Inmates Take Control Of Prison Outside Kabul
February 26, 2006
British vehicles on perimeter of Pul-e Charkhi Prison on 26 February (AFP)
Afghan Deputy Justice Minister Mohammad Qasem Hashemzai told RFE/RL that the riot is at the Pol-e Charkhi Prison, but that only the political block has been taken over.
He said the trouble started when prisoners opposed the installation of windows between cells, and wearing uniforms.
The cell block houses about 1,300 inmates, including convicted Al-Qaeda and Taliban members.
Hashemzai added that at least four inmates have been injured in the clash.
Policemen and soldiers are surrounding the prison. AP has reported that tanks and armored personnel carriers of the Afghan army and NATO-led peacekeepers arre parked outside the prison.
(with material from agency reports)