KABUL - Rights activists raised their concerns on Friday over government's decision to probe government employees who participated in the Kabul protest against the beheaded of seven Zabul residents last month.

The seven were allegedly beheaded by Daesh militants after being kidnapped by the group.

The beheading sparked national outrage.

Activists said that government leaders who impose restrictions on the civil rights of citizens are violating the principles of freedom of expression and their commitments they made to the people.

inflicting limitations and restrictions on the voice of people will create a gap between the people and government, said one activist. Such a move could help the militants to make their way within the government structure, the activist said.

"Those who intend to suppress our voice must remember that our voices will get louder and louder. Government is responsible to provide security to the media and the journalists and respect freedom of press," civil society activist, Ahmad Shah Stanikzai said.

"Dr. Abdullah [Abdullah, CEO] talks about Hizb ut-Tahrir, but now government itself wants to suppress the voice of the people. Such moves could facilitate only militant groups such as Hizb ut-Tahrir," activist Zia Mubaligh said.

The activists accused the government of trying to influence freedom of press, but warned that such an action is a clear violation of international laws.

"Why has the office of the chief executive ordered an investigation into government employees who participated in the 11 November demonstration. If the government creates a better environment for the people, why would the people participate in protests and why would people migrate to Europe and America," activist Wadood Pedram said.

"Press has so far resisted against threats posed by the Taliban and also in the way of infiltration of other groups inside the government, therefore, we need to encourage the media," activist Ahmad Zaki said.

Meanwhile, the office of the Chief Executive Officer has expressed its views regarding the investigation of government employees in this manner.

"We were directed to probe the case. Government employees are set to be on duty during official hours and serve the people - investigation aims to make them realize [government employees] they may not leave their jobs in future when there is a demonstration," the spokesman for the CEO, Mujiburrahman Rahimi said. (Tolonews)