The Israeli organization arguing in court for the military prison's closure, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, had alleged that detainees at the facility are punished with severe violence, including with attack dogs and sexual assault; made to sit on the ground blindfolded and handcuffed 24 hours a day.

Violence, sexual assault in Israeli prisons; right-wing Israeli groups protest

Iran carried out a mass execution of at least 29 people on Wednesday morning in two prisons located near the capital, Tehran, as the world was busy following news of a possible attack on Israel.

Iran hangs 29 convicts in a single day; biggest group execution in one prison

Hackers have reportedly hacked a major&nbsp;Russian prison database, obtaining sensitive information. This breach occurred shortly after the death of prominent opposition figure Alexey Navalny, stirring speculation about potential motives and repercussions. According to an exclusive report from CNN, a faction of anti-Kremlin cybercriminals carried out&nbsp;this breach as a form of retaliation against the Russian government, following Navalny's death.

The timing of this breach is important,&nbsp;considering the recent passing of Alexey Navalny, who was serving a disputed 19-year prison sentence on charges of extremism, which he vehemently contested as politically motivated.

CNN's investigation into the matter includes interviews with hackers and scrutiny of evidence, including screenshots and leaked data. It has been revealed that the hackers used a computer network linked to Russia's prison system to insert Navalny's photo onto a compromised website operated by a prison contractor.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-he-approved-prisoner-swap-involving-alexei-navalny-before-his-death-701272">Also read |&nbsp;Putin says he approved prisoner swap involving Alexei Navalny before his death</a>

<h2>Allegations and accusations</h2>

Navalny's death has sparked widespread condemnation and suspicion, with his supporters, relatives, and various Western leaders accusing the Kremlin of culpability—a charge firmly rejected by Russian authorities. After Navalny's passing, his wife has pledged to carry on his legacy, alongside his followers who continue to point fingers at Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

A striking message, "Long live Alexey Navalny," flashed on the hacked website, accompanied by a photograph of Navalny and his wife, Yulia, at a political gathering.

Reports indicate that beyond merely breaching the site, hackers also gained access to a database housing details of hundreds of thousands of Russian prisoners, including their associates.

This database allegedly contained information about prisoners&nbsp;in the Arctic penal colony where Navalny died February 16.

Also watch |&nbsp;Putin says Russia will not attack NATO, but F-16s will be shot down in Ukraine | WION Fineprint

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Furthermore, it has been reported that the hackers exploited the compromised system to manipulate prices on the Russian prison's online store, resulting in heavily discounted items.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hackers have reportedly hacked a major Russian prison database, obtaining sensitive information. This breach occurred shortly after the death of prominent opposition figure Alexey Navalny, stirring speculation about potential motives and repercussions.

Hackers have reportedly hacked a major Russian prison database, obtaining sensitive information. This breach occurred shortly after the death of prominent opposition figure Alexey Navalny, stirring speculation about potential motives and repercussions. According to an exclusive report from CNN, a faction of anti-Kremlin cybercriminals carried out this breach as a form of retaliation against the Russian government, following Navalny's death. The timing of this breach is important, considering the recent passing of Alexey Navalny, who was serving a disputed 19-year prison sentence on charges of extremism, which he vehemently contested as politically motivated. CNN's investigation into the matter includes interviews with hackers and scrutiny of evidence, including screenshots and leaked data. It has been revealed that the hackers used a computer network linked to Russia's prison system to insert Navalny's photo onto a compromised website operated by a prison contractor. Also read | Putin says he approved prisoner swap involving Alexei Navalny before his death Allegations and accusations Navalny's death has sparked widespread condemnation and suspicion, with his supporters, relatives, and various Western leaders accusing the Kremlin of culpability—a charge firmly rejected by Russian authorities. After Navalny's passing, his wife has pledged to carry on his legacy, alongside his followers who continue to point fingers at Russian President Vladimir Putin. A striking message, "Long live Alexey Navalny," flashed on the hacked website, accompanied by a photograph of Navalny and his wife, Yulia, at a political gathering. Reports indicate that beyond merely breaching the site, hackers also gained access to a database housing details of hundreds of thousands of Russian prisoners, including their associates. This database allegedly contained information about prisoners in the Arctic penal colony where Navalny died February 16. Also watch | Putin says Russia will not attack NATO, but F-16s will be shot down in Ukraine | WION Fineprint Furthermore, it has been reported that the hackers exploited the compromised system to manipulate prices on the Russian prison's online store, resulting in heavily discounted items. (With inputs from agencies)

Navalny’s retaliation? Hackers allegedly breach massive Russian prisoner database

In a heartwarming, pre-Ramadan gesture, Indian businessman and philanthropist Firoz Merchant has donated a whopping $2.7 million to help Indians stuck in prison across UAE. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | Indian businessman Firoz Merchant's generosity frees 900 Indian prisoners in UAE

Azerbaijan has announced the release of 32 Armenian soldiers as part of prisoner swap deal. Armenia on its part has also handed over two Azerbaijani soldiers.

Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to exchange prisoners of war

Palestinian prisoners released by Israel as part of a four-day truce with Hamas reached home Friday (Nov 24) and were greeted by celebrations in the West Bank.

A total of 39 prisoners were freed on day one of the truce, and reached home to a heroic welcome, with fireworks clouding the night sky and patriotic Palestinian music exalting the atmosphere.

Some of the prisoners were draped in Palestinian and Hamas flags.

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Celebration in Palestine after the release of Palestinian prisoners. <a href="https://t.co/eKWWZnxKQ6">pic.twitter.com/eKWWZnxKQ6</a>
— Mehfooz (@Mehfooz_zaki) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mehfooz_zaki/status/1728120230923366833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“Thank you, thank you, Gaza.” chants of young men in Beitunia, Ramallah, in a massive celebration of freed children captives on the streets of Ramallah <a href="https://t.co/jQyUdl6Ea0">pic.twitter.com/jQyUdl6Ea0</a>
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“I have no words, I have no words,” released 17-year-old Jamal Brahma was quoted as saying by Associated Press, as he searched for something to say to the hordes of jostling journalists and thousands of chanting Palestinians, many in national dress. “Thank God,” he managed to utter.

<h2>Israel to release 150 hostages</h2>

Under the deal, Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners over the next four days. The truce can be extended an extra day, as per Israel’s offer, for every 10 additional hostages released.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: 300 Palestinian prisoners to be released as people in Gaza await swap deal

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Some of them were accused of staging attacks on Israeli security forces and some were even convicted. Some teenagers were arrested for throwing stones at the IDF, and were charged with ‘supporting terrorism.’

<h2>Israel launches crackdown on celebrations</h2>

As Israeli-controlled West Bank basked in celebrations, Israeli authorities reacted by launching a stiff crackdown.

