Iran Transfers 291 Afghan Prisoners to Taliban Authorities
Iranian officials have announced the transfer of 291 Afghan prisoners to Taliban authorities in early Azar (late November). These individuals, convicted of crimes across various Iranian provinces, were repatriated via the Dogharoun–Islam Qala border crossing.
Askar Jalalian, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Justice for Human Rights and International Affairs, stated that the transfer was conducted based on a formal bilateral agreement between the two countries, aimed at upholding humanitarian principles and human rights. He noted that the inmates had been imprisoned for offenses such as drug-related crimes in the provinces of Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan, West Azerbaijan, and Kerman.
According to the agreement, Afghan inmates are allowed to serve the remainder of their sentences in their home country. However, Jalalian cautioned that the continuation of such transfers depends on the “reciprocal cooperation” of the Taliban administration. He expressed hope that this collaboration would continue, enabling the gradual repatriation of Afghan nationals imprisoned in Iran.
Concerns have been raised about the Taliban’s lack of a formal legal structure to ensure humane oversight of prisoners, leaving the fate of the returnees uncertain.
Human rights experts have repeatedly warned about the Taliban’s shortcomings in adhering to international legal standards. As a result, any agreements concerning prisoner returns must be executed with care, transparency, and international oversight to prevent violations of the fundamental rights of Afghan citizens.
