Support and Solidarity to Malalai Joya

To the kind attention of President Hamid Karzai

Dear Sir,

I express my support and solidarity to Ms. Malalai Joya, member of the Wolesi Jirga, who, since long time, is one of the best examples of resistance of women against Taliban, fundamentalism and defender of human and women’s rights.

Malalai Joya is internationally famous since 2003, when she spoke at the Loya Jirga, accusing many of the elected members of being war criminals, and already this speech meant 4 attempt to her life and many death threats, intimidations and, just one year ago, one physical aggression within the Parliament.

On 21st May 2007 Malalai Joya, 29 years old, is been suspended by the Parliament of Afghanistan after an interview on TV in which she exposed once more the war criminals that are present in the Parliament. She is been also directed the Interior Ministry to restrict her movements to within the country. This means she is not allowed to travel outside Afghanistan. Moreover the Parliament ordered the High Court to file a case against her.

This is hardly damaging to the freedom of expression.

Malalai Joya is very well known in Italy, and since long time many people here appreciate her work and commitment for afghan people. When she exposes members of the Afghan Parliament she is telling the truth, as shown in many reports written by international organization for the protection of human rights like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

For the above reasons I ask you to do your best to cancel the resolution of the Parliament that expelled Malalai Joya from the assembly and also to do your best to guarantee her security which is further compromised after the last events.