Israeli security forces at one point unleashed tear gas canisters on the crowds, sending young men, old women and small children sprinting away.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-palestinian-doctor-says-israeli-strike-on-un-school-kills-27-662102">Also read:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war top developments: 13 freed hostages `inside Israeli territory`</a>

“The army is trying to take this moment away from us but they can’t,” Mays Foqaha said as she tumbled into the arms of her newly released 18-year-old friend, Nour al-Taher from Nablus, who was arrested during a protest in September at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. ”This is our day of victory.”

Israel currently holds a record 2,200 Palestinians in administrative detention, a policy defended by Israel as a counter-terrorism measure. This has sparked controversy, with Palestinians considering them prisoners of war and allocating public funds for their support, a practice criticised by Israel and the US as an incentive for violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian prisoners released by Israel as part of a four-day truce with Hamas reached home Friday (Nov 24) and were greeted by celebrations in the West Bank. A total of 39 prisoners were freed on day one of the truce, and reached home to a heroic welcome, with fireworks clouding the night sky and patriotic Palestinian music exalting the atmosphere.

Palestinian prisoners released by Israel as part of a four-day truce with Hamas reached home Friday (Nov 24) and were greeted by celebrations in the West Bank. A total of 39 prisoners were freed on day one of the truce, and reached home to a heroic welcome, with fireworks clouding the night sky and patriotic Palestinian music exalting the atmosphere. Some of the prisoners were draped in Palestinian and Hamas flags. Celebration in Palestine after the release of Palestinian prisoners. pic.twitter.com/eKWWZnxKQ6 — Mehfooz (@Mehfooz_zaki) November 24, 2023 × “Thank you, thank you, Gaza.” chants of young men in Beitunia, Ramallah, in a massive celebration of freed children captives on the streets of Ramallah pic.twitter.com/jQyUdl6Ea0 — Palestine Captives 𓂆 (@Palestinecapti1) November 24, 2023 × “I have no words, I have no words,” released 17-year-old Jamal Brahma was quoted as saying by Associated Press, as he searched for something to say to the hordes of jostling journalists and thousands of chanting Palestinians, many in national dress. “Thank God,” he managed to utter. Israel to release 150 hostages Under the deal, Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners over the next four days. The truce can be extended an extra day, as per Israel’s offer, for every 10 additional hostages released. Watch: Israel-Hamas War: 300 Palestinian prisoners to be released as people in Gaza await swap deal × Some of them were accused of staging attacks on Israeli security forces and some were even convicted. Some teenagers were arrested for throwing stones at the IDF, and were charged with ‘supporting terrorism.’ Israel launches crackdown on celebrations As Israeli-controlled West Bank basked in celebrations, Israeli authorities reacted by launching a stiff crackdown. Israeli security forces at one point unleashed tear gas canisters on the crowds, sending young men, old women and small children sprinting away. Also read: Israel-Hamas war top developments: 13 freed hostages `inside Israeli territory` “The army is trying to take this moment away from us but they can’t,” Mays Foqaha said as she tumbled into the arms of her newly released 18-year-old friend, Nour al-Taher from Nablus, who was arrested during a protest in September at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. ”This is our day of victory.” Israel currently holds a record 2,200 Palestinians in administrative detention, a policy defended by Israel as a counter-terrorism measure. This has sparked controversy, with Palestinians considering them prisoners of war and allocating public funds for their support, a practice criticised by Israel and the US as an incentive for violence. (With inputs from agencies)

Celebrations break out in West Bank as prisoners reach home to heroic welcome

An Opposition Leader in jail has been forced to listen to one of Putin's speeches for 100 days. The Prison Guards say this will continue till 2025. Does Putin feel threatened by critics? Molly Gambhir tells you more

Gravitas: Prisoner forced to hear putin's speech for 100 days

Vienna and Copenhagen have announced that Iran has freed two Austrian and one Danish national&nbsp;who had been detained there. They also expressed gratitude to Oman and Belgium for their assistance in securing the release of the three.

Alexander Schallenberg, the foreign minister of Austria, expressed his relief on Friday (June 2)&nbsp;that Kamran Ghaderi and Massud Mossaheb were returning home after "years of arduous detention in Iran."

Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, said he was “happy and relieved that a Danish citizen is on his way home to his family in Denmark after imprisonment in Iran,” reported Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

He refused to name the individual, claiming that it was "a personal matter" and that he was unable to provide any information.

In addition to thanking Belgium, Lkke Rasmussen stated that Oman "played an important role".

Schallenberg praised the foreign ministers of Oman and Belgium for their "valuable support" but did not specify how it was provided.

Shortly before the announcement, an Oman Royal Air Force Gulfstream IV that had been parked in Tehran for many days took off.

The three will be transported to Belgium's military airfield in Melsbroek following a stop in Oman and medical examinations, according to Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/10-countries-with-the-highest-number-of-prisoners-1685619780572">10 countries with highest number of prisoners</a>

<h2>Oman's assistance</h2>

Oman has previously served as an intermediary and enjoys strong relations with both Iran and Western nations. The disclosures follow the first visit to Iran by Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, who will take over as the Arab country's monarch in 2020.

An Iranian-Austrian businessman named Ghaderi was detained in 2016 and given a 10-year prison term for allegedly espionage for the United States, claims that his supporters vehemently deny.

Austria had come under fire from his family in recent years for remaining silent about his situation.

Mossaheb, a businessman who is also Iranian and Austrian, was detained in 2019 and sentenced to 10 years in jail following what Amnesty International termed "a grossly unfair trial for vague national security offences."

According to Amnesty, Mossaheb had diabetes and heart disease, making his detention even more hazardous.

Friday's release was not immediately announced by Iranian official media.

Olivier Vandecasteele, a Belgian relief worker, was released last week as part of a prisoner swap between Belgium and Iran.

Assadollah Assadi, an Iranian diplomat who had been detained for a 2018 bombing plan on an Iranian opposition gathering outside of Paris, was released by Belgium in return.

Also watch |&nbsp;Tape shows Trump saying he kept classified document on Iran: Report

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The exchange was criticised for encouraging Tehran to use Belgian hostages as negotiating chips to get the release of operatives like Assadi who had been detained for "terror" acts in the West.

Iranian authorities have recently imprisoned a number of foreigners and dual citizens, typically on charges of espionage or other crimes related to state security. Rights organisations have characterised the arrests as a strategy to obtain concessions from other countries by fabricating allegations, a claim Tehran rejects.

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Vienna and Copenhagen have announced that Iran has freed two Austrian and one Danish national who had been detained there. They also expressed gratitude to Oman and Belgium for their assistance in securing the release of the three.

