Salt Lake City, Utah – In a collaborative effort, the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys APA-US and the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, along with the Afghan Prosecutors Association APA-AF, the International Association of Prosecutors, the International Organization for Transitional Justice and Peace, “No One Left Behind” organization, the Afghan Evac Coalition, and several other esteemed organizations to launch a critical campaign aimed at rescuing and relocating 1,500 Afghan prosecutors and their families. These courageous individuals are currently confronting dire threats in Afghanistan and neighboring countries.
The campaign, named “Prosecutors for Prosecutors,” was officially announced during a press conference held at the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office building on June 27, 2023. The primary objective of this initiative is to raise $15 million, with the ultimate goal of saving the lives of Afghan prosecutors and ensuring their secure relocation to countries where they can continue their vital work in safety.
The situation for Afghan prosecutors has become increasingly perilous, as highlighted by Yama Rayeen, co-founder and chairperson of the International Organization for Transitional Justice and Peace. Mr. Rayeen revealed that the Taliban’s actions have resulted in the torture and killing of “26 prosecutors or their relatives.” The Taliban’s grip on power and their release of criminals from prisons further exacerbate the danger faced by these brave individuals, who have dedicated themselves to upholding justice and principles of transparency and democracy championed by the United States.
Expressing the urgency of the situation, Sim Gill, Salt Lake County District Attorney, emphasized, “Our Afghan colleagues and their families are being hunted and killed due to their unwavering commitment to creating a safer, more just society. It is incumbent upon us, as partners in the pursuit of justice, to stand by them and ensure their safety.” Jackson County, Missouri Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker echoed this sentiment, stating, “These prosecutors dedicated their lives to implementing a system based on American democracy and it is costing them dearly. Now is not the time to turn our backs against our partners. Our office, the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and prosecutors from around the US are committed to getting our Afghan colleagues and their families to safety.”
