Askar Jalalian, the Deputy Minister of Justice in Iran, recently stated that over 8,000 foreign prisoners are currently held in Iranian prisons, the majority of whom are Afghanistan nationals.
In his conversation with the Iranian news agency ISNA, Jalalian revealed that these Afghan prisoners are primarily charged with drug trafficking, smuggling banned goods, theft, and even murder, with the most common offense being related to drug trafficking.
He emphasized that Iran’s criminal laws are very stringent, particularly in dealing with drug-related crimes.
Jalalian also mentioned that he recently held a meeting with Afghan officials as the head of the committee for transferring prisoners. The result of this meeting was the creation of a list of Afghan prisoners, which will be handed over to Afghan authorities.
Once their identities are verified, steps will be taken to facilitate their transfer back to Afghanistan. However, the Taliban administration has not yet made an official statement on this matter.
Afghan prisoners in Iran, many of whom have been convicted for non-violent crimes, face severe legal and humanitarian challenges. They are often denied access to the legal system, making it difficult for them to defend their rights or appeal their sentences.
Many do not have access to an attorney, and their legal representation, when available, is often inadequate. This lack of access to proper legal processes contributes to a sense of helplessness and injustice.
Afghan prisoners in Iranian jails endure ongoing harassment and torture, facing brutal treatment from prison authorities. Reports have indicated that many prisoners experience physical abuse, lack of basic medical care, and poor living conditions.
Furthermore, they are often separated from their families for long periods, with limited communication or visits allowed. The emotional and psychological toll of being cut off from family and subjected to inhumane treatment is immense.
Many of these prisoners have no avenue for accessing legal assistance or international support, leaving them trapped in a system that offers them no recourse.
The lack of legal representation means that they are unable to challenge their sentences or seek justice for the violations of their human rights. This situation is particularly dire for those who have been imprisoned for minor offenses or crimes they may not have committed.
The plight of Afghan refugees and prisoners in Iran paints a grim picture of human rights violations and a lack of dignity and respect for those caught in a broken system.
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