Nov 20, 2010
The Director of CAPS, Mr. Hekmat Karzai, welcomed Ambassador Hattrem to the centre and conveyed his appreciation for the Norwegian Embassy’s interest in CAPS’s activities and involvement in the projects undertaken by the centre’s legal department.
Mr. Karzai presented an intensive overview of the legal department’s activities and its achievements. Mr. Karzai described the assessment of Pul-e-Charkhi Prison conducted by the legal department, which outlines various issues regarding the treatment of security prisoners. The assessment looks at the living conditions, lack of health services, and vocation programs available for security prisoners at the facility. Mr. Karzai explained how these inadequacies have given way to instances of radicalization at Pul-e-Charkhi which have become a serious threat to the peace process. In part of his presentation, Mr. Karzai showed classified cases of individuals that were imprisoned at Bagram and Pul-e-Charkhi without sufficient evidence proving their crime, he explained that CAPS legal team defends such cases and are for the most part successful in acquitting such cases. Mr. Karzai concluded his presentation by initiating recommendations for the de-radicalization and standardization of Pul-e-Charkhi and Sar-Puza prisons.
The Norwegian Ambassador also expressed deep concern over the mistreatment of security prisoners at Pul-e-Charkhi and was particularly alarmed about the instances of radicalization described in CAPS assessment. He placed much importance on protecting prisoners from violence, torture or any type other type of abuse stating that such action would embed local hatred and mistrust against the state. He also emphasized that all prisoners should have access to legal representation and must be ensured basic rights. In this regard, Ambassador Hattrem commended CAPS for its achievements thus far and for facilitating the peace process.
Leave A Comment