US jails in Afghanistan could foster abuse

04 Dec, 2004

A recent classified report has found military prisons in Afghanistan have the "opportunity" for prisoner abuse like that which took place in US jails in Iraq, The Washington Post reported in its Friday edition. The Army general who inspected facilities in Afghanistan found a wide range of shortcomings, including an unwarranted use of rectal exams instead of metal wands to search for contraband, the Post said.
Brigadier General Charles Jacoby Jr. said just half of the two dozen US prisons in Afghanistan had posted written orders spelling out approved interrogation practices, the Post said.
A military spokeswoman said Jacoby not find any instances of abuse during his visit in May, but did find prison officers needed better rules and training. The report has not been released publicly.

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