Vienna and Copenhagen have announced that Iran has freed two Austrian and one Danish national who had been detained there. They also expressed gratitude to Oman and Belgium for their assistance in securing the release of the three. Alexander Schallenberg, the foreign minister of Austria, expressed his relief on Friday (June 2) that Kamran Ghaderi and Massud Mossaheb were returning home after "years of arduous detention in Iran." Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, said he was “happy and relieved that a Danish citizen is on his way home to his family in Denmark after imprisonment in Iran,” reported Al Jazeera. He refused to name the individual, claiming that it was "a personal matter" and that he was unable to provide any information. In addition to thanking Belgium, Lkke Rasmussen stated that Oman "played an important role". Schallenberg praised the foreign ministers of Oman and Belgium for their "valuable support" but did not specify how it was provided. Shortly before the announcement, an Oman Royal Air Force Gulfstream IV that had been parked in Tehran for many days took off. The three will be transported to Belgium's military airfield in Melsbroek following a stop in Oman and medical examinations, according to Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. Also read | 10 countries with highest number of prisoners Oman's assistance Oman has previously served as an intermediary and enjoys strong relations with both Iran and Western nations. The disclosures follow the first visit to Iran by Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, who will take over as the Arab country's monarch in 2020. An Iranian-Austrian businessman named Ghaderi was detained in 2016 and given a 10-year prison term for allegedly espionage for the United States, claims that his supporters vehemently deny. Austria had come under fire from his family in recent years for remaining silent about his situation. Mossaheb, a businessman who is also Iranian and Austrian, was detained in 2019 and sentenced to 10 years in jail following what Amnesty International termed "a grossly unfair trial for vague national security offences." According to Amnesty, Mossaheb had diabetes and heart disease, making his detention even more hazardous. Friday's release was not immediately announced by Iranian official media. Olivier Vandecasteele, a Belgian relief worker, was released last week as part of a prisoner swap between Belgium and Iran. Assadollah Assadi, an Iranian diplomat who had been detained for a 2018 bombing plan on an Iranian opposition gathering outside of Paris, was released by Belgium in return. Also watch | Tape shows Trump saying he kept classified document on Iran: Report The exchange was criticised for encouraging Tehran to use Belgian hostages as negotiating chips to get the release of operatives like Assadi who had been detained for "terror" acts in the West. Iranian authorities have recently imprisoned a number of foreigners and dual citizens, typically on charges of espionage or other crimes related to state security. Rights organisations have characterised the arrests as a strategy to obtain concessions from other countries by fabricating allegations, a claim Tehran rejects. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iran releases 2 Austrians, 1 Danish with assistance from Oman, Belgium

With the Saturday release of three additional inmates in exchange for the release of Iranian diplomat Asadullah Assadi, Iran makes a significant step towards repairing diplomatic relations with its European counterparts. This action was performed in accordance with the prisoner exchange with Belgium that occurred last week.

Iran frees three more European prisoners in return for diplomat

A dearth of workers and poor economic growth have increased the number of one-day releases. Prisoners The goal is to encourage people to pursue vocational training and for more criminals to be released on licence so they can enrol in apprenticeships in fields like construction as part of the UK government's attempt to get offenders back to work.

UK: Thousands of prisoners could be released on license to help boost the economy

IN PICS | Myanmar junta releases over 3,000 prisoners in Buddhist New Year amnesty

A 35-year-old undertrial prisoner, accused of murdering his wife fled from a prison in western India's Rajasthan. The prisoner had been lodged in the Baran district jail since February 25.

A 35-year-old undertrial prisoner, accused of murdering his wife fled from a prison in western India's Rajasthan. The prisoner had been lodged in the Baran district jail since February 25. The prisoner named Janved escaped by scaling a 20-foot-high electric fence using cables, according to jail officials. Kishan Chand Meena, the jailor of the Baran district jail informed that Janved used a cable of CCTV cameras as a rope to scale the fencing and chart his escape. The police said it is highly likely that the accused escaped using a hole in the fencing. Janved fled the jail premises on Wednesday afternoon and the incident did not come to light till later in the evening. "The complete count of prisoners was done late last night. Later, a prisoner named Janved escaped by scaling the wall. The authorities have been informed about the matter. A case is being registered and a search is on for him,” said the jail-in-charge. Read more: The inmate and the officer: Alabama's improbable prison escape This is not the first instance when prisoners have escaped a Rajasthani jail. In June last year, three undertrial prisoners, who were under judicial custody escaped from the Banswara district jail using blankets. "They jumped an inner boundary wall 12 feet tall...then the outer wall of 20 feet with the help of a rope they made with blankets. They made a hole in the wall of the cell," said the jailer. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, more than three-fourths of jail inmates in India are undertrial prisoners. In 2021, of the 554,034 prisoners, 427,165, or 77 per cent were undertrials. It was a 15 per cent increase from the numbers noted in 2020. District jails had the lion's share of the undertrial prison inmates population, accounting for 51.5 per cent of the total. Read more: Indian courts gave record 165 death sentences in 2022: Report (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Undertrial prisoner escapes a Rajasthan jail by scaling 20-ft wall using CCTV cables

Over 200 political prisoners in Nicaragua were freed and flown to the United States on Thursday. Among them were five former presidential hopefuls and other prominent opponents of President Daniel Ortega. This is a significant development, more so for US, which has been calling out Nicaragua for its clampdown on human rights and "sham" re-election of Ortega in 2021.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the mass release "opens the door to further dialogue between the United States and Nicaragua regarding issues of concern."&nbsp;Washington has termed this as a constructive step towards enhancing human rights.&nbsp;Nicaraguan government said that it had made "its own decision" to release the prisoners.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gets-new-lease-of-life-reaches-agreement-with-imf-over-stalled-bailout-package-560427">Pakistan's economy gets new lease of life, reaches agreement with IMF over stalled bailout package</a>

In the lead-up to the Nicaragua elections, many human rights defenders, journalists, and relatives of opponent leaders were "arbitrarily" detained. The arrests were made either "for expressing political views freely or for being perceived as critics of the Government."&nbsp;

As per an earlier report by the UN, "those detained in the infamous El Chipote prison" suffered "inhuman conditions, with limited access to medical care, balanced diets, or regular family contact."&nbsp;

A Nicaraguan judge called the 222 prisoners who had been freed "traitors" and said they had been deported. The government of Nicaragua declared on Thursday that it intended to amend the legislation to let the nation revoke the citizenship of the released inmates.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sa-president-declared-state-of-disaster-amid-worst-power-crisis-what-is-it-about-560449">South African president declares 'state of disaster' amid worst power crisis. What is it about?</a>

Former presidential contenders Juan Sebastian Chamorro, Felix Maradiaga, Miguel Mora, Medardo Mairena, and Arturo Cruz, as well as well-known student activist Lesther Aleman, were among those let free, according to a Nicaraguan court record.

