(MENAFN - Pajhwok Afghan News) JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Afghan Local Police (ALP) commander for Achin district of eastern Nangarhar province, Bilal Pacha, has been sentenced to six years in jail by the provincial appellate court. However, the court acquitted Pacha's two accused brothers for lack of evidence against them.

Bilal Pacha has been accused of killing and torturing local residents who recently carried out protest demonstrations and blocked the Jalalabad-Torkham highway last month.

However, the protest rally by the Shinwari tribesmen was attacked by a suicide bomber, killing at least 32 and wounding more than 120 on the highway between Jalalabad and Torkham border town.

A statement from the Nangarhar appellate court to Pajhwok Afghan News said Bilal Pacha was convicted after an open trail headed by urban court head Ziaulhaq Zia and two other judges.

The three-member bench were unanimous in sentencing the former ALP team leader Bilal Pacha to six years in jail and acquitting his two brothers for lack of evidence.

Bilal Pacha, son of Jalal Pacha, has been accused of misusing his authority, extortion and killings.

However, the judges said their verdict against Bilal Pacha was not final and could be challenged.

pk/ma

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