Asmatullah Rohani

Asmatullah Rohani was an esteemed Afghan judge, educator, and a fervent activist for human rights, democracy, and social justice. Born on August 3, 1937, in Balkh, Afghanistan, to Hamdullah, a judge in Northern Mazar-e Sharif province, Rohani was part of the Yousufzia tribe in Eastern Kunar Province. He completed his primary education at Shiah Koat Ahdad primary school in Nangarhar province and graduated from Madrassah Imam Abu Hanifa in Kabul in 1957. Rohani furthered his education with a BA in Islamic law from Kabul University in 1961, followed by studies in international law in Australia and Japan. His professional career was marked by his role as a Supreme Court judge in Afghanistan and his part-time teaching at Kabul University's faculty of Islamic law. A survivor of an assassination attempt in 1987, Rohani documented human rights abuses and was a vocal critic of the Soviet Armed Forces' actions in Afghanistan. After fleeing to Pakistan, he continued his advocacy work, which included engagements with the US Congress and Voice of America. Rohani's literary contributions include several books written in Pashto, reflecting his deep commitment to justice and education. He passed away on September 24, 2017, in Guelph, Ontario, leaving behind a legacy of judicial integrity and human rights activism.