Ahmad Wali Masoud

In the UK Parliament, the 24th anniversary of the martyrdom of Ahmad Shah Massoud, National Hero of Afghanistan, was solemnly commemorated. The gathering—hosted by Wendy Chamberlain MP @wendychambLD and Ahmad Shah Massoud Foundation @HadiSharify. The event moderated by Dr Mujib Rahman Rahimi, featured contributions from Hadi Sharifi (on behalf of the Foundation); Wendy Chamberlain MP (@wendychambLD); Fawzia Koofi (@Fawziakoofi77); Carlotta Gall (@carlottagall); Rahmatullah Yarmal (@RYarmal); Retired Major-General Charlie Herbert (@Charlie533080); Lynne O’Donnell (@lynnekodonnel); and Abdullah Khenjani (@AbdullahAzada). Speakers, in their remarks, stated that Ahmad Shah Massoud’s historic leadership in Afghanistan’s struggle against Soviet occupation and international terrorism embodies the principles of courage, vision, and steadfast commitment to democracy. They stated that Massoud stood for an independent, free, and prosperous Afghanistan—one in which all ethnicities, communities and men and women enjoy equal rights and full participation in government and political life. In their remarks, the speakers highlighted his advocacy of a moderate interpretation of Islam, his rejection of extremism, and his unwavering belief in freedom, and the will of the people—principles for which he was assassinated by al-Qaeda with Taliban complicity. In their remarks addressing the current situation, speakers condemned the Taliban’s inhumane and discriminatory policies across multiple sectors, particularly those targeting Afghanistan's women, and welcomed the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for the Taliban leader as a vital step toward accountability. They affirmed that the UK government must not recognise or legitimise the Taliban regime under any pretext. The speakers reaffirmed the imperative of Afghanistan’s liberation from terrorism and the establishment of an inclusive, democratic system—rooted in the will of the people and representative of all ethnic and political communities. #Afghanistan #Massoud #Democracy #Fr