Foreign control of jails has come to an end: Karzai

KABUL had come to an end with the transfer of the Bagram detention centre to local authorities.

A statement from the Presidential Palace quoted Karzai as saying that the country’s infrastructure had been destroyed in a series of coups that began 34 years ago.
“Although, the Afghans bravely fought every foreign invasion and rendered great sacrifices, each time regional and international conspiracies prevented them from reaping the fruits of their struggle,” Karzai said.

He added the country had seen a prolonged conflict endangering its independence, killing its people and leaving its infrastructure in ruins. Karzai said his administration was trying restlessly since the establishment of the interim authority to rebuild the country and heal the wounds of its people.

The government prioritised Afghanistan’s reintegration with the world community and had been able to protect national sovereignty, the president claimed.

Calling the transfer of the Bagram jail a major step toward ensuring the government’s independence, Karzai said foreign control of prisons across the country had come to an end.

With the transfer, he added, the prison had been changed into a common detention facility from where inmates held on dubious charges would be released and criminals dealt with according to the laws.

He congratulated the Afghans on what he called a big success and appreciated all departments that worked tirelessly to make the transfer process a success.

The president asked the judiciary to accelerate investigations into cases of prisoners, asking jail authorities to improve living conditions, behave well with inmates and respects human rights and Islamic values.

mm/ma/mud