Taliban issues summons to Afghan interpreters who worked for the Dutch: Report

The Hague: Despite the pledges by Taliban that it will not seek revenge from anyone after seizing control of Afghanistan, a confidential United Nations report has now revealed that the militant group is tracking down people who worked with foreign forces.

As per a report by Dutch public television NOS on Friday, Afghan interpreters who worked for the Netherlands have been summoned to appear in court by the Taliban who have threatened their families.

A letter from the Taliban, which was aired by the broadcaster states that the interpreters are in hiding but their family members will be held responsible if they fail to show up in court "and severely punished to teach other traitors a lesson."

NOS said the recipient, who worked for the EU's policing agency Europol in Afghanistan, was accused of taking "dishonourable and forbidden money" from foreigners.

"We will take revenge. If we are not able to get hold of you, we will settle scores with your near ones," said another letter to an interpreter whom the Taliban accused of being responsible for the deaths of some of their fighters.

All indications show that the letters, which bear official seals, were despatched by the Taliban, NOS said.

It said it had contacted about 10 interpreters or people who had worked for the Dutch and who all said their situation was becoming increasing difficult.

The Taliban in June urged interpreters who had worked for foreign forces to repent but urged them to stay on in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of foreign forces and assured them they would not be harmed.