Prisoners go on hunger strike

KABUL): Several inmates at the Pul-i-Charkhi prison, on the eastern outskirts of Kabul, on Friday said they have been on hunger strike, a claim rejected by the authorities.

All 3^rd block prisoners, numbering about 600, went on hunger strike at 30pm on Thursday to protest the denial of their rights, one inmate told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Under Afghanistan’s laws, inmate Mohammad Tariq said each prisoner had the right to take a sunbath for an hour and a half every 24 hours. Additionally, he added, they were to be taught Islamic lessons.

On behalf of the protesting prisoners, Tariq said: “We are neither allowed a sunbath nor taught religious lesions.” Political prisoners in the block were not being given the facilities allowed to inmates of other wings,” he alleged.

Another prisoner Abdul Samad said they would continue their hunger strike as long as their problems were not resolved. “Some of the strikers could also stitch up their lips,” he continued.

Under the law, he claimed, a prisoner could be freed if the case against him/her was not investigated in 10 months. “I was detained 13 months ago, but my case is yet to be tried by court.”

On the other hand, Director-General of Prisons Gen. Amir Mohammad Jamshedi said only 60 inmates were on a symbolic strike. “They’re telling lies; they are eating the food they have in their rooms. They number 50 to 60, not 600.”

Jamshedi insisted: “The 3^rd block prisoners want to learn the techniques suicide attacks and other terrorist acts, and this demand will never be met.” A commission was proving cases against political prisoners even today, a closed holiday, he explained.

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