Protestors call for open trial of Farkhanda killers

KABUL (Pajhwok): Thousands of protesters on Tuesday demanded the Andarabi Street be named after Farkhanda and those involved in her brutal killing brought to justice.

They urged the government to detain the security personnel who failed to protect then woman and ban amulet sales, witchcraft and other superstitious practices.

Farkhanda, 27, was murdered by a mob last Thursday after she criticised a cleric at a mosque in Kabul for selling amulets.

Ministries of Interior and Hajj.

Numbering around 3,000, the protestors gathered in front of the Supreme Court, demanding public trial of the perpetrators, including the shrine’s custodians.

The demonstrators, including the civil society’s rights activists and residents, chanted: “Murderers of Farkhanda must be brought to justice. We want police officials and Kabul police chief sacked.”

Hamida Wardak, former member of the provincial council, told Pajhwok Afghan News the security officials who committed negligence should be interrogated. “The government must punish the perpetrators publicly.”

Amarullah Saleh, the former spymaster who also attended the protest, said all gangsters who were part of the killing should be openly tried. “All those gangsters who had part in Farkhanda’s killing should be arrested. Let this be a lesson.”

Women’s rights activist Fatana Gilani said: “We want public prosecution of the perpetrators. The police officers who were negligent of their duties should be punished. If the perpetrators of such a heinous murder roam free, such incidents will occur more.”

Political workers, members of parliament, athletes and artists also attended the protest. In a joint resolution, they asked the government to sack the Kabul police chief. “All those who are involved in this crime be prosecuted.”

The protesters also urged the government to rename the Andarabi Road in Kabul as Farkhanda Road. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has announced arresting 42 people, including 20 policemen, so far.

hg/mud

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