The Afghan Taliban government on Sunday (December 5) rejected Western countries’ condemnation of dozens of suspected “summary executions” of former security forces personnel recorded by rights groups since Islamists regained power.
The United States, other Western countries and allies said on Saturday that they are “deeply concerned” about allegations of “serious violations of human rights” made by Human Rights Watch and other agencies.
Together with our international partners, we reiterate the serious concern of the United States over the killing and disappearance of former members of the security forces in Afghanistan. @hrw And others. https://t.co/lnIPOF5pty
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) December 5, 2021
The US State Department stated that after Islamists defeated a Western-backed regime and regained control of the country, the Taliban’s announced amnesty for former security forces personnel was “contradictory” with the so-called summary executions and enforced disappearances.
The European Union, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan and other countries also signed their names in the statement.
But the Taliban Ministry of the Interior on Sunday denied the accusations of Western condemnation and human rights organizations.
Taliban spokesperson Kari Said Horsti said in a video statement: “These reports and claims are not based on evidence.” “We reject this claim.”
“We have some cases where some former ANDSF members were killed, but they were killed because of personal competition and hostility,” he said, referring to the now disbanded Afghan defense and security forces.
He added that on the basis of an amnesty granted by the Taliban, many “security personnel of the former regime who killed hundreds of jihadists and civilians are living peacefully in the country”.
‘Use filter to execute’
Human Rights Watch released a report on November 30 that recorded summary executions or summary executions of 47 former ANDSF members, other military personnel, police, and intelligence personnel who “surrendered to or were arrested by Taliban forces” from mid-August to Enforced disappearance. October.
The Taliban returned about 20 years after being expelled by the U.S. Army. The U.S. Army overthrew a government that had caused outrage for its cruel treatment of women, its failure to uphold human rights, and harsh interpretations of Islam.
Today’s Taliban leaders desire international respect and have promised that their regime will be different.
However, Human Rights Watch stated in its report that the Taliban leaders have instructed the surrendered security forces to register with the authorities in order to screen relations with certain military or special forces, and received a letter guaranteeing their safety.
Human Rights Watch said: “The Taliban used these screenings to detain and execute summary executions or forcibly disappear within a few days of registration of individuals, leaving their bodies to relatives or communities to look for.”
A joint statement issued by the US State Department called for investigations into these incidents, stating: “We will continue to measure them by the actions of the Taliban.”
“We emphasize that the alleged behavior constitutes a serious violation of human rights and contradicts the amnesty announced by the Taliban,” said the group of nations headed by the United States. They called on the new ruler of Afghanistan to ensure that the amnesty is implemented. “It is upheld throughout the country and the entire region. “. Their team. “
The Taliban demanded evidence to support these claims.
“If they have documents and evidence, they should share it with us,” Horsti said, adding that it is “unjust” to “label the actions of the Taliban authorities as personal haters”.
Washington held talks with Taliban officials earlier this week, which was the second round of talks since the U.S. military withdrew from the country at the end of August.
During the talks in Doha, US officials urged hardline Islamic organizations to provide education opportunities for women and girls across the country.
A US spokesperson said it also “expressed deep concern over allegations of human rights violations.”
The new ruler of Afghanistan (designated by the United States as a specially designated global terrorist) has severed contact with the billions of dollars in aid provided by the previous regime. They are struggling to deal with the rebellion of a department of the Islamic State and working hard as winter approaches. Feed millions of people.
