Former detainees released during Parwan shura

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.13.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

By Spc. Jason Boyd

KABUL - Three former detainees were released to the custody of their families and tribal elders during a release shura in Parwan province Monday.

Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Mohebur Rahman, Joint Task Force-435 Afghan deputy commander, presided over the shura. Mohebur reminded the released detainees of their pledge to renounce violence and to follow the Afghan government.

A tribal elder told the men that the village and tribal elders stand ready to help them succeed and live in peace. He also asked that the guards continue to respect the detainees as they have in the past.

Many local leaders who attended the shura signed a guarantor statement indicating their intent to monitor the released detainees, support their return to the community and supervise their conduct. The guarantor statement is an informal, not legally binding document, that is worded to align with the Pashtunwali code.

During the shura one former detainee spoke of the fair treatment detainees received while inside the facility. He said that Ramadan was coming soon and he knows the other detainees will be treated well.

Many detainees held at the detention facility in Parwan are given the opportunity to receive literacy and vocational training such as tailoring, baking or agriculture. This education and training enables former detainees to become productive members of Afghan society.

The program for releasing detainees, implemented in January 2010, is led by Afghan leaders and stresses the importance of reintegration by the former detainees into Afghan society. Since the program's implementation more than 200 detainees have been released.

• Date Taken: 08.13.2010
• Date Posted: 08.13.2010 13:43
• Story ID: 54533
• Location: KABUL, AF