US Bombing of Hospital is a War Crime – Afghan Legal Association Head

The recent US bombing of a hospital in the Afghan city of Kunduz has all of the characteristics of a war crime, head of the Association of Democratic Lawyers Afghanistan Kabir Ranjbar told Sputnik. He pointed out that even high ranking US officials called for an investigation of the airstrike.

"The Afghan people are still shocked and are unable to understand why such an undefended social facility was hit. And the NATO command knew that it was a hospital where, among other things, people who were injured during the fighting were treated," Ranjbar said. "So it was a clear breach of rules of warfare. It was inhuman and is a violation of the international law."

He also expressed hope that the incident will be properly investigated by the Afghan government, although he wasn’t sure whether this will be an international investigation or not, and when exactly it would take place.

"We cannot be certain that all those responsible will be punished if this investigation actually takes place," Ranjbar remarked. "Thing is, our legislator's hands are virtually tied when it comes to making independent decisions, unlike the US military and civilian officials that operate on our territory. They follow their laws, not ours."

He added that most of these US officials end up acquitted when tried in court, and that some trials are actually held in the United States which is a blatant violation of Afghan law.

"As a result, the interests of our citizens are not protected," Ranjbar said.