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US 'seeks Afghan prison overhaul' US 'seeks Afghan prison overhaul'
(about 3 hours later)
A US military review is to recommend an overhaul of the entire Afghan prison and judicial systems, the New York Times reports.A US military review is to recommend an overhaul of the entire Afghan prison and judicial systems, the New York Times reports.
It says the report, drawn up by a senior marine commander, highlights concerns about recruitment by the Taliban within local prisons.It says the report, drawn up by a senior marine commander, highlights concerns about recruitment by the Taliban within local prisons.
The paper says the review, which has not yet been released, also recommends reform of the US-run Bagram air base.The paper says the review, which has not yet been released, also recommends reform of the US-run Bagram air base.
Last month the BBC uncovered widespread allegations of abuse at the facility.Last month the BBC uncovered widespread allegations of abuse at the facility.
The BBC spoke to 27 ex-inmates around the country over two months, most of whom alleged they had been beaten, deprived of sleep and threatened with dogs at Bagram.The BBC spoke to 27 ex-inmates around the country over two months, most of whom alleged they had been beaten, deprived of sleep and threatened with dogs at Bagram.
Prisoners in Bagram are currently refusing privileges available to them in a protest about their basic rights. In 2002, two Afghan detainees died after being repeatedly struck by American personnel.
Prisoners at the controversial facility are currently refusing privileges available to them in a protest about their basic rights.
Bagram is the main prison for people detained by US forces in Afghanistan. Most detainees there have been arrested on suspicion of militancy - the US considers them "unlawful combatants" who can be detained indefinitely.
Extremists separatedExtremists separated
The review was conducted by US marine commander Maj Gen Douglas M Stone. He is widely credited with transforming American detention practices in Iraq.The review was conducted by US marine commander Maj Gen Douglas M Stone. He is widely credited with transforming American detention practices in Iraq.
They did things that you would not do against animals let alone to humans Dr Khandan, Former Bagram inmate Ex-detainees allege Bagram abuse Officials react to Bagram 'abuse' Afghan ex-prisoner speaks of fearThey did things that you would not do against animals let alone to humans Dr Khandan, Former Bagram inmate Ex-detainees allege Bagram abuse Officials react to Bagram 'abuse' Afghan ex-prisoner speaks of fear
The New York Times reports that his key recommendation is that militants should be separated from more moderate detainees - who may typically be held on charges unrelated to militancy. The New York Times reports that his key recommendation is that militants should be separated from more moderate detainees who are being held on charges unrelated to militancy.
Under the proposals, the US could help fund and construct an Afghan-run prison to hold extremists.Under the proposals, the US could help fund and construct an Afghan-run prison to hold extremists.
The review also reportedly recommends that the remaining prisoners should be taught vocational skills and classes in moderate Islam, to help re-integrate them into society.The review also reportedly recommends that the remaining prisoners should be taught vocational skills and classes in moderate Islam, to help re-integrate them into society.
It also makes the case for more training for new Afghan prison guards, prosecutors and judges.It also makes the case for more training for new Afghan prison guards, prosecutors and judges.
President Obama has said that the US is examining an alleged massacre of hundreds of prisoners who had surrendered to a US-backed warlord in Afghanistan in 2001. The details about the new policy first emerged when the Wall Street Journal reported aspects of the review last month, but two officials who have read or been briefed about the report gave further details about its contents to the New York Times.
The allegations first surfaced in 2002 but there has been no formal investigation. BAGRAM Main base for US-led forces Prison on the site has capacity for 1000 prisonersAbout 600 Afghans and foreign al-Qaeda suspects held thereUS calls inmates "unlawful combatants" who can be held indefinitely Inmates have no right to challenge detention in US courts
In May President Obama said he would not release more photographs showing abuse by US military officials of prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He said that every case of abuse had been dealt with and warned that releasing the images could further inflame opinion against the US, potentially endangering US troops serving abroad.
But President Obama has also said that the US is examining an alleged massacre of hundreds of prisoners who had surrendered to a US-backed warlord in Afghanistan in 2001.
Amid allegations that the Bush administration resisted efforts to investigate, he told officials to "collect the facts" surrounding the incident.
Reports of the alleged massacre first surfaced in 2002 but there has been no formal investigation.
Treatment of prisoners
Afghanistan is a renewed priority with the US administration, with concerns running high about the resurgence of the Taliban, correspondents say.Afghanistan is a renewed priority with the US administration, with concerns running high about the resurgence of the Taliban, correspondents say.
In a recent trip to Afghanistan US military chief Adm Mike Mullen highlighted the urgency for more troops in the country.
The New York Times also reported that he had issued a confidential message to military service chiefs emphasising the need to ensure prisoners were treated properly.
US and UK forces are currently engaged in a major operation to combat Taliban militants in the south of the country.US and UK forces are currently engaged in a major operation to combat Taliban militants in the south of the country.