Afghan Doctors Protest Against Abductions in Western Province
Text of report by private Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press news agency
Herat, 8 March: According to details, hundreds of doctors of Herat Province, the number of which reached 600, went on strike in protest against the abduction of the son of a doctor in that province today.
The doctors, who stopped offering any health services today, accused a number if senior security officials of Herat Province of being involved in abduction and insecurity cases in that province.
They said a number of security officials were involved in the abduction of the son of Khalil Ahmad Yusofi, a doctor in Herat, on Thursday (3 Mar 08).
They seriously urged officials to release Dr Khalil Ahmad Yusofi’s son from the abductors in 24 hours, otherwise they will continue with their strike and will not treat any patient.
The son of Dr Khalil Yusofi was abducted last Thursday in front of his house in Herat city. The abductors demanded 300,000 dollars in exchange for his release.
Nesar Ahmad Mosadeq, the head of the union of doctors of Herat, criticized the officials, and said: It is the fourth time in the current year that unknown armed men kidnap family members of doctors, but the government does nothing to stop all this.
Sayed Hosayn Anwari, the governor of Herat Province, expressed concerns over the current security situation, and strongly urged security officials to take serious measures to release the son of Dr Yusofi.
He urged the doctors to end their strike, and not to stop their health services to the people.
It is worth mentioning that the regional hospital of Herat, all health clinics, health centres, and drug stores were closed in protest against the abduction of Dr Yusofi’s son, today.
Dr Khalil Ahmad Yusofi was kidnapped with his family by unknown men on the Kabul-Herat highway last year, but was later released.
Originally published by Afghan Islamic Press news agency, Peshawar, in Pashto 1251 8 Mar 08.
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