Advertisement

Gunmen kill female judges in Afghan capital

Two female judges were killed by unknown gunmen in the Afghan capital on Sunday (January 17).

Police say no-one has claimed responsibility for the early morning ambush that also saw their driver wounded.

A spokesman for the Taliban said its fighters were not involved.

Local media said the women who work for the supreme court were on their way to the office when they were attacked.

There's been a surge in violence in Afghanistan despite peace talks between the government and the Taliban.

Targeted killings of journalists, government officials and rights activists, have increased rapidly in recent months.

It comes as international donors and governments express concern on the progress of women's rights.

Gains have been made over the last two decades but as foreign troops prepare to withdraw from the country next year -

there's fears those gains could be reversed if the Taliban returns to any sort of power.