KABUL CITY (PAN): The Attorney General Office (AGO) said Gen. Rashid Dostum could face death sentence or jailed for life, if allegations that he was blocking exploration of oil and gas in the Amu River basin were proven true.
On Sunday, Dostum, leader of the Junbish-i-Millie Party, was accused of undermining oil and gas explorations in the Amu River basin -- forcing the National Security Council (NSC) to refer him to the AGO as traitor to the nation.
Deputy AGO, Rahmatullah Nazari told Pajhwok Afghan News that they had initiated investigations on the issue after receiving a letter from the NSC.
"Under the relevant laws, if the allegations against General Rashid Dostum were proved, he would be sentenced to death or life imprisonment."
He also added the Uzbek politician would be identified as a national traitor.
A day earlier, responding to the allegations leveled against Dostum, Afghanistan National Front (ANF) head Ahmad Zeya Masood slammed the critics, saying those who looted Kabul banks and rigged elections were the real traitors. Dostum is also a key member of the ANF.
On Sunday, the NSC urged the Ministry of Interior to deploy a 300-member security squad to protect oil and gas fields in the Amu River basin in northern Sar-i-Pul province.
