LASHKARGAH (PAN): A newly-constructed building for a jail was inaugurated in southern Helmand province on Tuesday, officials said.
The UK-funded project, which cost $3.5 million, has 12 blocks, 144 cells and other facilities, the director general of jails at the Ministry of Justice said.
Amir Mohammad Jamshidi told the inauguration ceremony the jail built to international standards had all facilities for male, female and juvenile prisoners.
In addition to religious studies, literacy courses and vocational training would also be arranged for inmates, said the provincial prisons chief, Gen. Bismillah Hameed.
“It is not just a prison, but a training centre for detainees, who will be able to make a living with their professional skills after their release,” he said.
HelmandProvincial Reconstruction Team chief, Michael O’Neill, urged jail officials to maintain a friendly behaviour with prisoners.
A convict, Din Mohammad, said he had been jailed for 10 years in an opium trafficking case. He was happy with the new building and facilities, but accused court officials of bribes from inmates to decrease their jail terms.
Nearly 830 inmates, including six females, are currently held at the detention centre.
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