Taliban leader confirms killing of prisoners in custody

Taliban leader Maulvi Hibatullah Akhundzada has confirmed the killing of prisoners in Taliban-run prisons, following allegations of abuse. In a voice message broadcast on Afghan National Television, Akhundzada admitted that some prisoners were beaten to death by Taliban officials without court orders. He stated that the individuals responsible for these deaths have been dismissed from their positions.

Akhundzada's remarks, made during a speech in Kunduz province, come two weeks after his visit to the region. Despite his acknowledgment of the killings, he emphasized the Taliban's commitment to fully enforcing Islamic Sharia law.

The confirmation contradicts recent statements by the head of Taliban prisons, who denied allegations of torture and mistreatment of inmates. There are currently an estimated 23,000 prisoners in Taliban custody, including 1,000 women. Reports of abuse and torture in these prisons have surfaced before, but the Taliban had previously denied the accusations.