Afghan, U.S. governments launch investigation after prisoner shot dead inside coalition prison cell

Afghan, U.S. governments launch investigation after prisoner shot dead inside coalition prison cell

2010-10-20 08:27:44 GMT+7 (ICT)

KABUL (BNO NEWS) -- Afghan and U.S. officials have ordered an investigation into the death of a suspected Taliban insurgent, who was found killed in his holding cell on Sunday.

The detainee, who was captured Saturday by a joint Afghan-coalition force during an operation in the Arghandab district of Kandahar Province, was accused of being a senior leader of the Taliban network in the district.

After his arrest, the detainee who was identified by Afghan officials as Mullah Muhebullah, was taken to an Afghan government facility under U.S. guard to await transfer to formal Coalition custody.

However, Muhebullah was found dead in his holding cell on Sunday and had died of an apparent gunshot wound.

While the United States released few details about the case, Afghan President Hamid Karzai's office said in a statement that Muhebullah was murdered or killed by coalition forces when they entered the prison.

"The U.S. takes very seriously any mistreatment of detainees," said Rear Admiral Greg Smith, U.S. Forces Afghanistan Director of Communication. "Our forces are trained to uphold the rights of persons in custody and any violation of those rights are fully investigated."

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division has launched a criminal investigation into the circumstances of the detainee's death and promised to keep the Afghan government apprised throughout the process.

The Afghan government has also launched its own investigation.

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