"They are going to kill my parents": demonstration in Paris in support of the Afghan people

Audio 01:15

Demonstration of support for the Afghans, September 5, 2021, Place de la République in Paris.

AFP - STEFANO RELLANDINI

Text by: RFI Follow

5 mins

A demonstration of support for the Afghan people was held this Sunday, September 5 in Paris, at the initiative of several associations.

A few hundred demonstrators were gathered on the Place de la République to say that in France, we are touched by what is happening in Afghanistan.

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With

Laurence Théault

,

from the France service 

This gathering aimed to “

focus energies and attentions

” on the humanitarian drama that has been playing out since the fall of Afghanistan at the hands of the Taliban, according to the organizers, Solidarity and Culture of Afghans in Paris and Children of Afghanistan.

Those present expressed their solidarity with the Afghans for an unconditional welcome of civilians in danger.

No black, red and green flag, no slogan, no sign.

Rahim, 38, just came with the photo of his parents who stayed in Kabul: “ 

It's my father, it's my mother.

 "

Open shirt and suit jacket, Rahim has been a political refugee in France since 2012. He stops at his father's face: “ 

He works for the government of Afghanistan.

In 2012, the Taliban attacked us at home…

 ”

 See also: Refugees from Afghanistan: solidarity and despair in France after the end of the evacuations

If the Taliban find my parents, they will kill them

 "

Today, Rahim is very worried.

He calls out to the French government: “ 

Since the Taliban returned to Kabul, my parents are still in hiding.

We have two neighbors who agreed with the Taliban today, who give all the contact details of my parents.

We already know them from the Taliban and we know that, if they find them, they will kill my parents, of course.

The only thing I ask is that

France continue its evacuation program

.

Like my parents, there are a lot of people who are stuck. 

"

Rahim puts the photo in his jacket pocket.

Since the capture of Kabul by the Taliban, he confides, he no longer sleeps.

 To listen: The feeling of helplessness of an Afghan living in France

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  • Afghanistan

  • France

  • Human rights