Biden: We are determined to bring imprisoned Americans home
In the second year of Mark Frerichs’ captivity in Afghanistan, Joe Biden called on the Taliban to release this former soldier and collaborator on development projects. He emphasized Washington’s firm commitment to the freedom of all imprisoned Americans abroad.
The US President in a statement marking the second anniversary of an American citizen being taken hostage by the Taliban, described threats to civilians as unacceptable and hostage-taking as a cruel and cowardly act.
In the statement, addressed to the Taliban, it says: “Before thinking about gaining legitimacy, the Taliban must release Mark Frerichs. This is not negotiable.”
No country in the world has yet officially recognized the Taliban government.
Mark Frerichs, 59, is a former US Navy veteran and was abducted in Kabul on January 31, 2020, while participating in a development project.
Frerichs’ abduction occurred one month before the agreement on the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. He is reportedly in the custody of the Haqqani Network, an extremist branch responsible for many deadly suicide attacks.
Joe Biden emphasized in his statement that his administration will spare no effort in returning every American prisoner or hostage held captive outside this country.
It is believed that Mark Frerichs may be the last American hostage held in Afghanistan. He had worked on development projects in the country for a decade.
The Frerichs family has criticized the US government for failing in efforts to rescue and free him. His sister wrote in an op-ed in the Washington Post, among other things: “Mr. President, bring my brother home.”
Biden emphasized Washington’s commitment to freeing American prisoners and hostages while Barry Rosen, a former hostage of this country in Iran, went on a hunger strike two weeks ago in Vienna in front of the nuclear negotiations hotel, calling for the freedom of American or dual-national prisoners in Iran.
Nazar Zaka, another American citizen who was imprisoned in Iran for four years, joined Barry Rosen in this protest action.
Robert Malley, US Special Envoy for Iran Affairs, said that the freedom of American prisoners in Iran is a precondition for any agreement with Tehran.
Source: DW
