Austria's Herbert Fritz, 84, known for his ties to the far-right extremist circles, was released on Sunday by Taliban authorities in Doha, Qatar, following nine months of detention in Afghanistan. Fritz had defied Austria's travel warnings and ventured into Afghanistan, which fell under Taliban rule in 2021, aiming to prove its safety.
Upon arrival in Doha, Fritz expressed his intention to revisit Afghanistan despite his ordeal, highlighting encounters with both kind-hearted and misguided individuals during captivity.
Acknowledging Qatar's pivotal role in his release, Austrian authorities extended gratitude, with Chancellor Karl Nehammer emphasizing the collaborative efforts that facilitated Fritz's return home to his family.
Qatar's Foreign Affairs ministry also thanked the Afghan caretaker government for its cooperation, underscoring Qatar's commitment to international mediation and diplomacy.
Despite Fritz's release, the Taliban government refrained from commenting on the matter. However, reports indicate Fritz's background as a far-right activist and co-founder of a banned political party in Austria.
