Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

Barakzai’s Case to Be Investigated: Karzai

Barakzai’s Case to Be  Investigated: Karzai

KABUL - President Hamid Karzai, through Wolesi Jirga's speaker, has asked female lawmaker Samin Barakzai, who has been on hunger strike for more than a week, to choose two representatives to investigate her case, Ibrahimi said on Wednesday.
Semin Barakzai, 32 years old from the western Herat province, had won a seat of Wolesi Jirga last year, but in August 2011, the 'IEC had announced nine MPs including her as failed and declaring other candidates as successful. She was unseated for getting fewer votes in last year's parliamentary election.

Wolesi Jirga Speaker Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi told the Wolesi Jirga session that President Karzai had phoned him, telling him the case of Barakzai would be probed with civil society and media representatives in attendance.

Another female parliamentarian Nilofar Ibrahimi has also gone on hunger strike near Barakzai's camp since Tuesday, vowing they would continue their fasting until the president let two of Barakzai's representatives to investigate the case, while the IEC head, Fazal Ahmad Manawi, should not be chairing the investigating team.
Nilofar Ibrahimi added Manawi could only take part in the investigations as an observer.

Mohammad Barakzai, Barakza's spouse, welcomed the decision of president, saying he was unaware of more details about the decision.

A 50-year-old woman with disability, Halima Qani, also joined Barakzai in the strike at 10am today, saying "We will be with Barazai until she continues the protest."

An MP, two members of civil society and four university students have also joined the hunger strike to support the demands of Barakzai.

Ruling out any foul play in recounting votes for the lawmaker, Manawi told a press conference that they were ready for another recount in front of representatives from some institutions to prove transparency.