Rehabilitated addicts among 150 freed from Kandahar jail

KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): One hundred and fifty prisoners -- mostly drug addicts -- have been released from a prison in southern Kandahar province, an official said on Sunday.

Director of Prisons Maulvi Akhtar Mohammad Agha said most of the individuals freed were drug addicts. Some had been jailed for committing robberies and other crimes.

He said the drug addicts had spent three to five months in prison. During the period, they were treated and reunited with families after rehabilitation.

The official added the individuals had been released on the basis of court orders.

He acknowledged prisoners in Kandahar jails were faced with health and other issues in the past. However, their condition has now improved.

“Now they are in a better condition. They are provided with food and fruits. Their health issues have been addressed. We are trying to provide them educational facilities,” he added.

According to Agha, some drug addicts are currently being held in prison for treatment and rehabilitation due to lack of a separate facility.

He said talks with some NGOs had been held on the establishment of a separate hospital for addicts.

Addicts must not be ignored, he stressed, underlining the need for creating jobs for rehabilitated people to keep them from relapsing into addiction.

Prison Physician Dr. Ghulam Mohammad Zwak confirmed the treatment of addicts and other prisoners was smoothly ongoing.

“All needed personnel and facilities are available for the rehabilitation of addicts. ICRC provides us with resources. RSF and other NGO are also cooperating with us.”

Abdul Rashid, one of the drug addicts, said: “I spent four months in prison. Now I have recovered from addiction.”

He added: “We were provided the best treatment in jail, including a balanced diet. Now I can pay attention to my family and my work and will never keep contact with bad people,” he promised.

Over 1,920 prisoners are currently held in Kandahar prison, most of them addicted to drugs. Over 270 prisoners are held on criminal charges, including 36 security personnel who violated rules and regulations.

Among Kandahar prisoners, there are 33 women and 20 children.

nh/mud