KABUL, May 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Afghan Defense Ministry on Sunday accused foreign hands of involvement in the violent demonstrations that have claimed around 27 lives since last Tuesday.

"The involvement of foreign hands were evident from the very beginning of demonstrations," spokesman of Defense Ministry Zahir Azimi told newsmen at a news conference in the ministry compound.

However, he declined to name any country or group. "An investigation is underway and we will identify and disclose the names of those foreign hands and countries involved in the recent unrest after the completion of investigation," Azimi added.

The alleged abuse of Muslim holy book, the Quran, by US military at Guantanamo Bay prison reported by Newsweek last week, has triggered violent demonstrations in various cities of post-Taliban Afghanistan. The protestors as well as Afghan president have called upon Washington to investigate and punish those responsible for the offence.