Uruzgan council office closed in protest

TIRINKOT (PAN): Members of provincial council in central Uruzgan province on Thursday closed the council’s office in a protest against the arrest of their colleague by police, the council chief said.

“If our council member is not released, the office will remain closed,” warned Amanullah Hotaki, the council chief.

He said the council member, Jan Mohammad Popal, was put behind the bars by crime branch police after he visited there to discuss an issue.

He said Popal was arrested for his opposition to taking bribes by police. “Police have no answer for taking bribes, so they opted to arrest Popal,” Hotaki said.

The crime branch chief, Col. Gulab Khan, said Popal had breached the law. He was involved in activities beyond his authority, Khan said.

However, he said Popal had been released, but provided no further details.

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