capital shortly before boarding a return flight home last Saturday.
Taliban authorities did not provide any explanation on the circumstances of his arrest.
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“Intensive diplomatic and consular efforts are underway to return home Mr. Mohammad Hossein Velayati, the photographer of Tasnim news agency,” Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Friday in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani had earlier said that Iran’s diplomatic apparatus was pursuing his release in cooperation with the relevant Afghan authorities.
Taliban swept back to power in Afghanistan when the US-led foreign forces withdrew after a 20-year conflict.
The Taliban continues to struggle with the rapidly worsening humanitarian situation in the country amid crippling US sanctions and a shortage of funds.
Afghans say Washington has started a dangerous economic war against them.
The administration of US President Joe Biden has frozen over $7 billion in Afghan assets since its troops withdrew from the country.
The sanctions have pushed Afghanistan’s economy to the brink of collapse, as 97 percent of Afghans live in poverty. Afghan people and international bodies have been calling for the release of frozen funds that has spawned a humanitarian crisis in the landlocked country.
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