Daily Security Brief: November 27, 2011

NIMROZ: The body of an Afghan refugee, who died of a heart attack in an Iranian prison, was brought to his native province of southwestern Nimroz, officials said on Sunday.

Abdul Jalil had been detained by Iranian police on the charge of trafficking three kilograms of crystal (an improved form of heroin) on the Zahidan-Kirman highway two years ago.

His relative, Mohammad Azim, told Pajhwok Afghan News Jalil was sent to the Kirman jail after his arrest. He quoted the defence lawyer and wife of the 25-year-old as saying that Jalil had been sentenced to death six days ago.

The young man died for fear of being executed, Azim said, adding Jalil left behind a wife and two children. “We had gone to Iran for work, but Jalil’s friends put him on the wrong path,” he continued.

He condemned the decision of the Iranian court, saying Jalil’s crime was not as serious to warrant the death penalty. He asked the Afghan government to bring home all Afghan refugees from the neighbouring country.

The government should hold talks with Iran on stopping the executions of Afghan refugees, said Mohammad Akbar Chakhansoori, the Nimroz director of refugee affairs.

—Ramin

myn/mud

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