Statement by NDP Leader Jack Layton on undemocratic removal of MP Malalai Joya from Afghanistan's parliament

Malalai Joya, in a press conference in Kabul on May 21, 2007 vows to continue her fight against warlords. (AP photo)

"Today, I join the international condemnation of the undemocratic removal of Afghanistan Member of Parliament Malalai Joya who, yesterday, was unjustly removed from her elected position for exercising her right to speech."

"Last September, Malalai Joya spoke at the New Democratic Party of Canada's convention in Quebec City. Her calls for peace and equality for the people of Afghanistan were an inspiration to all. She showed tremendous courage. Those who heard her will not forget her message."

"At the time, she predicted her enemies would try to silence her. She was right and today has been undemocratically expelled from her position as MP."

"Canada cannot and must not sit idly by while an injustice of this magnitude is perpetuated in the so-called democratic lower house of Afghanistan's parliament. I call on Prime Minster Harper to raise this issue with President Karzai.

"Prime Minister Harper must reinforce that free speech is paramount and call on Afghan officials to re-instate Ms. Joya to her elected position immediately."