20 December 2007 - The Green MEP for the South East of England, Caroline Lucas, has thrown her weight behind a campaign to reinstate a 29 year-old elected politician unjustly suspended from the Afghan parliament earlier this year.

The case of Malalai Joya won recognition from the international community when Ms. Joya, an outspoken critic of the heavy presence of warlords and anti democratic forces in the Afghan parliament, was suspended from her role as a representative of Farah province.

Dr Lucas said: “Ms Joya’s battle for genuine democracy and women’s rights in Afghanistan has won her respect amongst the progressive elements in Afghan society. Following her suspension from parliament, demonstrations took place across Afghanistan to show support for her reinstatement.

“Ms Joya believes that the West’s occupation of Afghanistan has pushed her country into ever more destructive chaos, effectively empowering assorted warlords and criminals. Furthermore, she decries the failure of the six-year war to encourage the spread of women’s rights, calling for liberation, not occupation.

“NATO countries should take responsibility for the security of Afghan parliamentarians, given that the ‘democratic’ government which they helped to create is allowing this sort of anti democratic expulsion to take place. For daring to speak out, Ms Joya has been the victim of four assassination attempts, and must travel under tight security.

“I urge the Afghan government to uphold justice and democracy and reinstate Malalai Joya to parliament.”

ENDS