UN says Afghan intelligence arrested 2 staff

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan said two of its Afghan male staff members were detained by the country's intelligence agency in Herat and that it had not been allowed to see them for two days.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said the staff members were detained on Sunday, 9 August, by officials of the de facto General Directorate of Intelligence. UNAMA said it had not been told the charges against them and had not been permitted to see them.

The Afghan government did not immediately respond when AFP asked for comment on the arrests in the western province.

UNAMA called on the authorities to ensure compliance with the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its officials.

Multiple UN agencies operate across Afghanistan in areas including health and humanitarian response. This week, UNAMA published a report recommending that the authorities clarify rules on the use of force, arrest and detention by security institutions and strengthen accountability.

Afghanistan has been governed for almost five years by Taliban authorities, which rule according to a strict interpretation of Islamic law. Afghan women are banned from UN premises, including women who are UN staff.