KABUL, 27 December 2005 — The trial of a former intelligence chief, who is accused of systematic killings and other human rights violations during Afghanistan’s Communist era, began in Kabul yesterday. A government prosecutor accused Assadullah Sarwari of involvement in the arbitrary arrest, torture and mass killing of hundreds of opponents.

Russian-educated Sarwari had served as an air force pilot under the monarchy, and later as the air force garrison commander under President Daud Khan in 1973. After a Communist coup Sarwari was installed as head of Afghan intelligence for a period of one year.

After the collapse of the communist regime Sarwari was arrested and remained in prison for more than 13 years before being brought to trial yesterday. After hearing the charges Sarwari asked for time to prepare his defense and the case was adjourned for 25 days.

Now 64 and sporting a short grey and black beard, Sarwari served as head of intelligence when thousands of people were killed for opposing the government. Appearing before the National Security Court, Sarwari said his detention was illegal and he had no connection with war crimes. “I ... strongly reject the charges ... (and) consider them a political conspiracy,” he told the court.

Officials said he would be sentenced to death if found guilty. After heading the intelligence network, he served as deputy prime minister and Afghanistan’s ambassador to Yemen. The trial is taking place a week after President Hamid Karzai’s government adopted a plan to address war crimes and other human rights abuses committed during the conflict.

Meanwhile, the US military yesterday gave details of its planned troop reduction in Afghanistan, saying the total number would shrink by some 2,500 from the current 19,000 under a routine troop rotation due very soon. US military spokesman, Lt. Col. Laurent Fox, said however that the 2,500-strong force from the 10th Mountain Division will remain on standby and can be deployed anytime if needed.

“The replacement group that will be coming in will be 2,500 less than what is being replaced,” the spokesman told a regular press briefing in Kabul.