Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) on Sunday urged the National Unity Government (NUG) to transparently investigate claims against First Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum that he ordered his men to beat and sexually assault Ahmad Eshchi, the former governor of Jawzjan province.

“Anyone regardless of their position should be responsible for what they do and government should investigate the issue and we will monitor it. Some issues are more complicated and are time consuming. We hope that government investigates the allegations transparently and free of interference,” AIHRC executive director Musa Mahmoodi said.

This comes after the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) issued a summons for Dostum, or his attorney, to appear before them regarding the claims. 

However, Dostum has allegedly failed to comply. 

Some MPs have meanwhile urged Dostum to respond to the allegations and clear up the matter. 

“Senior officials should be more careful. If Dostum has committed such actions in the past as a commander, today he is the First Vice President. He should be ashamed if the allegations are true,” said Abdul Wadood Paiman, an MP.

The AGO meanwhile said they are investigating the issue. Dostum nor the Presidential Palace have commented. 

Institutions defending the law have said the issue should be resolved quickly as it is damaging to Afghanistan’s reputation.