Herat TV: A snapshot of key issues at Eid al-Fitr

Programme summary of Afghan Herat TV news in Dari 1630 gmt 12 Oct 07

Home News:

1. 0030 The governor of Herat Province, Sayed Hosayn Anwari, attends Id prayers at Herat Grand Mosque today. Addressing the worshipers, the governor called on further cooperation of the people with the security officials. Video shows the governor addressing a number of worshipers.

2. 0230 Herat Province governor congratulates the minister of water and energy, Mohammad Esmail, on Id days. Video shows the governor talking to the minister and some other officials.

3. 0340 The governor of Herat Province visits the patients in Herat Hospital and provides them with some cash amounts. Video shows the governor talking to some patients in the hospital.

4. 0420 A armed man has been arrested an two others were injured after a brief clash with police in Herat city today. The security commander has said that the armed men were planning to attack some government officials. Video shows the security officials talking to a TV reporter.

5. 0530 A group of insurgents attacked a security check post in Shindand District of Herat Province last night. No casualties reported. Video shows some security officials talking to a TV reporter.

6. 0810 Report on Id ceremonies at Zafar Military Corps No 207. Video shows the soldiers praying, congratulating Id to each other.

[Description of Source: Herat Herat Television in Dari -- state-run television. OSC IAP20071012950087 1630 GMT 12 Oct 07
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Herat TV: Religious scholar approves execution of criminals

Excerpt from report by provincial state-owned Afghan Herat TV on 9 October

The Herat Council of Religious Scholars has welcomed the implementation of the religious penalty in the country. At the council’s [weekly] meeting chaired by Hajji Malawi Khodadad Saleh, head of the council in western Afghanistan, yesterday, the religious scholars approved the government’s recent decision to execute a number of criminals. They described the move as a giant step towards security reinforcement.

[Passage omitted: the council denounces attempt on a famous religious scholar in Herat].

The head of the council expressed happiness about the implementation of the religious penalty in line with the recent presidential decree. He stated the move indicates the government is now fully determined to tackle corruption and crimes against humanity.

He added: This is the pride of the religious scholars in Herat Province, who asked the government a month ago to put into effect the religious punishment and now the elected government has approved their suggestion.

[Description of Source: Herat Television in Dari -- state-run television.  OSC IAP20071010950044 1630 GMT 09 Oct 07]