Afghanistan: Imminent Executions Must Be Stopped

2 November 2001

Amnesty International is gravely concerned about reports that several supporters of the former Afghan King, Mohammad Zahir Shah, will be executed by the Taleban today.

Twenty-five men were allegedly arrested yesterday when Taleban forces were searching for tribal leader Hamid Karzai in Uruzgan province. The Taleban haven't stated what the charges are or whether there was a trial. Amnesty International is urging the Taleban not to execute these men.

Last week, former Mujahideen commander Abdul Haq and two other men were reportedly executed in similar circumstances. A religious edict issued in Kabul in September 2001 reportedly imposes the death penalty for spying. Anyone captured by the parties to the conflict must not be executed and be treated humanely.

"Regardless of the circumstances, murder is prohibited by international law," Amnesty International said.

Visit Amnesty International's electronic press kit on 11September crisis: http://web.amnesty.org/11september.htm

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