Afghan outrage as 18 refugees drown at border

THE drowning of at least 18 young Afghans allegedly forced at gunpoint into a river by Iranian border guards has caused a diplomatic strain between Kabul and Tehran and international calls for an investigation.

Afghan Foreign Minister Hanif Atmar has pledged to use “all diplomatic efforts to bring justice and investigate this unforgivable crime” and said he had held “tense” meetings with Iranian officials.

Accounts of the incident and video of the bodies laid out in the desert provoked an outcry in Afghanistan.

The US State Department said: “Iran’s cruel treatment and abuse of Afghan migrants alleged in these reports is horrifying. We support calls for a thorough investigation. Those found guilty of such abuse must be held accountable.”

Tehran has denied its border guards had any involvement, but has agreed to co-operate in any investigation.

Survivors said more than 50 men and boys were caught north of the western Afghan city of Herat as they tried to sneak into Iran earlier this month. Iranian guards beat them, then forced them into the Harirod river. At least 18 died, while others are missing.

The Covid-19 pandemic has not halted movement back and forth across the 900km border.

The migrants were caught as soon as they crossed into Iran, survivors said. After being badly beaten, and forced to clean up an Iranian camp, they were put on a bus and driven to a river bank.

Naeem (19), from Herat’s Robat Sangi district, said: “They did not drown us close to a village, they were telling each other that villagers would take us from the water. Among us, we had an 11-year-old boy, some 14, some 15 and up to 45.” (© Daily Telegraph, London)

‘They did not drown us close to a village, they were telling each other that villagers would take us from the water’