48 freed from Kunduz, Nimroz prisons

KUNDUZ/ZARANJ (PAN): Forty-eight prisoners were released from jails in northern Kunduz and western Nimroz provinces, with many inmates complaining of overcrowding, officials said on Monday.

The inmates were freed in compliance with President Hamid Karzai’s decree issued on the occasion of Eidul Adha.  

Kunduz Jail Superintendent Maj. Gen. Shah Mir Amirpur told Pajhwok Afghan News that 22 individuals, including two women and as many minors, were freed from the main provincial prison and the child correction centre.

They were accused of murder, robberies and moral crimes, he said, adding that 16 other prisoners had been granted a six-month remission in jail terms in line with the presidential orders.

One of the released people, Samira, said: “I was detained on the charge of a moral crime and sentenced to one and a half year imprisonment. But I have been freed after spending one year in jail.”

About 815 individuals, including 38 women, are being held in Kunduz prison, according to Col. Amirpur, who said they provided professional training and other opportunities to inmates.

In Nimroz province, 24 people including a child were released and 98 prisoners were granted remissions from two months to two years.

Omaid, detained on drug smuggling charges, was among those freed. “I am very happy and want to join security forces next year to serve my people and the country,” he said.

Ten acres of land had been allotted for the construction of a new prison in Zaranj, but they were faced with a shortage of funds, said the Nimroz jial chief, Col. Syed Ahmad.

mm/mud