US and Nicaraguan relationship is marred with a bitter history with Washington's occupation of the country from 1912 to 1933 and the human rights abuses of the time.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-aftermath-of-chinas-spy-balloon-560414">US: Aftermath of China's spy balloon</a>

Dual citizen Michael Healy, who had received a 13-year prison sentence, was also freed, according to Blinken. Just before noon on Thursday, the former prisoners touched down at Dulles International Airport near Washington. Meanwhile, two individuals arrived in the country of the United States of their own free will. It was an emotional moment for&nbsp;activists and supporters who were gathered to welcome the arrivals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Over 200 political prisoners in Nicaragua were freed and flown to the United States on Thursday. Among them were five former presidential hopefuls and other prominent opponents of President Daniel Ortega.

Over 200 political prisoners in Nicaragua were freed and flown to the United States on Thursday. Among them were five former presidential hopefuls and other prominent opponents of President Daniel Ortega. This is a significant development, more so for US, which has been calling out Nicaragua for its clampdown on human rights and "sham" re-election of Ortega in 2021. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the mass release "opens the door to further dialogue between the United States and Nicaragua regarding issues of concern." Washington has termed this as a constructive step towards enhancing human rights. Nicaraguan government said that it had made "its own decision" to release the prisoners. Also Read | Pakistan's economy gets new lease of life, reaches agreement with IMF over stalled bailout package In the lead-up to the Nicaragua elections, many human rights defenders, journalists, and relatives of opponent leaders were "arbitrarily" detained. The arrests were made either "for expressing political views freely or for being perceived as critics of the Government." As per an earlier report by the UN, "those detained in the infamous El Chipote prison" suffered "inhuman conditions, with limited access to medical care, balanced diets, or regular family contact." A Nicaraguan judge called the 222 prisoners who had been freed "traitors" and said they had been deported. The government of Nicaragua declared on Thursday that it intended to amend the legislation to let the nation revoke the citizenship of the released inmates. Also Read | South African president declares 'state of disaster' amid worst power crisis. What is it about? Former presidential contenders Juan Sebastian Chamorro, Felix Maradiaga, Miguel Mora, Medardo Mairena, and Arturo Cruz, as well as well-known student activist Lesther Aleman, were among those let free, according to a Nicaraguan court record. US and Nicaraguan relationship is marred with a bitter history with Washington's occupation of the country from 1912 to 1933 and the human rights abuses of the time. Watch | US: Aftermath of China's spy balloon Dual citizen Michael Healy, who had received a 13-year prison sentence, was also freed, according to Blinken. Just before noon on Thursday, the former prisoners touched down at Dulles International Airport near Washington. Meanwhile, two individuals arrived in the country of the United States of their own free will. It was an emotional moment for activists and supporters who were gathered to welcome the arrivals. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Emotional scenes at Dulles airport as over 200 Nicaraguan prisoners freed and sent to US

Myanmar's military said Thursday it will release almost 6,000 prisoners, including a former British ambassador, a Japanese journalist and an Australian economics adviser, in a rare olive branch from the isolated junta.&nbsp;The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military's coup last year and a bloody crackdown on dissent during which thousands have been jailed.

Former British envoy Vicky Bowman, Australian economics adviser Sean Turnell and Japanese journalist Toru Kubota "will be released to mark National Day", a senior officer told AFP.

All three would be deported, the junta said without specifying a date.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asean-still-struggling-to-find-solution-for-myanmar-crisis-533155">Also read |&nbsp;ASEAN still struggling to find solution for Myanmar crisis</a>

Around 200 people had gathered outside the Insein prison in Yangon in the hope that their loved ones would be among those released, said AFP reporters who also saw several yellow buses enter the sprawling compound.

Altogether, 5,774 prisoners will be released, "including some 600 women", the junta official said, revising an earlier figure of about 700 women.&nbsp;

The junta did not say in its statement announcing the amnesty how many of those pardoned had been arrested during the military's crackdown on dissent.

Bowman, who served as ambassador from 2002 to 2006, was detained with her husband in August for failing to declare she was living at an address different from the one listed on her foreigner's registration certificate.

They were later jailed for a year. Her husband, prominent&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;artist Htein Lin, will also be released, the military official said.

A British diplomatic source said Bowman had not yet been released but they expected her to be freed. The junta statement did not list her husband among those due to be deported.

Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar military to free 6,000 prisoners including 600 women

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Ties between&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and its former colonial ruler Britain have soured since the military's takeover, with the junta this year criticising the UK's recent downgrading of its mission there as "unacceptable".

Turnell was working as an adviser to&nbsp;Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi when he was detained shortly after the coup in February 2021.

He and Suu Kyi were convicted in September by a closed junta court of breaching the Official Secrets Act and jailed for three years each.

"We welcome reports in relation to Professor Sean Turnell," Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Twitter.

"Professor Turnell continues to be our first priority. As such, we will not be commenting further at this stage."

Japanese journalist Kubota, 26, was detained in July near an anti-government rally in Yangon along with two&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;citizens and jailed for 10 years.

A source at Japan's embassy in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;told AFP they had "been informed that Mr. Kubota will be released today" by junta authorities.

Kubota would leave for Japan "today", they said.&nbsp;Kubota is the fifth foreign journalist to be detained in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;since the coup, after US citizens Nathan Maung and Danny Fenster, Robert Bociaga of Poland and Yuki Kitazumi of Japan -- all of whom were later freed and deported.

At least 170 journalists have been arrested since the coup according to UNESCO, with nearly 70 still in detention.

Very proud of him 
 
One woman, who did not want to give her name for fear of reprisals, said she was waiting for her husband, who was halfway through a three-year sentence for encouraging dissent against the military. &nbsp;

"Earlier, he was a USDP (military-backed political party) supporter. After the coup, he joined the protests. I'm very proud of him," she said.&nbsp;

San San Aye said she was waiting for her brothers and sisters to be released.

"Three of them were sentenced to three years each,&nbsp;eight months ago," she told AFP.&nbsp;

"Their children are waiting at home. We will be more than happy if they are released."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-junta-regime-diverting-civilian-jet-fuel-to-military-confirms-amnesty-international-530800">Also read |&nbsp;Myanmar's Junta regime diverting civilian jet fuel to military, claims Amnesty International</a>

Independent analyst David Mathieson told AFP: "Professor Turnell's release is remarkable news after being held hostage by the regime, and his family and friends will be delighted."

However, he said the junta "shows no sign of reform and a mass amnesty doesn't absolve them of atrocities committed since the coup".

Amnesty's regional office spokesperson said: "Thousands of people jailed since the coup in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;have done nothing wrong and should never have been imprisoned in the first place."

Three former ministers from Suu Kyi's ousted government and detained US-Myanmar&nbsp;citizen Kyaw Htay Oo would also be released, the junta official said.

