Richard Bennett, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, expressed deep concern over the killing of former Afghan soldiers in Iran, including Ekramuddin Sari and Mohammad Amin Almas.
He stated that these incidents must be investigated independently, and those responsible should be identified and brought to justice.
On Wednesday, December 24, Sari and Almas were attacked and killed at Vali Asr Square in Tehran. The Iranian government condemned the attack, saying it would respond firmly to any action that threatens the country’s security.
Ismail Baqai, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said, “The safety of our citizens and of anyone living in Iran whether as a refugee, traveler, or under any other status—is of utmost importance to us.”
The killings of the two former soldiers have drawn widespread reactions. Afghan leaders and politicians have called for a thorough investigation into the incident, with some suggesting that the Taliban may be responsible.
A few months earlier, another former soldier, Abbas Gholami, was killed by unidentified armed individuals in the city of Mashhad.
