Afghanistan frees over 2,000 prisoners ahead of Eid al-Fitr

On March 29, the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have released 2,463 prisoners ahead of Eid al-Fitr, one of the biggest celebrations in the Islamic calendar.

The country’s supreme court announced that those freed had qualified for amnesty under a decree issued by the Taliban’s supreme leader, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Additionally, sentences for a further 3,152 inmates were reduced.

The total number of people held by security agencies across Afghanistan remains unclear. However, the United Nations has raised concerns over a rising prison population. A spokesman for the Office of Prison Administration estimated that between 11,000 and 12,000 convicted prisoners were currently in custody, with a similar number still awaiting trial, sentencing or appeal.

The UN Mission to Afghanistan has previously warned that a high volume of arrests and lengthy prison terms are placing an “unsustainable” strain on the country’s detention facilities.

Note that, Eid al-Fitr, or the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is a significant Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon.

The celebration is observed by Muslims worldwide with communal prayers, charitable giving (Zakat al-Fitr), festive meals, and social gatherings. The occasion emphasises gratitude, spiritual renewal, and community unity. Governments in Muslim-majority countries often declare public holidays, and global markets may experience reduced activity.

By Aghakazim Guliyev