Islamic despotism under flag of “Democracy”

(Death penalty for an afghan young journalist)

Unfortunately afghan government founded a large structural “shara-e-ulama” (cleric counsel). for religious fanatics, which are using the governments support. These organizations are always standing against freedom, progress and independent media. They use religion as a tool for their anti democratic activities.

Parvis Kambakhsh a young afghan journalist was accused and has been unlawfully detained for three months for possessing an article, which discussed controversial verses of The Quran regarding women’s rights. Kambakhsh is student of in the journalist faculty in Balkh university and also working for an independent newspaper “Jehan-e-Naw”.

The case was mentioned by Balkh provincial “shara-e-ulama”). Balkh is a peaceful province, located on the northern Afghanistan, where the population are against Taliban and Osama bin Laden.

Religious “shoras” supported the decision of Balkh provincial “court. Maulavi Ghulam Rabbani Rahmani head of the Takhar Ulema council said: "we want the government and courts to execute the court verdict on Kambakhsh as soon as possible."1 Also cleric gathering in Parwans capital Charikar province stressed the need for implementation of the court verdict for the young journalist. Maulavi Muhammad Asif one of the Ulema here said: "anyone disrespecting holy Quran and the prophet of Allah is intolerable and should be condemned to death."2

Now Parvez case became a subject of international discussion and scandal. Afghan journalists , writers, social societies, cultural and political organizations from inside and outside of Afghanistan fighting for freedom of Kambakh

Fortunately, the supporter of freedom and democracy much stronger than fanatics and enemies of progress in Afghanistan. Just in “Kabul Press” an Afghan independent website more than two hindered writers, journalists, and famous organization listed as supporter of freedom.

The Parvez Kambakhsh case is now turning to a worldwide discussion and supporting by international organizations, specially UN and International amnesty.

Spokesperson’s Office United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan responded to this case and he said: “Cases involving religion and freedom of expression occur in many countries and require care and sensitivity in their handling. The pressures for punishment, warnings to journalists, as well as the holding of this case in closed session without Mr. Kamabaksh having legal representation point to possible misuse of the judicial process. This would not serve the cause of justice”3.

Canadian writers and journalists participated to support an afghan journalist more actively than others. According support list, which distributed in Kabul Press site, around 30% are Canadians.

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Jean MacKenzie, country director for the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, which helps train Afghan journalists, said "We feel very strongly that this is a complete fabrication on the part of the authorities up in Mazar, designed to put pressure on Parwez's brother Yaqub, who has done some of the hardest-hitting pieces outlining abuses by some very powerful commanders in Balkh and the other northern provinces,"4

"More than 75 Canadian soldiers have already died in the cause of creating a better life for Afghans, including freedom to speak one's mind, and freedom from tyranny of all kinds."5 Said Canadian Professor

To conclude Parvez ‘s case I think this case is surface of the more deep political issues inside afghan government. Atta mohammad (Pushton) famous warlord was pointed as Governor of province of Balkh , where majority population are Hazara, Uzben and Tajik.

Freedom of women in North of Afghanistan developing. Independent newspaper increasing very fast. Progress on North Afghanistan and incompatibility with South of Afghanistan is the main problem. In this case Mr. Karzai action or idleness is showing his belonging to the “South” than Afghanistan. From my point of view Afghanistan already in a very deep constitutional crisis. Afghanistan need more democracy not clerical Tenerife government system.

1. Kabul Press

2. Kabul Press

3. www.unama-afg.org

4. CBC news.

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/01/24/afghan-journalist.html

5. CBC