The Human Rights Watch (HRW) on the second anniversary of journalist Yama Siawash’s killing urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) address serious crimes by all parties to the conflict.
It stated that the ICC can resume now its investigation in Afghanistan and it should include even former Afghan government officials, who may be responsible, under its ambit. HRW added that all attacks on journalists, activists, and other civilians should be at the forefront of any investigation.
Two years ago today, former Tolo News TV presenter Yama Siawash was killed in a car bombing on November 7, 2020, moments after he climbed into a government-owned vehicle in Kabul. Siawash had uncovered corruption and exposed the shortcomings of then-President Ashraf Ghani’s government.
HRW stated that even the former Afghanistan government had failed to investigate the matter thoroughly or punish the perpetrators.
“In April 2021, Afghan authorities claimed to have arrested 11 suspects who had allegedly confessed to the bombing and other crimes. None of the 11 were prosecuted. A parliamentary inquiry concluded that the authorities also failed to carry out a forensic investigation and preserve critical evidence from the scene of the attack, including the remains of the car,” HRW stated.
The rights group stated that with the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, access to justice has further narrowed as the group has dismantled the justice system and continues to carry out serious abuses against journalists.
