Policharki Prison

Policharki (Pul-e-Charkhi) prison is located on the outskirts of Kabul the capital of Afghanistan. This is one of the most notorious prisons in Afghanistan.

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Policharki Prison

History

The prison was built during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979-89. It has been known for hosting executions and torture during the Soviet and Taliban regime. There are now 350 Taliban and al-Qaeda inmates out of the 1,300.

Living Conditions

The living conditions of the prison have been criticized by several human rights groups. The prison had been cited as overcrowded and the living conditions as sub-par. There are eight cell blocks but only three are being used which has caused overcrowding. The prison is making room for 110 prisoners that are coming from the US prison in Guantánamo Bay. There are also about 70 female prisoners who share the prison. In most cases, children of the female inmates live with them in the prison.

Current Events

In January of 2006, seven Taliban inmates disguised themselves as visitors and escaped from the prison. In recent news, there had been an inmate takeover on February 26, 2006. A four-day riot has led to the death of six people.

A prisoner, Abdul Rahman, had been held in Policharki but was released a few days later due to threats from neighboring cell mates. Abdul Rahman had been sent to the prison for his conversion to Christianity 15 year prior to his arrest.

External links

• Policharki riots