For Immediate Release: August 17, 2010

Washington, DC President Hamid Karzai issued a presidential decree today ordering private security companies in Afghanistan to disband within four months.  This decree comes on the heels of serious allegations of corruption and reports of rampant abuse by private security contractors in Afghanistan.  Human Rights First notes that the announcement underscores a need for greater accountability and oversight of private security contractors in Afghanistan and elsewhere. 

Human Rights First’s Melina Milazzo today issued the following statement:
“President Karzai