The Taliban government in Afghanistan has freed nearly 2,500 prisoners as part of a customary amnesty marking the end of Ramadan, in line with an annual tradition.

A spokesman for the Office of Prison Administration confirmed on Saturday that between 11,000 and 12,000 convicted prisoners remain in government custody. The mass release coincides with the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, expected to begin on Sunday.

The Supreme Court announced that 2,463 prisoners deemed eligible for amnesty have been released, while 3,152 others received sentence reductions. The decision follows a decree from the Taliban’s supreme leader, continuing the practice observed in previous years.

Last year, approximately 2,800 prisoners were granted amnesty as part of the same tradition. The release of detainees during religious celebrations has been a longstanding practice in Afghanistan, although the scale varies each year.

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Despite these releases, the country’s prison population continues to rise. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA, has expressed concerns over the growing number of detainees and the pressure on prison facilities.

An October report from UNAMA highlighted the increasing number of arrests and prolonged jail terms, warning that prisons face unsustainable strain. The organization noted that more inmates are being admitted than released, further worsening overcrowding.

Authorities have not disclosed the exact number of prisoners detained by different security agencies. However, the latest release aims to alleviate some pressure while aligning with religious and cultural traditions of Afghanistan.

As the Eid celebrations approach, the amnesty brings relief to thousands of families. However, the ongoing rise in incarceration rates remains a pressing issue for human rights groups and international organizations monitoring the situation in Afghanistan.

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