Statement of the Association of Afghan Prosecutors Association (APA-AF) about the situation of Afghan prosecutors in the PFP campaign in America;
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the APA-US, and distinguished guests,
Today, my heart is heavy as I stand before you, reflecting on the immense bravery and sacrifice of our prosecutors and law practitioners in Afghanistan. Let us take a moment to pause and honor their unwavering courage by observing a minute of silence.
As a former prosecutor in Afghanistan, current spoke person for Afghanistan Prosecutors Association and the Co-founder of International Organization for Transitional Justice and Peace. I have been aware and witnessed the immense challenges and threats that our colleagues face daily in the line of duty. Their commitment to upholding the rule of law and seeking justice for victims of heinous crimes is truly awe-inspiring.
Yet, our colleagues in Afghanistan are facing unimaginable reality. First, from the Taliban and their supporters who have been affected by the judicial and legal actions of prosecutors and law practitioners, especially those who were in prisons and later freed as part of the agreement for the release of 10,000 Taliban prisoners.
Furthermore, thousands of criminals, once under investigation or convicted, have been released by the Taliban since August 2021. These dedicated individuals, who have sworn to uphold the principles of justice and human rights, are now paying heavy price. They are being subjected to violence and torture by the forces they sought to bring to justice.
The toll of this horror is staggering. More than 26 Afghan prosecutors have lost their lives since the fall of Kabul. In the past ten days Taliban arrested and killed Dost Mohammad a former prosecutor and tortured another whose name is not confirmed yet. We must remember that even before the Taliban’s rise, hundreds of prosecutors and those involved in the justice system were victims of targeted attacks and assassinations.
In the midst of such darkness, those who remained in Afghanistan, live in constant fear. They face economic hardships and have been forced into hiding to protect their lives. Some have had to flee their homeland, seeking refuge in neighboring countries, facing financial difficulties and the uncertainty of unknown future. These brave souls are grappling with trauma and the burden of psychological distress. Their basic human rights, including access to education and healthcare, have been stripped away, while the well-being of their families hangs in the balance.
In the face of such catastrophe, they look to us for support and hope. Just as organizations rally for the protection of journalists, our colleagues are hopeful for the backing and support by prosecutor organizations such as the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA-US).
The words of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, Richard Bent, echo loudly, emphasizing the grave danger faced by those involved in the judiciary and legal system in Afghanistan. But we must not merely listen; we must act now to bring them to safety.
The Taliban’s Minister of Justice and their Chief Justice are architects of fear and oppression. They advocate extremist ideologies and have turned their wrath upon the very pillars of justice. They have dissolved the Attorney General office of Afghanistan, Afghanistan Prosecutors Association, and the Afghanistan BAR Association, leaving countless professionals in uncertainty and fear. Imprisonment, torture, and humiliation have become everyday horrors.
Yet, despite this darkness, there is a glimmer of hope. Our prosecutor colleagues in Afghanistan have acquired valuable skills, expertise, and experience over the past two decades, thanks to the cooperation and support of international institutions, especially the United States Department of Justice. They possess the potential to make a meaningful impact anywhere in the world.
Today, let us stand united in our determination to provide assistance to these brave souls who have suffered so much. Let us be the light that guides them through their darkest hours, allowing them to stay committed to their noble profession and the oath they have sworn.
We cannot turn a blind eye to their pleas. They suffered enough — enduring death, torture, and agony of hiding. It is time for us to act, to put an end to this cycle of violence and suffering by supporting them in such a crucial situation.
The APA-US has taken an admirable initiative for launching the PFP campaign for our fellow professionals in Afghanistan and offer them much-needed support. This campaign unites US prosecutors to protect and save the lives of those trapped in Afghanistan. Let us stand in solidarity with our colleagues and work towards raising $15 million to provide a lifeline of hope. This fund will evacuate and relocate approximately 1,500 prosecutors and their families to safe countries, ensuring their safety and well-being.
As we strive for a safer, just, and compassionate world, let us remember that this fight is not just for the prosecutors in Afghanistan, but for all whose lives have been affected by violence and injustice. It is a fight for the voiceless victims, for the vulnerable, and for a better future for generations to come.
Ladies and gentlemen! Let us embrace our collective responsibility to ensure that justice prevails, that those who have fallen are never forgotten, and that the pursuit of truth and fairness continues to be the driving force in our noble profession.
Thank you for being part of this critical mission, our collective efforts pave the way for a safer, just, and compassionate world for all. I would like to extend my special appreciations on behalf of the Afghanistan prosecutors Association from the District Attorney for Salt Lake City Mr. Sim Gill and the APA- US leadership for their tireless efforts and hard work.
May justice prevail and may peace be their shield.