Gen. Paikan handed over to NDS, not released

KABUL (Pajhwok): Gen. Zamarai Paikan sentenced to eight years in jail has been freed following efforts by acting Defence Minister Gen. Bismillah Mohammadi, according to some sources.

But the Prisoners Affairs Management Authority said Paikan has not been freed but transferred to the National Directorate of Security (NDS) for some investigation.

According to reports from the primary court of Serious Crimes Justice Centre, Gen. Paikan was sentenced to eight years and six months in jail in December 2017 over his involvement in a murder and misuse of authority. He served as former Commander of Public Order Police. Interior Ministry arrested Paikan back in July 23, 2020.

Bashir Ahmad Qasani, a social media activist, on his Facebook page wrote that Gen. ZmaraiPaikan had been freed following efforts by Defence Minister Gen. Bismillah Mohammadi.

According to Qasani, it is possible that Paikan may be appointed as commander of one of the country’s corps.

Aziz Khan Hotak, another social media activist, wrote: “Gen. Paikan who had been arrested in connection to murder, persecution and corruption was freed by Gen. Bismillah Mohammadi yesterday.”

These two contents have been circulating in the social media in past 24 hours.

Fact Check

SafiullahJalalzai, spokesperson for the Prisoners Affairs Management Authority, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Paikan was imprisoned in the central jail. He was handed over to the National Directorate of Security (NDS) for some investigation.

He said their responsibility was to keep and protect prisoners and when relevant authorities — intelligence, judicial, detectives — needed someone for further investigation, the prisoner was handed over in line with legal procedure to them. He said Gen. Paikan is in government custody with the NDS.

Defence ministry officials could not reach for comment in this regard despite several attempts.

Outcome: Social media activists claim Gen. Paikan who was sentenced to jail term by court in murder and misuse of authority has been freed. Paikan’s release is linked with Acting Defence Minister BismillahMohammadi’s efforts, while Defence Ministry officials were not available to comment in this regard.

The Prisoners Affairs Authority rejected Pakian’s release and added he was handed over to NDS for some investigation.

Verdict: Unproven that Minister Mohammadi has strived for Paikan’s release from jail.

Nh/ma

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