Airstrike victims’ kin seek compensation

KABUL) airstrike that killed more than 100 civilians in northern Kunduz province in 2009 on Saturday asked the German government for compensation.

Rejecting the German court ruling that Berlin should not pay any compensation, the victims’ kin from the Utmankhel village of Chahar Dara district slammed the judgment as unjust.

Two days ago, a German court ruled the government was not responsible for paying victim’s families. Earlier, lawyers for the victims had demanded a total of $4 million in compensation from the German government.

One victim’s relative, Abdul Hanan, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “We seek compensation for the blood of our relatives and the German government should pay us forthwith and bring those involved in the airstrike to justice.”

Karim Popal, another victim’s family member, said they had demanded $4,400,000 compensation. “Many families lost their loved ones, including parents, brothers and sisters. Most of their relatives are suffering psychologically ailments.”

Asila Barakzai, a parliamentarian from Kunduz, said the German government had promised to compensate the bereaved families. She asked Berlin not to back out of its pledge.

ISAF jets bombarded the area following orders from then German commander. Germany has a total of 40,000 troops in Afghanistan stationed in the north and northeast, including Kunduz. However, this year German troops were relocated to Balkh province.

nh/rm/mud

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