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Afghan police have arrested the former bodyguard of a female member of parliament who was shot to death at her home in Kabul last month, the Taliban administration said on Friday.

The case has raised concern about the security of women and led to calls from diplomats and rights groups for the Taliban to ensure former government officials are protected.

Gunmen killed Mursal Nabizada, a female lawmaker during the previous foreign-backed government, and her bodyguard in an attack on her home in mid-January.

Police said they had arrested a former guard, who had confessed to the crime, but the motive was not clear.

Khalid Zadran, Spokesman for Kabul Police Command, Ministry of Interior Affairs IEA:

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Latest details about the murder of the former member of Parliament, Mursal Nabizada:

Mursal Nabizada & her bodyguard (Ismail) were killed by another bodyguard of her named (Malyaar).

— Muhammad Jalal (@MJalal700)

"Further investigations are underway to determine the factors and other aspects of the crime," Kabul police, who are run by the Taliban administration, said in a statement.

Nabizada had been a lawmaker until the Taliban took over as U.S.-led foreign forces withdrew in 2021, when many politicians fled the country.

The Taliban have said they are focused on making the country secure and encouraging Afghans who had left to return.

(Reuters)