A federal judge in the United States has ordered that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national accused of killing a U.S. soldier and seriously injuring another, be force-fed and provided with medical treatment.
According to court documents, Lakanwal has been on a hunger strike for several months while in custody and, at times, has also refused to drink water. U.S. judicial authorities have expressed concern about the deterioration of his physical condition and the potentially serious consequences of continuing his hunger strike.
In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said that the forced feeding and medical treatment were ordered to preserve Lakanwal’s life and prevent further deterioration of his health. The measures will remain in place until he voluntarily resumes consuming food and fluids, accepts medical treatment, and the immediate threat to his life has passed.
Under the court order, the authorization for forced feeding and medical treatment will remain in effect until October 28. In reaching its decision, the court took into consideration Lakanwal’s physical condition and the risks associated with continuing his hunger strike.
The U.S. Department of Justice had previously announced that Lakanwal was transferred to a hospital on July 9 after his health deteriorated. According to the department, he had refused food since June, and continuing to do so could have placed his life at risk.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of killing Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the U.S. National Guard, and seriously injuring Andrew Wolfe, another member of the force, in an armed attack near the White House in November of last year.
U.S. prosecutors have also charged Lakanwal with attempting to kill two other service members who, according to prosecutors, intervened at the scene in an effort to subdue him.
Lakanwal has denied all the charges against him and has pleaded not guilty. His case includes more than 10 federal charges, including murder, attempted murder, and offenses related to the use of a firearm.
The U.S. Department of Justice is also considering whether to seek the death penalty in the case. The legal proceedings remain ongoing, and the charges against Lakanwal have not been proven in court.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
