High Council Meeting of AGO held by Sarnpooh Mohammad Farid Hamidi, Attorney General of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Chairman

High Council Meeting of AGO held by Sarnpooh Mohammad Farid Hamidi, Attorney General of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Chairman

On Sunday, January 14, 2017, Attorney General’s Office (AGO) conducted a High Council meeting with participation of deputies and all members.

Discussion began with request for information of the Audit Department about a rape case in Baharak and Argoi districts of Badakhshan province. Based on the petition from Audit Department of AGO, a woman raped twice in Badakhshan province is against the laws of Afghanistan; the authorized prosecutor issued rulings on this case without punishment of the rape perpetrators. The AGO High Council considered Article 33 of Law on Organization and Jurisdiction of Prosecution and assigned a board with chairmanship of Parwin Rahimi, Chief of EVAW Prosecution Office. The board must review the method of studying the case and manipulation or possible corruption, which hampered the performances of the prosecutors. The purpose of the AGO High Council determining board is to ensure justice for the victim of the case and if there is illegal performance; the prosecutors shall be accountable.

In addition, the AGO High Council discussed the National Mechanism of Timely Detection and Prosecution of Corruption cases. Ratification of the National Mechanism was prepared in (5) Articles by the Counter Heavy Crimes of Corruption General Prosecution Office and presented to the High Council. The objective of establishing this mechanism is to develop coordination between the justice and judicial organizations in order to fight corruption effectively. The mechanism includes rapid detection of corruption crimes and submission of documents to the detective organizations. Expected results of the mechanism are administrations fighting corruption in a transparent and effective manner.

Members discussed the suggestion of the EVAW prosecution regarding assignment of an appointed lawyer and proposing separation of service due to absence on the job. AGO High Council decided to request instruction on the issue from Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The meeting concluded with members of the High Council discussing the request for information of Counter Heavy Crimes of Corruption General Prosecution Office. The request for information on assignment of an appointed lawyer for absent suspects and failing to be present for investigation. The AGO High Council decided to refer a special proposal with justification to the High Council of Law Enforcement and Counter Corruption to make serious decisions for implementation of the law and putting individuals charged with  corruption on trial.