Sunday, January 6, 2013
Kabul (BNA) The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in consultation with High Peace Council has release about 300 prisoners from Bagram prison in recent days and the process is continuing.
BNA commentator writes on that regard:
In spite of protests and reaction of the critics, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, after investigating the cases of the prisoners and issuing verdicts of relevant courts, the process of releasing the prisoners started and so far nearly 300 prisoners who have been detained from across the country by foreign forces accusing of armed activities, have been freed. The prisoners were behind the bars of Baram prison which was handled by American forces sometimes ago.
Some of the prisoners claimed that they were behind the bars for up to five years without any interrogation and a verdict of a court, they were innocent and there were no any evidence for their imprisonment. But there were evidence that some others had committed acts against security.
After, the ministry of defense admitted the responsibility and control of the prison; a commissioned was assigned by the government to investigate the cases of the prisoners. As a result of the investigations and recommendations of the High Peace Council, the prisoners were released.
Some politicians consider the release of the prisoners as a good-well of Afghan government for trust building among Afghan people and to provide the ground for better understanding and reconciliation which is an urgent need for ensuring permanent peace and stability in our war torn country. Releasing a number of prisoners from Baram prison could be an example of awareness and consciousness of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and an evident that Afghan government has committed to protect the rights of its citizens and surrenders to no any pressure in that regard.
The politicians persist that the armed oppositions should not consider the decision of Afghan government one way street and they also must react accordingly and at least decrease violence against their people, because Afghan government by the move of releasing the prisoners has come under severe criticism of critics both from inside and outside of the country. They accuse the government that releasing the prisoners from Baram prison who are mostly related to Taliban groups further strengthens the ranks of armed oppositions; while the authorities of Afghan state and the high peace council consider releasing the prisoners as a part of humanitarian activities and believe the released prisoners will work for peace will be helpful for trust building and mutual understanding. Meanwhile warn that if the prisoners, who have been released, once again turn to armed activities and arrested, they would be punished severely.
We hope, the released prisoners understanding the highest interests of the country, honestly work for ensuring peace and stability in the country in order to make the critics of Afghan government to stop their criticism and let not the process of releasing the prisoners be halted.
Written By: Khalil Minawi BNA Director
