FILE – In this Aug. 19, 2019, file photo, a man waves an Afghan flag during Independence Day celebrations in Kabul, Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool, File)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 2:17 PM PT — Saturday, May 9, 2020

At least six people are dead after protesters and police clashed in western Afghanistan. According to reports, people gathered outside the provincial governor’s office Saturday to protest alleged unfair food distribution during the pandemic.

Witnesses claimed protesters opened fire at police officers, sparking the gun battle that killed four civilians and two police officers.

Meanwhile, protesters argued food distributors are favoring those with ties to people in positions of power.

“We want justice, we want our rights, we want our freedom,” stated one demonstrator. “The government is ruining our motherland, we are protesting to replace our governor (and) we want our rights.”

Afghan Volunteers prepare a free Iftar meal for needy people during the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, May 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

A radio presenter, who was in attendance at the protests, was reportedly among those killed.

Reports stated many Afghans rely on day labor, which has become non-existent after non-essential businesses were closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

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