Security Officials Need To Answer Over Funeral Bombing: CEO

AVA_ Shortly after returning from the burial ceremony which was hit by three back-to-back explosions, CEO Abdullah Abdullah, who survived the bombing, raised questions over how three suicide bombers were able to join the mourners, which included high-ranking government officials, former jihadi leaders and lawmakers.

“Security officials should answer to what they have done, the (Kabul) Garrison officials should respond (about what they have done) and what they are doing to ensure security. The part which is relevant to us to ask security officials, we assure the people of Afghanistan that we will not let this go unnoticed,” Abdullah said at a press conference at his home on Saturday afternoon.

“Serious assessments should be done about today’s incident; what were the security measures, how were three suicide bombers able to reach the area?” he asked.

Commenting on casualties he said: “I don’t have details about today’s incident. You (journalists) say that the casualties are high. I also think so. We don’t have the exact figure about this. I hope the exact figure will be shared with the people soon.”               

He said demonstrations are the right of every citizen and that those who fired on protesters will be prosecuted.

“Attacks on protesters and firing at protesters at a peaceful rally is unforgivable and will not be left unnoticed. Today, the fact-finding team will start their investigation into the issue and victims’ families will be involved in this probe. And those who have been negligent in their duties and those who have ordered the shooting at the peaceful rally will be prosecuted and I assure the people this will be done,” Abdullah stated.

He said the gap between the people and the government has increased due to current challenges in the country.

This comes after three back-to-back explosions hit the burial ceremony of Mohammad Salem Ezedyar, son of Mohammad Alam Ezedyar, the deputy speaker of Meshrano Jirga (Upper House of Parliament). The senator's son was killed after security forces opened fire on protesters at a mass demonstration in Kabul on Friday.

Sources say at least 20 people were killed in the triple bombing at the burial ceremony. However, government puts the death toll at six.