Afghanistan's Taleban rulers have closed the offices of two Christian aid organizations -- less than a month after closing a German-based group and detaining its staff for allegedly preaching Christianity.
The offices of International Assistance Mission and Serve were closed today (Friday) by armed Taleban religious police (from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice).
A Taleban guard told reporters no one was in those offices, and the guards have orders not to let any foreigners in.
There were no reports of new arrests, and foreigners working for the two organizations are believed to have left Afghanistan.
Eight foreigners and 16 Afghan nationals working for the German-based Shelter Now aid group have been jailed since August 5th on charges of proselytizing.
The Taleban announced this week that the detained foreigners -- two Americans, four Germans and two Australians -- will be tried on charges of preaching Christianity. However, the final decision on their fate will be made by the Taleban's supreme leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar.
Since the arrests, diplomats from the United States, Germany and Australia have been seeking details of the investigation, trial and possible punishment of the aid workers.