FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Redeem the Oppressed Launches Urgent Rescue Mission for Afghan Human Rights Activists

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

*Operation Lifeline aims to evacuate and resettle at-risk activists in the face of Taliban terror*

PHOENIX, AZ – July 31, 2023 – Non-profit organization Redeem the Oppressed has launched Operation Lifeline, an urgent mission to rescue and resettle human rights activists in Afghanistan who are in grave danger following the Taliban’s return to power.

The primary subjects of the operation are “Farid” and “Zarif”,  Senior Protocol Officers for the former President of Afghanistan, dedicated social, women and human rights activists based in Kabul. Their high government positions and work with various human rights organizations and awareness campaigns has made them targets for the Taliban, forcing them into hiding for the past two years.

“We are horrified of the Taliban, our family members and 24 members of our organization have been murdered or have gone missing… We are facing death, never able to stay in a spot for too long and separated from my family for 2 years now. You are our last hope,” said Farid.

The non-profit organization, Redeem the Oppressed, issues a call for public donations and assistance in disseminating information. The funds that Operation Lifeline raises are earmarked for covering evacuation costs, which include travel expenses, legal fees, visas, and resettlement costs in safer countries. Each dollar that is donated has the potential to significantly contribute to these costs, and even minor contributions can have a substantial impact.

In addition to financial contributions, individuals have the opportunity to engage by contacting their local leaders, offering volunteer services, organizing local fundraising events, advocating on social media, among other activities. The campaign page, Operation Lifeline: https://redeemtheoppressed.org/operation-lifeline-rescue-farid-and-fellow-activists-from-taliban-terror/, provides more information and a platform for donations.

Finally, there is an opportunity to interview Farid and Zarif, provided that proper security measures are in place. This includes blurring their faces and altering their voices to ensure their safety. This is a unique chance to hear their stories firsthand and shed light on the dire situation they are facing.

Redeem the Oppressed is a 501c3 non-profit charity (EIN: 88-3069203) with a proven track record of success and a commitment to transparency. Over the years, the organization has accomplished significant feats such as providing healthcare to internally displaced people, rescuing hundreds of victims during the 2010 Pakistan floods, campaigning against the abuse of blasphemy laws, rescuing and reuniting abducted women and girls with their families, and freeing over 35,000 people from slavery, among others. They have partnered with Rise Agenda and Forcefield NFP to ensure the success of Operation Lifeline.

**Media Contact Information**

For telephone or video interviews with Farid and Zarif under the aforementioned conditions, as well as for inquiries via email and written correspondence, or to arrange an interview with our Executive Director or Rescue Team Coordinator , please contact:

– Max Gibson – Board President, Redeem the Oppressed

– Phone: +1 (619) 780-4648

– Email: mosheh@redeemtheoppressed.org

For telephone or video interviews, please reach out to:

– Philip Stebbing – Independent Spokesperson for Farid and Zarif

– Phil is a producer, director, cameraman, and editor with over 30 years of experience in the film industry. He has worked on award-winning productions for British broadcasters, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic. He has been personally connected to Farid from before the West’s withdrawal from Afghanistan up until now.

– Phone: +64273051382 – Email: philipstebbing@gmail.com

The preferred method of communication should be specified when initiating contact.