December 22, 2001	Saturday	Shawwal 6, 1422

GENEVA, Dec 21: A UN expert on human rights in Afghanistan on Friday called for inquiries into alleged violations of international norms on the treatment of prisoners in the country, notably during the massacre at the Qila-i-Jangi last month.

“Grave concern has been expressed by international human rights organisations at the deaths which occurred in Qila-i-Jangi and the circumstances surrounding the reported uprising of prisoners,” said a statement by Kamal Hossain, the UN’s special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan.

Veronique Taveau, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said Hossain would be leaving for Afghanistan on January 4, at the invitation of the country’s new interim government.—AFP