Afghan interpreters to share their stories
Branded as traitors, the Taliban has vowed to ‘hunt them like dogs’
They worked alongside Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. Now, they’re fearing for their lives.
Afghan translators who accompanied solders in combat zones, speaking on their behalf to other Afghans during the war, have been branded as traitors. A Taliban spokesman has declared: “We will hunt them like dogs.”
Some of the translators’ stories will be shared at a special information session at Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake this coming Saturday. Alongside guest speaker Joe Warmington of the Toronto Sun, who has covered their stories for years, guests will hear from four interpreters in prerecorded videos.
According to event host Wendy Long, the Taliban “consider anyone having worked with foreign forces to be infidels and are on a hit list, this includes those that served with Canadian Forces.”
The session which runs 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. will hear from interpreters who now fear for their lives in Afghanistan:
Karim – Currently seeking a student visa. He has been accepted to Niagara College and hopes to make Niagara Falls his new home.
Alex – An interpreter with various NATO forces, he is even more visible as a member of the religious minority Hazara Shia. He’s a new father hoping to settle in Alberta.
James – The last interpreter brought to Canada, requiring human smugglers and a harrowing flight. His story was told in the History Channel documentary “I Am War.”
Sahil – Fled Afghanistan after his father was kidnapped in an attempt to reach him. Has been living in a detention centre for the past four years.
Interpreters will also attend the session in person, talking about their new lives in Canada.
Admission is free. RSVP at 905-325-3155 or afghaninterpre ters@outlook.com.