Afghanistan: Karzai orders probe into prison torture allegations
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 January 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Afghanistan: Karzai orders probe into prison torture allegations, 22 January 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5122357d23.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 22, 2013
More than half of the Afghan prisoners UNAMA interviewed said they'd been ill-treated or abused in prison. (file photo)
Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai has assigned a team to investigate claims by the United Nations that prisoners in government custody were being tortured and abused.
A presidential office statement on January 22 said the delegation will "fully investigate the claims of torture, mistreatment, death threats, and sexual abuse" in detention facilities.
The statement said the delegation should report back to Karzai within two weeks "so that follow-up measures can be taken."
In a report issued on January 20, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said that "torture persists and remains a serious concern in numerous detention facilities across Afghanistan."
The report said that such practices continue despite efforts by the United Nations and international forces during the past year.
Afghan authorities have denied the UN report's claims.
Based on reporting by RFE/RL, AP, and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
