Afghanistan: UN condemns ‘cowardly’ killing of female politician in Kandahar

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) today strongly condemned the “vicious and deliberate” killing of a female politician on Sunday in Kandahar, calling it a “cowardly act.”

Sitara Achikzai was shot dead outside her home after leaving the provincial council in southern Afghanistan by two motorcyclists, according to media reports.

“UNAMA is sickened by the senseless murder yesterday of Sitara Achikzai who was serving her people with dedication in Kandahar,” spokesperson Nilab Mobarez said at a news conference in the South Asian nation’s capital, Kabul.

“Those responsible for this callous act have clearly shown their disrespect for true Afghan honour and traditions,” she said, adding that there is no justification for such a cowardly act.