On the eve of elections in Afghanistan (Saturday 5 April) and following the shooting of two journalists in the country, Kate Hughes, Afghanistan campaign manager at Amnesty International UK, said:

 “The past days have seen a marked deterioration in security across Afghanistan.
 
“Journalists, politicians, election observers and civilians have been targeted in a deplorable attempt to spread fear, intimidate voters and undermine the electoral process.
 
“Despite the violence, this is a historic moment for Afghanistan, with the first ever handover of power from one elected leader to another about to take place.

“Afghans are not easily intimidated and the vast majority of the population want this election to take place.
 
“The authorities must make sure that polling stations and voters receive the protection they need.”

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Kate Hughes

Afghanistan campaign manager who returned to the UK last month having lived and worked in Kabul for a year.
Read Kate's blog on the elections

Horia Mosadiq

Afghanistan researcher originally from Afghanistan. She visited the country for research last week.
Read Horia's blog on the elections