Kunduz airstrike relatives to demand compensation - Summary

Berlin (Earth Times - dpa) - Dozens of relatives of people killed in a controversial NATO airstrike in Afghanistan are to attempt to claim compensation from the German government, it emerged Saturday. Karim Popal, a lawyer, said in an interview with the Weser-Kurier newspaper that he was preparing a class-action suit against the government, on behalf of 78 relatives of people killed in the September 4 airstrike. He said he had informed the defense ministry in Berlin.

A German commander had called the airstrike to attack two militant-hijacked fuel tankers in the northern province of Kunduz, where up to 4,500 German soldiers are based.

According to NATO, which later criticized the German commander for overstepping his authority, up to 142 people died, including civilians.

Popal said he had recently been in Afghanistan to prepare material for the case. The lawyer is believed to be hoping for an out-of-court payment by the government to the victims' families.

Failing that, Popal would sue for compensation for the "flawed and grossly negligent" actions of the German forces, the Weser-Kurier reported.