Editorial: A warning to lesser tyrants

The prosecution of former [1978-79] spy chief [Asadullah] Sarwari is a warning to lesser tyrants who wielded power under different past regimes – specifically the power to kill. The court trying his case received many petitions asking it not to spare this mass murderer. In his third appearance in court, the once all-powerful head of the intelligence service under the Communists raised two points. First, he has been in jail for the past 13 years without due process of law; the implication is that this long period of imprisonment should be considered sufficient punishment. Secondly, he pleaded not guilty, saying he had killed no one. This statement was drowned out by shouts from the audience. A woman holding up photos of her husband and uncle allegedly killed by Sarwari screamed at him. The defendant had twice asked for a month’s break in proceedings in order to secure a defence attorney, but no one dared take on the case for fear of public recrimination. [Sarwari was convicted and sentenced to death on February 16.] Now Sarwari must fight for his life, first in the Court of Appeals and finally in the Supreme Court. The people have decided that Sarwari, as well as other tyrants whose hands were soaked in innocent blood during the Nineties, must face prosecution and severe punishment. Nader Naderi, spokesman for the Afghanistan Human Rights Commission, has made it clear that no matter who these individuals are, they will be prosecuted when their turn comes. In short, those who have committed murder will face the consequences sooner or later.