Former Taliban Spokesman Shot Dead
November 28, 2008
NANGARHAR, Afghanistan; (RFE/RL) -- Unknown gunmen in Afghanistan are reported to have shot dead a former Taliban spokesman, Abdul Haq Haqiq, also known as Dr. Hanif.
The shooting occurred overnight on November 27 in the Chaparhar district of eastern Nangarhar Province.
Chaparhar district police chief Saied Muhammad Pahlawan told an RFE/RL correspondent that three of Haqiq's cousins were also killed in the shooting.
There has been no claim of responsibility so far.
Haqiq was arrested by Afghan security forces two years ago and was recently relased from custody.
Earlier this week, Haqiq appeared at a press confrence and urged Taliban militants not to attack journalists.
He also rejected Pakistani news reports suggesting he had been granted a high position in the Afghan government.
Sher Shah Hamdard of Radio Free Afghanistan reported from Nangarhar