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Abdul Wasi Safi talks with his father in Afghanistan on Friday, April 21, 2023, in Houston, TX.

Months after being freed, Afghan soldier arrested at border is now on a path toward asylum and healing

Wasi and his brother pray for their family’s safety as the holy month of Ramadan ends and the Taliban continues to rule Afghanistan.


Quest for asylum 

Abdul Wasi Safi stands in the foreground of Afghan military vehicles surrounded by HESCO barriers and concrete bunkers.

Healing with scars

Abdul Wasi Safi took a photo of his injured leg after he said Panamanian police beat him and poured insect-repellant powder on his open wounds.

The Taliban’s grip 

Abdul Wasi Safi and Sami-ullah Safi shop for items to celebrate Eid on Friday, April 21, 2023, in Houston, TX.
Abdul Wasi Safi and his brother Sami-ullah Safi are greeted by a friend at the Al Medina market celebrate Eid on Friday, April 21, 2023, in Houston, TX.
Men pray Eid prayers at the Al-Noor Masjid on Friday, April 21, 2023, in Houston, TX.
Brothers Abdul Wasi Safi and Sami-ullah Safi wait for Eid prayers to begin at the Al-Noor Masjid on Friday, April 21, 2023, in Houston, TX.
Sami-ullah Safi hugs a friend as he leaves Eid prayers at the Al-Noor Masjid on Friday, April 21, 2023, in Houston, TX.
Sami-ullah Safi and his Abdul Wasi Safi ride an elevator at the Galleria Mall in Houston on Feb. 2, 2023.

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