File photo: AFP

A Kabul-based English newspaper voiced support for China standing up to condemn Australian soldiers’ killings of Afghan civilians, urging other countries to follow China’s example to seek justice and fairness for innocent lives lost.

In a December 1 editorial titled “Convivial justice,” the Afghanistan Times said Afghans welcomed Chinese diplomat Zhao Lijian’s move to tweet a computer-generated graphic featuring an Australian solider murdering a boy, which infuriated Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Morrison claimed the cartoon is fake and China should feel “ashamed” of it.

“The Afghans warmly welcome anyone who condemns inhuman actions which badly affect innocent Afghan masses,” the Afghanistan Times stressed.

The article argues that China's solemn statement on this issue is a "good example," as such a move would give assurance that no country would even think of avoiding putting the culprits on trial.

“The concerning point is that if the perpetrators of such ruthless crimes went scot-free, our people, who suffered a lot, will lose trust in the Western troops,” the editorial wrote, requesting Morrison to fulfill his promise and bring the murderers to justice.