KABUL - A delegation from the Attorney-General’s Office is currently visiting Kandahar to investigate and assess conditions of detention facilities in the province, said a press release issued by the Kandahar Governor's office yesterday.

The investigation by the Attorney-General’s Office follows the release of a UNAMA report on 20 January on treatment of conflict-related detainees in Afghan custody. The report said ill-treatment of conflict-related detainees in Afghan custody required greater preventive measures and reform. Similar to previous findings, UNAMA observed that “credible and reliable evidence of torture” was most prevalent in NDS (National Directorate of Security) and ANP (Afghan National Police) facilities in Kandahar.

During his meeting with the Governor of Kandahar Dr. Toryali Wesa, Abdul Qadoos Rashidi, the head of the justice department at the Attorney-General’s Office and the head of the delegation, said that the purpose of his visit was to investigate reports of torture in Kandahar detention facilities as detailed in the UNAMA report.

“The UNAMA report, about the abuse and torture of detainees, has created a lot of confusion and as if the judicial system in the country is involved in the cases of torture and other misconduct of the detainees. Therefore, the President has ordered an investigation to these allegations,” said Mr. Rashidi.

The visiting delegation will meet with some political prisoners in order to find the facts and will present their full report to the President.

The Kandahar Governor assured the delegation that they would provide all necessary assistance in order to facilitate the investigation.

By UNAMA Kandahar

Related link:

• UNAMA report treatment of conflict-related detainees in Afghan custody