Stomach-churning allegations by Jawzjan Province Governor Ahmad Eschchi that Afghanistan’s First Vice President was behind his abduction, beating, rape and humiliation in custody must lead to an independent, effective and prompt investigation, Amnesty International said today.
The Governor, who was released a fortnight after his violent abduction at a sporting event on 26 November, yesterday alleged that the country’s First Vice President, General Abdul Rashid Dostum, ordered his rape. Afghanistan’s government has promised an investigation but General Dostum has previously denied any involvement in the alleged human rights violations.
“It is sickening enough that someone ordered Governor Ahmad Eschchi’s abductors to ‘rape him till he bled’ and to take video and photographic evidence of his humiliation in custody. But the allegation that these orders emanated from a senior Afghan government official is deeply disturbing,” said Horia Mosadiq, Amnesty International’s Afghanistan Researcher.
It is sickening enough that someone ordered Governor Ahmad Eschchi’s abductors to ‘rape him till he bled’ and to take video and photographic evidence of his humiliation in custody. But the allegation that these orders emanated from a senior Afghan government official is deeply disturbing.
Horia Mosadiq, Amnesty International’s Afghanistan Researcher
“The government’s commitment to look into the allegation is a positive step, but the investigation must be thorough, impartial and independent or it risks undermining the rule of law.
“Afghanistan’s authorities must leave no stone unturned to ensure justice is delivered in this case, and for all other human rights violations at the hands of those in powerful positions.”
Background
Jawzjan Province Governor Ahmad Eschchi was attending a Bozkashi match (a traditional Afghan race with goat and horses) on 26 November 2016 where it is alleged that General Dostum beat him before then taking him to an unknown place. The Governor’s family raised the alarm, but a week into his abduction, General Dostum denied any involvement, stating that the National Security Directorate (NDS) was holding the Governor.
Following Ahmad Eschchi’s release after two weeks, he alleged in media interviews on 13 December that General Dostum had attempted to rape him while he was being held in the General’s private jail in Sheberghan city, Jawzjan. He also alleged that the General later ordered his men to “rape me till I bleed” and took photos and videos of him naked in detention, presumably for blackmail purposes.