36 prisoners including women released from Nimroz jail

ZARANJ (Pajhwok): Thirty-six prisoners were released from the central jail of northwestern Nimroz province on Tuesday, when some of them complained of overcrowding.

The prisoners were released in compliance with a presidential decree issued on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (SAW), Governor Mohammad Same told Pajhwok Afghan News.

He said three women were among the beneficiaries of the presidential orders, which also paved the way for a reduction in prison terms of some inmates.

One of the released men, Mohammad Juma, said: “Jail can also be a training centre for an inmate if he/she learns a lesson from detention. Such lessons can also drive down the crime graph.”

Another beneficiary of the presidential decree, Mohammad Sharif, complained of overcrowding. The jail cells had limited space, with 20 prisoners held in a room meant for 10, he alleged.

He said prisoners had to wait for hoursto go to toilets. “We served our jail terms in hot and cold weathers in small rooms. I hope the authorities will resolve the issue on priority.”

Prison DirectorCol. Mohammad Ismailsaid 20 acres of land had been allocated to the prison, but they had no funds for the construction of the facility. The jail built during the Taliban regime has capacity for 60 inmates. But presently, 460 inmates including 13 womenare being held there.

mds/mud