Cologne, 4 July 2002. In an open letter to Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer and the Minister of Economic Cooperation Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, medica mondiale's Political Director Dr Monika Hauser asked both of them today to intensively support former Afghan Minister of Women's Affairs Dr Sima Samar. Samar was charged with blasphemy and has been severely threatened on several occasions.

The wording of the letter has been as follows:

"I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent intimidation of Dr. Sima Samar, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Women's Affairs of the Afghan Interim Administration.

A formal charge of blasphemy against Dr Samar was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Afghanistan on Monday, 24 June 2002, after a letter to the editor in a weekly newspaper published by Jamiat-e Islami, Payman-e Muhajid ("message of holy warrior"), had previously alleged that Dr Samar told a Canadian newspaper that she did not believe in Sharia. The name of the Canadian newpaper was withheld. The writer had demanded that she be given "appropriate punishment" and that the judicial authorities carry out an investigation. After Dr Samar complained to President Karzai, the court dropped the charge on June 24, saying that it was not supported by sufficient evidence. However, deputy chief justice, Fazel Ahmad Manawi, was quoted by the BBC as saying "Maybe, if we get stronger evidence, we will reopen the case".

The blasphemy charge is connected to reports of political repression and threats during the loya jirga. During the loya jirga, Dr Samar and other female delegates were targeted for intimidation on several occasions. According to Human Rights Watch, the blasphemy allegation was repeatedly highlighted by warlords threatening Dr Samar and helped to marginalize Dr Samar during and after the loya jirga.

I urge you to call on President Karzai to carry through on his promise to investigate all cases of intimidation during the loya jirga, and to ensure security for those who report such abuses.

Dr Samar has recently been appointment as President of the Human Rights Commission of Afghanistan. We count on the German government to support Dr Samar's new mandate and urge President Karzai to ensure that she will be able to carry out her functions in a climate of peace, security and respect for human rights."

 

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