More than 2,300 civilians have been killed since the military's crackdown on dissent after it ousted Suu Kyi's government, according to a&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;monitoring group.&nbsp;

The junta blames anti-coup fighters for the death&nbsp;of almost 3,900 civilians. 
 
&nbsp;

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Myanmar's military said Thursday it will release almost 6,000 prisoners, including a former British ambassador, a Japanese journalist and an Australian economics adviser, in a rare olive branch from the isolated junta.

Myanmar's military said Thursday it will release almost 6,000 prisoners, including a former British ambassador, a Japanese journalist and an Australian economics adviser, in a rare olive branch from the isolated junta. The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military's coup last year and a bloody crackdown on dissent during which thousands have been jailed. Former British envoy Vicky Bowman, Australian economics adviser Sean Turnell and Japanese journalist Toru Kubota "will be released to mark National Day", a senior officer told AFP. All three would be deported, the junta said without specifying a date. Also read | ASEAN still struggling to find solution for Myanmar crisis Around 200 people had gathered outside the Insein prison in Yangon in the hope that their loved ones would be among those released, said AFP reporters who also saw several yellow buses enter the sprawling compound. Altogether, 5,774 prisoners will be released, "including some 600 women", the junta official said, revising an earlier figure of about 700 women. The junta did not say in its statement announcing the amnesty how many of those pardoned had been arrested during the military's crackdown on dissent. Bowman, who served as ambassador from 2002 to 2006, was detained with her husband in August for failing to declare she was living at an address different from the one listed on her foreigner's registration certificate. They were later jailed for a year. Her husband, prominent Myanmar artist Htein Lin, will also be released, the military official said. A British diplomatic source said Bowman had not yet been released but they expected her to be freed. The junta statement did not list her husband among those due to be deported. Watch | Myanmar military to free 6,000 prisoners including 600 women Ties between Myanmar and its former colonial ruler Britain have soured since the military's takeover, with the junta this year criticising the UK's recent downgrading of its mission there as "unacceptable". Turnell was working as an adviser to Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi when he was detained shortly after the coup in February 2021. He and Suu Kyi were convicted in September by a closed junta court of breaching the Official Secrets Act and jailed for three years each. "We welcome reports in relation to Professor Sean Turnell," Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Twitter. "Professor Turnell continues to be our first priority. As such, we will not be commenting further at this stage." Japanese journalist Kubota, 26, was detained in July near an anti-government rally in Yangon along with two Myanmar citizens and jailed for 10 years. A source at Japan's embassy in Myanmar told AFP they had "been informed that Mr. Kubota will be released today" by junta authorities. Kubota would leave for Japan "today", they said. Kubota is the fifth foreign journalist to be detained in Myanmar since the coup, after US citizens Nathan Maung and Danny Fenster, Robert Bociaga of Poland and Yuki Kitazumi of Japan -- all of whom were later freed and deported. At least 170 journalists have been arrested since the coup according to UNESCO, with nearly 70 still in detention. Very proud of him One woman, who did not want to give her name for fear of reprisals, said she was waiting for her husband, who was halfway through a three-year sentence for encouraging dissent against the military. "Earlier, he was a USDP (military-backed political party) supporter. After the coup, he joined the protests. I'm very proud of him," she said. San San Aye said she was waiting for her brothers and sisters to be released. "Three of them were sentenced to three years each, eight months ago," she told AFP. "Their children are waiting at home. We will be more than happy if they are released." Also read | Myanmar's Junta regime diverting civilian jet fuel to military, claims Amnesty International Independent analyst David Mathieson told AFP: "Professor Turnell's release is remarkable news after being held hostage by the regime, and his family and friends will be delighted." However, he said the junta "shows no sign of reform and a mass amnesty doesn't absolve them of atrocities committed since the coup". Amnesty's regional office spokesperson said: "Thousands of people jailed since the coup in Myanmar have done nothing wrong and should never have been imprisoned in the first place." Three former ministers from Suu Kyi's ousted government and detained US-Myanmar citizen Kyaw Htay Oo would also be released, the junta official said. More than 2,300 civilians have been killed since the military's crackdown on dissent after it ousted Suu Kyi's government, according to a Myanmar monitoring group. The junta blames anti-coup fighters for the death of almost 3,900 civilians. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Buses carrying former UK ambassador, Japanese journalist leave Yangon prison 

According to data released by Palestinian human rights organizations, as of May 2022, there were allegedly 4,700 Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. Out of these, 32 women and 170 children are held in Israel Prison Service facilities. 640 are treated as administrative detainees. Let's take a deeper look at the Palestinian prisoner situation.

Explained | How many Palestinian prisoners are being held by Israel?

Russia and Ukraine have carried out a surprise prisoner swap involving nearly 300 people. Those released include prisoners of war from countries including the US, UK, Morocco, Sweden and Croatia some of whom had been sentenced to death after being captured in Ukraine and accused of being mercenaries.

Russia, Ukraine exchange prisoners in surprise swap

Russia has been reportedly hiring prisoners to fight its war in an attempt to compensate for the acute shortage of personnel fighting in Ukraine.&nbsp;The name of a private agency has come to the fore that has been recruiting these inmates, who face serious charges like murder and loot.

According to the Guardian, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, and the reported head of the Wagner group—a private military company and often described as a network of mercenaries—has been sending these convicted felons to the battlefield.

Though there is no official number available as to how many have been hired, a US official on Monday said that Wagner was trying to recruit more than 1,500 prisoners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A video had gone viral last week on Russian social media showing a man closely resembling Prigozhin telling inmates at a prison 500 miles north of Tambov that they would be freed if they served six months with his group.&nbsp;

This is&nbsp;the first time that the enlistment process had been captured on camera.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-western-allies-condemn-russian-referendum-plans-for-occupied-regions-518218" hreflang="en">Ukraine's Western allies condemn Russian referendum plans for occupied regions</a>

The Guardian spoke to several prisoners and close family members of inmates across different penal colonies in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;who all gave similar accounts of how Prigozhin was personally conducting recruitment in prisons, and how they are promised freedom and money in exchange for their services.

One of the inmates, Ivan, told the UK daily that around 120 inmates joined the group and were now fighting in Ukraine after a one-week training course.

All the prisoners interviewed said they were promised a presidential pardon after six months and a salary of 100,000 rubles (£1,400) a month.

Last month, Pentagon said that Russia has lost around 80,000 soldiers since its invasion of Ukraine began.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia has been reportedly hiring prisoners to fight its war in an attempt to compensate for the acute shortage of personnel fighting in Ukraine. The name of a private agency has come to the fore that has been recruiting these inmates, who face serious charges like murder and loot.

