Ambassador's Remarks at Memorial Service for Judge Halim Hanif
Ministers, colleagues, and honored guests, thank you for inviting me to join in this memorial gathering and tribute to former Chief Counternarcotics Justice Task Force Appellate Judge Halim Hanif.
I never had the honor of meeting Judge Halim. But I feel I know him and what he stood for. Many Afghans and others who have worked with him have told me about his integrity, his dedication to justice, and his efforts to restore the rule of law to this country. He worked tirelessly and in constant danger to bring drug traffickers to court and see them punished for their crimes. His distinguished record at the Counternarcotics Justice Task Force and the events of his tragic death say a great deal about his determination to change his country for the better, whatever the risks to himself.
Judge Halim was born in Parwan Province in Sangjabra District. He graduated from Kabul University in 1971 and earned a degree in Sharia law. He worked as a judge in the criminal department of the Supreme Court for more than 30 years. But like most Afghans, his life was not easy. He also spent part of his adulthood in Pakistan, working as a teacher to escape the violence and lawlessness in his own country.
In early 2008 he became Director and Chief Judge of the Central Narcotics Tribunal Appeals Court. He quickly reduced the huge backlog of cases that had accumulated at the tribunal. He was stern but fair in his sentencing, and he was incorruptible. I am told that he received many death threats and offers of bribes, aimed at changing his rulings. Never once did he bow to this pressure. He rejected these threats and bribes. He did this knowing there were extreme risks, especially for an unarmed man without bodyguards.
His assassination a year ago was a tragedy for Afghanistan but also for his family, including his seven children, who decided to leave this country after his murder for their own protection. For too long those who are honest and peaceful have seen their families torn apart and their hopes for the future dashed by armed criminals. Judge Halim stood against these thugs. He was a pioneer who saw that it is laws, not men, that must rule Afghanistan.
On this occasion it is vital that we not only remember Judge Halim, but ask ourselves what must be done to ensure his sacrifice is not in vain. The Afghan people are tired of corruption and crime. The recent election campaign showed clearly that they want a government that responds to their needs and holds accountable those who violate the law, including the powerful and wealthy. It is urgent that the Afghan government heeds the voters and moves quickly on strengthening the rule of law.
The United States is committed to helping achieve this goal. The Counternarcotics Justice Task Force, in whose service Judge Halim gave his life, is one example of my government's continuing determination to help restore the rule of law. So is the Major Crimes Task Force. Altogether, the United States spent $209 million in 2008 on rule of law-related programs, and another $XX billion on police training. We are proud of our contributions, and expect the amount we are spending to go up this year.
But after eight years in Afghanistan, the American people--just like the Afghan people--are beginning to question our mission here. They are wondering whether the massive resources we are devoting are justified by the results. A recent opinion poll in the United States showed support for the U.S. presence in Afghanistan is dropping sharply, with 42 percent of the American public now saying it was a mistake to send troops. We cannot allow more time to pass without showing both of our peoples that we are making real progress on building a society built on justice and law. Judge Halim’s heroic example strengthens our faith in the people of Afghanistan, and inspires us to continue our support.
The Counternarcotics Justice Center already honors Judge Halim's memory with a bricks and mortar monument at the base of its flag poles. But there should be another monument to the judge, a living monument. I am talking about you, and all of us. I am talking about Afghan police, prosecutors and judges who serve the rule of law and love Afghanistan and who sacrifice for this country. I am talking about everyone who, day after day, works for the rule of law in Afghanistan and rejects corruption.
Even as we have our mutual disappointments and frustrations, a hero like Judge Halim Hanif inspires us in this effort. Success in Afghanistan will be built by sacrifice. His death reminds us that there are individuals in this country who are willing to make such sacrifices to see Afghanistan progress. Let us honor him by matching his courage with that of our own.
I conclude with our prayer for Judge Halim Hanif: “Es-Salaam wa Aleikum, wa Rahmet Ullahi wa Barakatuh.” (Peace be upon you, and the Mercy of God and his Blessings.) Thank you.