A former Afghan female legislator and one of her bodyguards have been killed at her residence in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, authorities have said.
In the United States-backed government that was disposed by the Taliban in August 2021, the now deceased Mursal Nabizada served as a member of parliament. She was one of the few female lawmakers who continued to serve in Kabul after the Taliban took control.
“Nabizada, along with one of her bodyguards, was shot dead at her house,” Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran said on Sunday January 15.
“The security forces have started a serious investigation into the incident,” he added.
According to the chief of the local police, Molvi Hamidullah Khalid, the incident occurred at 3am on Sunday (22:30 GMT on Saturday).
According to him, Nabizada’s brother and another security guard were injured, while a third security guard fled the scene with money and jewelry.
Former top official in Afghanistan’s former Western-backed government ,Abdullah Abdullah expressed his sorrow over Nabizada’s death and expressed hope that those responsible would be held accountable. She was a “representative and servant of the people,” according to him.
Nabizada was elected in 2019 to represent Kabul. She was a member of the parliamentary defence commission and worked at a private nongovernmental group, the Institute for Human Resources Development and Research.
Mariam Solaimankhil, a former lawmaker, referred to Nabizada as a “fearless champion for Afghanistan” on Twitter.
“A true trailblazer – strong, outspoken woman who stood for what she believed in, even in the face of danger,” she wrote.
“Despite being offered the chance to leave Afghanistan, she chose to stay and fight for her people,” Solaimankhil added.
Member of the European Parliament Hannah Neumann also tweeted: “I am sad and angry and want the world to know!”
“She was killed in darkness, but the Taliban build their system of gender apartheid in full daylight.”
Author-Roberta Appiah
