Afghan Attorney General Gets the Boot from Karzai

The BBC's Martin Patience in Kabul, says Mr Sabet "is a controversial figure known for his anti-corruption drive across the country - a stance that made him some powerful enemies."

Abdul Jabar Sabit , Afghanistan’s Attorney General Photo courtesy: State Department

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai has dismissed his attorney general after an announcement that Attorney-General Abdul Jabbar Sabit would run for the presidency in elections next year. The BBC reports that Mr Karzai said the post of attorney general needed to be free from "political influences".

But Sabet calls foul on that, saying his removal itself was unconstitutional. He said the President knew he would not be able to compete with him in the presidential election.

The controversy lands as a government reshuffle in Afghanistan is predicted. Karzai said, "Attorney general is one of the key positions in Afghanistan's government, and it should be impartial and make decisions freely without any political interference or personal interest."

"[Mr Sabet's] announcement to run in the next presidential election means he has resigned from his current post." the BBC reported.

But A.G. Sabet told The Associated Press during a news conference Wednesday, that he had not resigned and was "forced to leave the office". Sabet went so far as to say that Karzai was "afraid" of his candidacy.

The BBC's Martin Patience in Kabul, says Mr Sabet "is a controversial figure known for his anti-corruption drive across the country - a stance that made him some powerful enemies."

Sabet also faced criticism for failing to prosecute a prominent warlord over kidnap allegations despite saying that he would pursue the case, a BBC correspondent says.