Hundreds of Afghan musicians given asylum in Portugal - in pictures

  • A group of 273 students, faculty members and their families from the Afghanistan National Institute of Music arrived in Portugal on Monday, where they are being granted asylum. AP Photo
    A group of 273 students, faculty members and their families from the Afghanistan National Institute of Music arrived in Portugal on Monday, where they are being granted asylum. AP Photo
  • Afghan musician Marzia Anwari, right, hugs Ahmad Naser Sarmast, founder and director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, at Lisbon military airport. AP Photo
    Afghan musician Marzia Anwari, right, hugs Ahmad Naser Sarmast, founder and director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, at Lisbon military airport. AP Photo
  • The Afghanistan National Institute of Music said the rescue operation was the largest of a self-contained Afghan community since the Taliban seized power of the country in August. AP Photo
    The Afghanistan National Institute of Music said the rescue operation was the largest of a self-contained Afghan community since the Taliban seized power of the country in August. AP Photo
  • Afghan music students board a bus after disembarking from a plane at Lisbon military airport. AP Photo
    Afghan music students board a bus after disembarking from a plane at Lisbon military airport. AP Photo
  • members of the group during a news conference at Lisbon airport. Reuters
    members of the group during a news conference at Lisbon airport. Reuters
  • Portuguese border police officers check the documents of the Afghan passengers. AP Photo
    Portuguese border police officers check the documents of the Afghan passengers. AP Photo
  • Under the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law, singing, dancing and educating girls beyond primary school are banned. Reuters
    Under the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law, singing, dancing and educating girls beyond primary school are banned. Reuters
  • Some of the young musicians left the commercial charter flight clutching new instruments, from drums to violins. AP Photo
    Some of the young musicians left the commercial charter flight clutching new instruments, from drums to violins. AP Photo
  • Two Afghan boys carrying musical instruments disembark from the aircraft. AP Photo
    Two Afghan boys carrying musical instruments disembark from the aircraft. AP Photo