Russia has been reportedly hiring prisoners to fight its war in an attempt to compensate for the acute shortage of personnel fighting in Ukraine. The name of a private agency has come to the fore that has been recruiting these inmates, who face serious charges like murder and loot. According to the Guardian, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, and the reported head of the Wagner group—a private military company and often described as a network of mercenaries—has been sending these convicted felons to the battlefield. Though there is no official number available as to how many have been hired, a US official on Monday said that Wagner was trying to recruit more than 1,500 prisoners. A video had gone viral last week on Russian social media showing a man closely resembling Prigozhin telling inmates at a prison 500 miles north of Tambov that they would be freed if they served six months with his group. This is the first time that the enlistment process had been captured on camera. Also read | Ukraine's Western allies condemn Russian referendum plans for occupied regions The Guardian spoke to several prisoners and close family members of inmates across different penal colonies in Russia who all gave similar accounts of how Prigozhin was personally conducting recruitment in prisons, and how they are promised freedom and money in exchange for their services. One of the inmates, Ivan, told the UK daily that around 120 inmates joined the group and were now fighting in Ukraine after a one-week training course. All the prisoners interviewed said they were promised a presidential pardon after six months and a salary of 100,000 rubles (£1,400) a month. Last month, Pentagon said that Russia has lost around 80,000 soldiers since its invasion of Ukraine began. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Money, pardon: How Russia is luring prisoners to fight the war in Ukraine

Following the release of a video showing him recruiting inmates for the Ukraine war, a Russian mercenary boss defended the idea of doing so.&nbsp;

The leader of the Wagner organisation, Yevgeny Prigozhin, suggested that individuals who do not want to send prisoners to combat send their own children in their place. Earlier, the released video showed him promising to rescue prisoners who served six months with his organisation.&nbsp;

It's thought that since 2014, the Wagner group has been engaged in combat in Ukraine.

After the video went viral, Prigozhin released a statement on social media in which he claimed that if he were imprisoned, he would "dream of" joining the Wagner group to "pay my debt to the Motherland."&nbsp;

He also included a warning for those who oppose using prisoners or mercenaries in combat. Choose for yourself: "Either private military corporations and prisoners, or your children," he continued.&nbsp;

But neither the video nor its authenticity was specifically addressed in the statement.

According to the UK's defence minister, prisoner recruitment revealed that Russia has a "critical" lack of combat infantry personnel.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-plans-to-impose-sanctions-on-ceos-of-us-companies-over-arms-sales-to-taiwan-516760">China plans to impose sanctions on CEOs of US companies over arms sales to Taiwan</a>

According to Prigozhin in the film, serving with the Wagner group ensures that "nobody goes back behind bars," despite the fact that Russian law forbids inmates from being released in exchange for military or mercenary duty.&nbsp;

In the past, the Putin ally has denied a link with the organisation. However, the billionaire can be heard informing convicts that he is a "representative of a private war company" in the jail tape that was leaked.

He questioned the detainees, "Maybe you heard the name Wagner Group.&nbsp;

The mysteriously formed gang has participated in battles in Africa, Ukraine, and Syria.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Following the release of a video showing him recruiting inmates for the Ukraine war, a Russian mercenary boss defended the idea of doing so. The leader of the Wagner organisation, Yevgeny Prigozhin, suggested that individuals who do not want to send prisoners to combat send their own children in their place.

Following the release of a video showing him recruiting inmates for the Ukraine war, a Russian mercenary boss defended the idea of doing so. The leader of the Wagner organisation, Yevgeny Prigozhin, suggested that individuals who do not want to send prisoners to combat send their own children in their place. Earlier, the released video showed him promising to rescue prisoners who served six months with his organisation. It's thought that since 2014, the Wagner group has been engaged in combat in Ukraine. After the video went viral, Prigozhin released a statement on social media in which he claimed that if he were imprisoned, he would "dream of" joining the Wagner group to "pay my debt to the Motherland." He also included a warning for those who oppose using prisoners or mercenaries in combat. Choose for yourself: "Either private military corporations and prisoners, or your children," he continued. But neither the video nor its authenticity was specifically addressed in the statement. According to the UK's defence minister, prisoner recruitment revealed that Russia has a "critical" lack of combat infantry personnel. Also Read: China plans to impose sanctions on CEOs of US companies over arms sales to Taiwan According to Prigozhin in the film, serving with the Wagner group ensures that "nobody goes back behind bars," despite the fact that Russian law forbids inmates from being released in exchange for military or mercenary duty. In the past, the Putin ally has denied a link with the organisation. However, the billionaire can be heard informing convicts that he is a "representative of a private war company" in the jail tape that was leaked. He questioned the detainees, "Maybe you heard the name Wagner Group. The mysteriously formed gang has participated in battles in Africa, Ukraine, and Syria. (with inputs from agencies)

Either prisoners fight in Ukraine, or your children, decide for yourself: Russian mercenary boss

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is going to speak to Russian foreign minister Lavrov soon. The release of Americans detained is on the agenda.

WION Dispatch| Russia: Talks on with US over prisoner swap

Books behind bars: Bolivian prisoners to reduce jail time by reading

A Russian-state TV is showing videos of 2 British prisoners of war. They have sought Boris Johnson's help for a 'prisoner swap'. But, UK Minister Brandon Lewis has 'ridiculed' them by saying 'They shouldn't have been there'. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: British Prisoners of War seek Boris Johnson's help

To mark New Year holiday, Myanmar's junta government has started to release more than 1,600 prisoners on Sunday. These prisoners do not include political detainees, reports said. &nbsp;

This comes as the ruling general has vowed to bring peace to the country this year. &nbsp;

Earlier, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head, Myanmar's military council, had pardoned 1,619 prisoners. It includes 42 foreigners, who will be deported, state-run MRTV television reported. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-astronauts-return-to-earth-after-longest-crewed-mission-471393" hreflang="en">Chinese astronauts return to Earth after longest crewed mission</a>

Those released were mostly drug offenders and common criminals, Myanmar's Prison Department spokesman Khin Shwe told AP. &nbsp;

He also added that he was unaware if any political prisoners were also being released. &nbsp;

The political detainees are being held as hostages by military leader Min Aung Hlaing, said Tun Kyi, senior member, Former Political Prisoners Society. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Sri Lanka declares 5 day share trading halt, faces food and fuel shortage

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"He knows the political prisoners will oppose him again if they were released," Kyi said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 10,238 people, including Suu Kyi, are being held by the government, said Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, which keeps track of political arrests and killings, on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In speech on New Year, Min Aung Hlaing said he is doing his best to bring peace in 2022. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The strength of the country comes from inside the country. I will try my best, with the strength of the people," the general said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

To mark New Year holiday, Myanmar's junta government has started to release more than 1,600 prisoners on Sunday. These prisoners do not include political detainees, reports said.

