The Ministry of Interior Affairs (MoI) stated on Thursday that Shakila Ibrahim, owner of the Seven Stars restaurant in Kabul, is under investigation. She is accused of flouting the government lockdown rules during the coronavirus by keeping her restaurant on First Street in Taimani running.

Marwa Amini, deputy spokeswoman for the MoI, says that they will send Ibrahim’s case to the Attorney General's Office (AGO) of Afghanistan soon.

This comes three days after the owner of the restaurant insulted a TOLOnews reporter and broke a reporter’s camera. The news team was following up on the restaurant's compliance with the lockdown rules.

Ibrahim claimed that she worked with the First Lady of Afghanistan, however, the allegations were rejected by the First Lady’s Office. (this line is repetitive in my opinion, as it was stated above)

The Afghan Journalist Safety Committee (AJSC) urged the government to pursue the case seriously.

“We urge the government to pursue the case, especially her misuse of the First Lady’s name and her rude behaviour towards the reporter and the damage of the camera. This should be investigated seriously. Furthermore, she must compensate for the damages,” stated Siddiqullah Tawhidi, deputy head of the AJSC.

“Insulting and rude behavior by anyone is prohibited based on Afghanistan’s laws,” said Wahid Farzayee, a lawyer.

Despite the government’s restrictions, Seven Stars restaurant in PD10 of Kabul was operating until it was closed by the mayor of the city after complaints made by the residents and media reports about their violations and inappropriate behaviour.