Language

Don't you have an account with Pajhwok Afghan News?

Click here to subscribe.

Washington concerned at release of prisoners

Washington concerned at release of prisoners

author avatar
10 Jan 2014 - 12:17
Washington concerned at release of prisoners
author avatar
10 Jan 2014 - 12:17

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): The United States on Thursday reiterated its concern over the possible release of prisoners from the Bagram detention facility in central Parwan province.

“We have expressed our concerns over the possible release of these detainees without their cases being referred to the Afghan criminal justice system,” the State Department spokesperson said.

Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference they had seen reports that President Hamid Karzai had approved the release of 72 of the 80 detainees under review.

“As you may also know, these 72 detainees are dangerous criminals against whom there is strong evidence linking them to terror-related crimes, including the use of improvised explosive devices, the largest killer of Afghan civilians,” Psaki said. 

The insurgents who posed threats to the safety of the Afghan people were being released without an investigation and without the use of criminal justice system in accordance with Afghan law, she alleged. 

Their release also undermined Afghanistan’s court system and rule of law, because the Afghan people did not get their day in court, Psaki said.

Key American Senators too expressed concern over the possible release of prisoners. “We are concerned by reports that the Afghan government has decided to release 72 prisoners that the US government believes can be brought to trial in Afghan courts,” John McCain and Lindsey Graham said.

“All we are asking is to follow the Afghan rule of law and not allow extrajudicial releases. We made it clear to President Karzai last week in Kabul that the release of these detainees in this way would undermine the rule of law in Afghanistan and have a negative impact on our bilateral relationship in the Congress,” they said.

mud

Visits: 0

GET IN TOUCH

SUGGEST A STORY

Pajhwok is interested in your story suggestions. Please tell us your thoughts by clicking here.

PAJHWOK MOBILE APP

Download our mobile application to get the latest updates on your mobile phone. Read more