Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, is locked in a state of indefinite agony.
At least seven people died and many were severely wounded when security forces answerable to President Ashraf Ghani opened fire on protesters on June 2. The demonstration was taking place at the site of a powerful explosion in the center of Kabul that killed almost 100 people. A day later several blasts targeted a funeral held for one of the June 2 protesters killed by police –also the son of the Afghan senate's deputy speaker — killing at least twenty people.
The massive blast that began the latest cycle of violence in Kabul was one of the deadliest to hit the city in recent years and came a few days into the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. No group has claimed responsibility yet.
The anti-government demonstration that followed it started peacefully and was headed towards the presidential palace. Demonstrators chanted “Death to Ghani” and demanded the National Unity Government's resignation, accusing it of singularly failing to ensure security in the country. When protesters tried to enter the palace, security forces opened fire.
According to the Kabul police chief, Gen. Hassan Shah Frogh, the rally was not peaceful and protesters were carrying guns. He also claimed initially that only one or two people were wounded. Eye-witnesses said that the protesters were throwing stones but were not armed.
The police also used tear gas and water cannon to prevent the angry protesters from entering the presidential palace, and arrested many.
