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Scores of prisoners go on hunger strike

Scores of inmates at Afghanistan's main jail, which holds Taliban prisoners, are reportedly on hunger strike with some having sewn their mouths shut, a parliamentarian told reporters on Tuesday.

Afghan media said the strike began after guards arrested visitors to the Pul-i-Charki prison following the escape of some inmates. Authorities have posted extra security outside the prison on the outskirts of the capital.

It was not clear what was happening inside the prison, but a doctor said on condition of anonymity that he had treated one prisoner for gunshot wounds and three policemen for inhalation of pepper spray.

A parliamentary delegation looking into the situation was not allowed to enter the prison on Monday because authorities would not open the doors for them, Member of Parliament Fazel Rahman Samkani said.

"We received complaints that they were on strike. We went there but could not talk to prisoners to see what their problems were and if the claims were true," he said.

Prisoners had told the media that some inmates had sewn their mouths shut. A similar standoff in October lasted for 11 days when about 240 inmates protested the execution of fellow prisoners.
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