29 August 2010 - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) today condemned the killing of a fourth parliamentary election candidate in the western province of Herat and the murder of five men supporting the electoral campaign of a female candidate in the same region.

The latest candidate to be targeted was killed on Saturday. Those responsible for the spate of violent incidents remain unknown.

UNAMA sent its condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives demanded that those responsible for the killings be brought to justice. The mission said the killings constituted violent intimidation of electoral candidates and their supporters.

“UNAMA calls upon the Afghan security forces to be on heightened vigilance over the coming weeks leading to the parliamentary elections,” the mission said in a statement. The parliamentary elections are scheduled for 18 September. 

By UN News Centre