PANJSHIR — The governor of Panjshir has said there are no political prisoners in the province, stating that 59 inmates are currently being held in the provincial prison over criminal and legal cases.
Panjshir Governor Hafiz Mohammad Agha Hakim made the remarks during a meeting with Maulvi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Taliban administration’s Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs. According to the provincial authorities, Hakim said all prisoners currently held at the facility are facing criminal or legal cases.
Hanafi visited Panjshir Prison to assess its overall conditions, review the cases and concerns of inmates, and monitor the provision of services and the treatment of prisoners.
During the visit, Hanafi met with inmates and discussed their problems, living conditions and concerns. He reportedly assured the prisoners that their issues and suggestions would be followed up by the authorities.
The Taliban administration’s statement comes amid longstanding allegations from opposition groups and rights advocates regarding arrests and treatment of residents in Panjshir. Previous reports have alleged that residents, including former security personnel, were detained in the province.
The latest statement by the Panjshir governor specifically denies that any of the 59 current inmates are being held for political reasons.