AFGHANISTAN STARTS RELEASING BAGRAM PRISONERS DESPITE US OBJECTIONS

   Kabul, 13 Rabi’ul Akhir 1435/13 February 2014 (MINA) – According to reports Thursday, the government of Afghanistan has started releasing 65 detainees from Bagram prison despite US objections.

    The prisoners were reportedly transferred in a bus from Bagram prisoner to Kabul city.

   This comes as the US officials condemned the planned release of the prisoners from Bagram prison and said they have evidence the men were responsible for carrying out attacks on Afghan and NATO forces.

   However, Afghan officials insist that no satisfactory evidences were received by them to prove their connection in insurgency activities, Khaama Press quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

     The Afghan authorities have released hundreds of prisoners since Bagram prison was transferred to Afghan government in March last year.

   The United States Forces in Afghanistan (USFOR-A), following a statement said Wednesday that the US military has strong concern about the potential threats the detainees pose to coalition and Afghan security forces once they are released.

    “The U.S. has, on several occasions, provided extensive information and evidence on each of the 88 detainees to the Afghan Review Board, the Afghan National Directorate of Security and the Attorney General’s office,” USFOR-A said in its statement.

   The statement furhter added, “The release of these detainees is a major step backward for the rule of law in Afghanistan. Some previously-released individuals have already returned to the fight, and this subsequent release will allow dangerous insurgents back into Afghan cities and villages.” (T/P09/E01).

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).