To mark New Year holiday, Myanmar's junta government has started to release more than 1,600 prisoners on Sunday. These prisoners do not include political detainees, reports said. This comes as the ruling general has vowed to bring peace to the country this year. Earlier, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head, Myanmar's military council, had pardoned 1,619 prisoners. It includes 42 foreigners, who will be deported, state-run MRTV television reported. Also Read: Chinese astronauts return to Earth after longest crewed mission Those released were mostly drug offenders and common criminals, Myanmar's Prison Department spokesman Khin Shwe told AP. He also added that he was unaware if any political prisoners were also being released. The political detainees are being held as hostages by military leader Min Aung Hlaing, said Tun Kyi, senior member, Former Political Prisoners Society. Watch: Sri Lanka declares 5 day share trading halt, faces food and fuel shortage × "He knows the political prisoners will oppose him again if they were released," Kyi said. Around 10,238 people, including Suu Kyi, are being held by the government, said Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, which keeps track of political arrests and killings, on Friday. In speech on New Year, Min Aung Hlaing said he is doing his best to bring peace in 2022. "The strength of the country comes from inside the country. I will try my best, with the strength of the people," the general said. (With inputs from agencies)

To mark New Year holiday, Myanmar's junta govt releases over 1,600 prisoners, but not ‘political detainees’

Sketches smuggled out of Myanmar's prison tell horrible tale of country's most notorious jail - see pics

&nbsp;In one drawing, dozens of men sit crammed into a single room, hunched with their knees together, every inch of space occupied. In another, they lie back to back on the floor, their faces straining with discomfort.

Fourteen sketches smuggled out of&nbsp;Myanmar's Insein Prison and interviews with eight former prisoners offer a rare glimpse inside the country's most notorious jail, where thousands of political prisoners have been sent since last year's military coup and communication with the outside world is sharply limited.

&nbsp;The rough, blue-ink sketches show daily life for groups of male prisoners in their dormitories, queuing for water from a trough to wash, talking or lying on the floor in the tropical heat.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-back-in-junta-court-after-covid-quarantine-467202">Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court after Covid quarantine</a>

Beyond those depictions, the eight recently released inmates told Reuters the colonial-era facility in Yangon is infested with rats, a place where bribes are common, prisoners pay for sleeping space on the floor and widespread illness goes untreated.

"We're no longer humans behind bars," said Nyi Nyi Htwe, 24, who smuggled the sketches out of the prison when he was released in October, after spending several months for a defamation conviction, on charges he denies, in connection with joining protests against the coup.

Reuters could not independently verify the accounts provided by the former inmates.

Myanmar's junta, which seized power from the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, and prison administration did not respond to multiple requests for comment on conditions shown in the sketches and described by the former inmates.

Rights groups including the International Committee of the Red Cross told Reuters they have been denied access to the jail.

Built by the British in 1871, Insein is&nbsp;Myanmar's largest prison, housing many people arrested for opposing the junta.

&nbsp;Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, convicted of breaking&nbsp;Myanmar's Official Secrets Act in 2017, spent most of their 511 days behind bars in Insein. They were released in a 2019 amnesty, before the latest coup.

Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar military resorting to a strategy of massacres &amp; scorched earth tactics as it burns villages

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Prison population swells

The artist drew the prison sketches between April and July of last year. Later released, he declined to be interviewed or identified, telling Nyi Nyi Htwe he feared rearrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nyi Nyi Htwe, who met the artist in prison, said he sketched prisoners if asked and drew prison scenes wherever he went, saying he felt more relaxed while drawing. He gave Nyi Nyi Htwe the sketches as a birthday present.

&nbsp;Nyi Nyi Htwe said he smuggled them out on his release to show friends, family and others the conditions inside.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Since the coup, 10,072 people have been detained in the Southeast Asian country, including Suu Kyi and most of her cabinet, and over 1,730 people have been killed, according to the nonprofit Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, whose tallies are widely cited. The junta has said AAPP's figures are exaggerated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-says-will-annihilate-coup-opponents-on-crackdown-anniversary-465854">Myanmar army says will 'annihilate' coup opponents on crackdown anniversary</a>

Many of those detained have been sent to Insein.

&nbsp;Built to incarcerate around 5,000 people, the prison has seen inmate numbers swell to over 10,000 since the coup, said a spokesperson for the AAPP. Reuters could not confirm the figures.

The sketches reflect the increase in the months after the coup, said Nyi Nyi Htwe.

In one from late April, a few prisoners sit apart in their dorm, some reading books. A picture from June shows about 60 people in the same room - many lying in tight rows down the centre, the rest hunched against the walls.

Nyi Nyi Htwe said he and as many as 100 others were packed well beyond capacity into a room where they "slept a finger-width apart," and that he watched prison officers beat inmates with batons and had to pay bribes to send messages to family that they told him often did not arrive.

'Lucky not to die'

With the overcrowding came water shortages, disease, fatigue, fighting between prisoners and flourishing bribery, said people released in recent months.

&nbsp;"Rats ran around in the room. The toilets were filthy. The food was mixed with flies. Those who couldn't pay a bribe had to sleep next to the toilet bucket," said Sandar Win, a 42-year-old social worker jailed at Insein for several months for defamation after protesting against the junta.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asean-envoy-says-urged-restraint-from-myanmar-military-discussed-aung-san-suu-kyi-access-465104">ASEAN envoy says urged restraint from Myanmar military, discussed Aung San Suu Kyi access</a>

She was released under an amnesty while awaiting sentencing for the charges, which she denies. She has since fled&nbsp;Myanmar.

&nbsp;Access to outdoor latrines was limited, forcing prisoners to defecate in buckets in their rooms, three women former inmates said. These unsanitary conditions allowed skin and bowel diseases to spread, and there was little medical help, they said.

&nbsp;A handwritten note by a group of anonymous Insein inmates, smuggled out to a prominent human rights activist in February, alleges several instances of medical negligence, including failure to treat people beaten unconscious and a person who had suffered a stroke and was paralysed.

&nbsp;"These cases are happening right in front of us," said the note, which was shown to Reuters by the activist, Nan Lin. "We request urgent help from international organisations and local organisations."

Reuters could not independently verify the note's authenticity, but several former inmates said they had witnessed or suffered beatings by guards and there was little medical support.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-junta-categorically-rejects-us-allegation-of-rohingya-genocide-464692">Myanmar military junta 'categorically rejects' US allegation of Rohingya genocide</a>

Despite a COVID-19 vaccination drive at Insein last summer that was publicised on state media, former inmates said the coronavirus thrived in the crowded prison. At least 10 prisoners are suspected to have died from the disease, according to the AAPP.

Nyi Nyi Htwe, who has joined an armed rebel group, said nearly two-thirds of his dormitory were sick with covid&nbsp;symptoms last summer.

