Taliban releases Austrian far-right activist held in Afghanistan

Vienna says its national has arrived in Doha after mediation by the Qatari government helped secure his release.

Taliban Releases 84-Year-Old Austrian Far-Right Nationalist Herbert Fritz

The Taliban has released Herbert Fritz, an 84-year-old Austrian far-right nationalist, who was arrested in Afghanistan last May.

The Austrian government announced on Sunday that Fritz arrived in Doha, Qatar earlier in the day after mediation by the Qatari government facilitated his release.

Fritz’s arrest in 2023 came after he defied Austria’s travel warnings against visiting Afghanistan, which had fallen back under Taliban rule.

Upon his arrival in Doha, Fritz expressed his desire to visit Afghanistan again, despite his recent ordeal. He also shared his mixed experiences with his captors, describing some as “nice people” and others as “foolish.”

Fritz’s controversial reporting on life in Afghanistan, including an article titled “Vacations with the Taliban,” drew criticism and fueled anti-immigration arguments suggesting Afghanistan was safe for refugees to return.

Initially arrested on suspicion of spying, Fritz’s case gained attention after Austrian neo-Nazis publicized it on social media channels.

Austrian authorities, along with the assistance of Qatar and the European Union representation in Kabul, worked tirelessly to secure Fritz’s release. He had been held in a Kabul prison since his arrest.

A founding member of Austria’s banned extreme right group, the National Democratic Party (NDP), Fritz’s affiliation raised concerns about his activities in Afghanistan.

The far-right Freedom Party of Austria, currently leading in opinion polls ahead of parliamentary elections, advocated for Fritz’s release, claiming he was conducting research for a book in Afghanistan.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to the caretaker government in Afghanistan for releasing Fritz and reiterated Qatar’s commitment to mediation and peaceful conflict resolution.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer thanked Qatar’s Emir and his team for their support, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in securing Fritz’s safe return home to his family.

Fritz’s release marks the end of a challenging ordeal, highlighting the complexities of international relations and the efforts required to navigate diplomatic negotiations in crises.