Amid quake fears, 473 inmates freed from Herat prison

KABUL (Pajhwok): In view of possible quake threats, the Supreme Court (SC) of Afghanistan has ordered the release of hundreds of inmates from prisons in western Herat province.

On October 13, the apex court said 473 prisoners who had served much of their terms were freed on compassionate grounds.

A statement from the top court said a three member delegation had been tasked with inspecting the main prison in Herat to study the situation of inmates.

After a two day assessment, the team concluded the prison building had developed cracks as a result of the recent earthquake and was in danger of collapse.

The delegation drew up  a list of 473 prisoners who served much of their jail terms.

After a thorough evaluation of the list by the SC, it was shared with the provincial appeal court with the direction to release the prisoners to lessen pressure o n the detention facility.

Relevant authorities in the southwest were also instructed to free a number of women and juvenile prisoners who are entitled to remissions.

A delegation is already studying the cases of women prisoners and children’s files at juvenile correction centres.

Mohammad Nabi Khalil, director-general of Herat prison, confirmed to Pajhwok Afghan News the release of 473 inmates over the past two days.

As many as 200 prisoners were released yesterday while 273 had been freed a day earlier, Khalil said.

Most of the prisoners, who had less than 50 days to serve, were granted remissions. Another 2,000 inmates were transferred to another safe place, Khalil added.

aw/mud

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