Afghanistan – Killing of Supreme Court judges (17 January 2021)

France utterly condemns the killing of two female judges of Afghanistan’s Supreme Court in Kabul on 17 January. It extends its condolences to the victims’ families and close friends and wishes the injured a speedy recovery. The perpetrators of this cowardly, heinous attack will have to be prosecuted and sentenced.

The attack, both against justice and the place of Afghan women and their contribution to justice and peace, is the latest in a series of killings targeting members of civil society, elected representatives, civil servants, journalists and defenders of human rights and women’s rights, who embody Afghanistan’s democratic achievements.

France reaffirms its solidarity with the Afghan people and authorities as they confront the scourge of terrorism. It calls for an immediate ceasefire and for all those sincerely committed to working for peace in Afghanistan to ensure that civilians are protected.