Former Afghan female legislator and one of her bodyguards were murdered at her residence in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, according to authorities. Mursal Nabizada was a member of parliament in the administration supported by the United States that was overthrown by the Taliban in August 2021. She was one of the few female MPs to remain in Kabul following the Taliban’s takeover.
“Nabizada and one of her bodyguards were shot to death at her home on Sunday,” said Kabul police spokesperson Khalid Zadran. He stated that the security forces have launched a thorough inquiry into the event. According to local police head Molvi Hamidullah Khalid, the incident occurred about 3 a.m. on Sunday (Saturday, 22:30 GMT). According to him, Nabizada’s brother and a second security guard were injured, while a third security guard fled with cash and jewels. Khalid did not address queries concerning probable motivations. Abdullah Abdullah, a former senior official in Afghanistan’s administration backed by the West, expressed sorrow over Nabizada’s murder and hoped that those responsible would be punished. He referred to her as a “representative and public servant.” In 2019, Nabizada was chosen to represent Kabul. She was a member of the parliamentary defense panel and worked for the Institute for Human Resources Development and Research, a private nonprofit organization. On Twitter, former legislator Mariam Solaimankhil referred to Nabizada as “Afghanistan’s courageous champion.” She said, “A genuine trailblazer — a courageous, outspoken lady who stood up for what she believed in, despite the risks.”
“Despite having the opportunity to flee Afghanistan, she decided to remain and fight for her country,” Solaimankhil said. Hannah Neumann, a member of the European Parliament, tweeted, “I am heartbroken and indignant and want the world to know!” “She was murdered in the dark, while the Taliban construct their system of gender segregation in broad daylight.”
