Fazel Ahmad Manawi, Afghanistan’s former Minister of Justice, has described the killing of seven individuals accused of theft by the Taliban in Kabul as a “summary execution” and an “extrajudicial killing.” He said the act violates Islamic law, the rule of law, international human rights standards, and human dignity, and called for an independent investigation into the incident.
The Taliban had earlier announced that seven “armed thieves” were killed in an armed confrontation with the group’s forces in Kabul’s Police District 8. The group did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement published on his Facebook page on Monday, August 3, Manawi said that such actions are unacceptable and condemnable from the perspectives of Islamic law, legal principles, ethics, and human rights. He stressed that merely being accused of a crime does not make a person guilty, and that the presumption of innocence must be upheld.
The former justice minister added that depriving a person of life is lawful only after a fair trial, the establishment of guilt, and the issuance of a final judgment by a competent and independent court. According to him, any execution or killing carried out without these due process guarantees constitutes an extrajudicial killing and a summary execution.
Manawi also warned that the continuation of such practices, coupled with impunity for those responsible, would endanger the lives and property of citizens while fostering an atmosphere of fear and silence across society. He added that security built on intimidation, repression, and the elimination of dissent cannot be considered genuine or sustainable security.
In conclusion, the former justice minister called on the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and governments to conduct an independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into the incident and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with international law and human rights standards.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
