KABUL, 24 August 2004 — Three Americans on trial for kidnapping and torturing civilians in Afghanistan offered evidence yesterday intended to prove that Afghan authorities approved of their anti-terrorism activities. In a video played to the court, former Afghan security adviser and Education Minister Yunus Qanuni congratulated the head of the US group, Jonathan K. Idema, for capturing suspected terrorists in the war-torn country. In the videotape, the Afghan official also promised to provide security assistance to the Americans.
Qanuni recently resigned from both his posts so he could contest the planned presidential election against incumbent Hamid Karzai on Oct. 9. Four Afghans alleged to have been accomplices are on trial with the three Americans.
The group was arrested July 5 after officials said they had jailed and tortured civilians at a private prison and conducted unauthorized counterterrorism activities in Kabul.
Idema has told the court he has proof that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and Central Intelligence Agency knew of the private counterterrorism activities. However, he claimed the videotapes containing this evidence were destroyed by the FBI.
Last week, Judge Abdul Baset Bakhtyari accused the defendants, who face up to 20 years in prison if convicted, of presenting themselves as official US representatives in Afghanistan. Idema has denied allegations that the group tortured prisoners.
He said that on Sunday he provided evidence indicating that he had obtained direct permission from Defense Minister Mohammad Qassim Fahim to arrest “the guys”, but the court did not allow him to present the evidence.
Meanwhile, a group of 12 challengers to Karzai yesterday threatened to boycott unless he resigns, giving up an office they say gives him an unfair advantage.
Qanuni, regarded as strongest of the 17 candidates challenging Karzai in the election, was among those demanding Karzai step down to create a more level playing field.
“If by Wednesday, Karzai and his Cabinet do not resign, then we will consider boycotting the elections,” candidate Latif Pedram a news conference.
An interim council should be set up to run the country until an elected government can be formed, said Pedram, flanked by fellow candidates including Qanuni.
Karzai holds an unfair advantage as the incumbent and is favored by the international community because he has US backing, they said. Karzai was out of town on an official visit to Pakistan. The group accused the UN-Afghan Joint Electoral Management Body of being biased in Karzai’s favor.
