Local and media sources have reported that Safiullah Rasouli, a 25-year-old man, died in prison in Herat Province after 21 days in detention. According to his family, the young man was tortured in an attempt to force a confession after being accused of smuggling drugs into the prison.
On Monday , 19 May, Safiullah Rasouli’s family confirmed to media outlets that they had received his body. Family members said there were visible bruises and redness on his neck and other parts of his body, which they believe are signs of violence.
According to sources, the young man had been arrested about 21 days earlier in connection with a case involving the ownership of a motorcycle. His family says he had purchased the motorcycle from friends without official documents, but later another individual claimed ownership by presenting legal papers.
Safiullah’s family alleges that after his death, local Taliban authorities contacted them and stated that the cause of death was a heart attack. However, according to the family, another prisoner contacted them and provided a different account of the incident.
According to this account, Safiullah died during interrogation and torture, and afterward prison officials threatened other inmates not to speak about the incident. Sources say the incident occurred on the night of Monday, 28 Sawr, and that he had been under interrogation for about three hours.
It has also been reported that during the interrogation, he died after his head was placed inside a plastic bag. Safiullah’s family denies the accusation that he had attempted to smuggle drugs into the prison.
The family, who say Safiullah had married about three months ago, is calling for a serious investigation into the case and for justice to be served. Taliban authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
