Twenty-nine prisoners have been released in compliance with a presidential decree to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in northern Samangan province, an official said on Monday.
President Ashraf Ghani earlier issued a special decree setting free 9,000 to 10,000 prisoners across the country.
The presidential decree provides for the release of prisoners included women, children, patients and individuals above 55 years of age.
Mohammad Sidiq Azizi, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the prisoners were released after a delegation investigated their cases. About 406 inmates, including 23 women, are held in the provincial jail.