"They put all the sick people in our room — high fever, coughing and ill," he said. "I was lucky enough not to die."&nbsp;

In one drawing, dozens of men sit crammed into a single room, hunched with their knees together, every inch of space occupied. In another, they lie back to back on the floor, their faces straining with discomfort.

In one drawing, dozens of men sit crammed into a single room, hunched with their knees together, every inch of space occupied. In another, they lie back to back on the floor, their faces straining with discomfort. Fourteen sketches smuggled out of Myanmar's Insein Prison and interviews with eight former prisoners offer a rare glimpse inside the country's most notorious jail, where thousands of political prisoners have been sent since last year's military coup and communication with the outside world is sharply limited. The rough, blue-ink sketches show daily life for groups of male prisoners in their dormitories, queuing for water from a trough to wash, talking or lying on the floor in the tropical heat. Also read | Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court after Covid quarantine Beyond those depictions, the eight recently released inmates told Reuters the colonial-era facility in Yangon is infested with rats, a place where bribes are common, prisoners pay for sleeping space on the floor and widespread illness goes untreated. "We're no longer humans behind bars," said Nyi Nyi Htwe, 24, who smuggled the sketches out of the prison when he was released in October, after spending several months for a defamation conviction, on charges he denies, in connection with joining protests against the coup. Reuters could not independently verify the accounts provided by the former inmates. Myanmar's junta, which seized power from the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, and prison administration did not respond to multiple requests for comment on conditions shown in the sketches and described by the former inmates. Rights groups including the International Committee of the Red Cross told Reuters they have been denied access to the jail. Built by the British in 1871, Insein is Myanmar's largest prison, housing many people arrested for opposing the junta. Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, convicted of breaking Myanmar's Official Secrets Act in 2017, spent most of their 511 days behind bars in Insein. They were released in a 2019 amnesty, before the latest coup. Watch | Myanmar military resorting to a strategy of massacres & scorched earth tactics as it burns villages Prison population swells The artist drew the prison sketches between April and July of last year. Later released, he declined to be interviewed or identified, telling Nyi Nyi Htwe he feared rearrest. Nyi Nyi Htwe, who met the artist in prison, said he sketched prisoners if asked and drew prison scenes wherever he went, saying he felt more relaxed while drawing. He gave Nyi Nyi Htwe the sketches as a birthday present. Nyi Nyi Htwe said he smuggled them out on his release to show friends, family and others the conditions inside. Since the coup, 10,072 people have been detained in the Southeast Asian country, including Suu Kyi and most of her cabinet, and over 1,730 people have been killed, according to the nonprofit Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, whose tallies are widely cited. The junta has said AAPP's figures are exaggerated. Also read | Myanmar army says will 'annihilate' coup opponents on crackdown anniversary Many of those detained have been sent to Insein. Built to incarcerate around 5,000 people, the prison has seen inmate numbers swell to over 10,000 since the coup, said a spokesperson for the AAPP. Reuters could not confirm the figures. The sketches reflect the increase in the months after the coup, said Nyi Nyi Htwe. In one from late April, a few prisoners sit apart in their dorm, some reading books. A picture from June shows about 60 people in the same room - many lying in tight rows down the centre, the rest hunched against the walls. Nyi Nyi Htwe said he and as many as 100 others were packed well beyond capacity into a room where they "slept a finger-width apart," and that he watched prison officers beat inmates with batons and had to pay bribes to send messages to family that they told him often did not arrive. 'Lucky not to die' With the overcrowding came water shortages, disease, fatigue, fighting between prisoners and flourishing bribery, said people released in recent months. "Rats ran around in the room. The toilets were filthy. The food was mixed with flies. Those who couldn't pay a bribe had to sleep next to the toilet bucket," said Sandar Win, a 42-year-old social worker jailed at Insein for several months for defamation after protesting against the junta. Also read | ASEAN envoy says urged restraint from Myanmar military, discussed Aung San Suu Kyi access She was released under an amnesty while awaiting sentencing for the charges, which she denies. She has since fled Myanmar. Access to outdoor latrines was limited, forcing prisoners to defecate in buckets in their rooms, three women former inmates said. These unsanitary conditions allowed skin and bowel diseases to spread, and there was little medical help, they said. A handwritten note by a group of anonymous Insein inmates, smuggled out to a prominent human rights activist in February, alleges several instances of medical negligence, including failure to treat people beaten unconscious and a person who had suffered a stroke and was paralysed. "These cases are happening right in front of us," said the note, which was shown to Reuters by the activist, Nan Lin. "We request urgent help from international organisations and local organisations." Reuters could not independently verify the note's authenticity, but several former inmates said they had witnessed or suffered beatings by guards and there was little medical support. Also read | Myanmar military junta 'categorically rejects' US allegation of Rohingya genocide Despite a COVID-19 vaccination drive at Insein last summer that was publicised on state media, former inmates said the coronavirus thrived in the crowded prison. At least 10 prisoners are suspected to have died from the disease, according to the AAPP. Nyi Nyi Htwe, who has joined an armed rebel group, said nearly two-thirds of his dormitory were sick with covid symptoms last summer. "They put all the sick people in our room — high fever, coughing and ill," he said. "I was lucky enough not to die."

Smuggled sketches offer glimpses into harsh Myanmar prison

Six Palestinian prisoners who made a daring escaping from an Israeli prison in September were formally indicted Sunday, Israel's justice ministry said.

The men were charged with escaping from the high-security Gilboa prison in northern Israel while five others were accused of assisting them, a statement said.

The inmates,&nbsp;five from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group and one belonging to the armed branch of the Palestinian Authority's Fatah faction, had been held for attacks against Israel.

They escaped by digging a tunnel under a sink.

One of them, Mahmud Abdullah Ardah, said after he was recaptured that he had used spoons, plates and even the handle of a kettle to dig the tunnel.

The six -- hailed as heroes by Palestinians -- were recaptured in batches during a major Israeli manhunt in September.

In addition to Ardah, an Islamic Jihad member and the alleged mastermind of the escape, they include Zakaria Zubeidi who headed the Fatah armed wing.

The other four are Ayham Kamamji, Munadel Infeiat, Yaqub Qadri and Mohammad Ardah.

Lawyers for two of the prisoners said they had begun to dig the tunnel in December.

Israel has launched an investigation into how they pulled off their daring escaping. 
&nbsp;

Six Palestinian prisoners who made a daring escaping from an Israeli prison in September were formally indicted Sunday, Israel's justice ministry said. The men were charged with escaping from the high-security Gilboa prison in northern Israel while five others were accused of assisting them, a statement said.

Six Palestinian prisoners who made a daring escaping from an Israeli prison in September were formally indicted Sunday, Israel's justice ministry said. The men were charged with escaping from the high-security Gilboa prison in northern Israel while five others were accused of assisting them, a statement said. The inmates, five from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group and one belonging to the armed branch of the Palestinian Authority's Fatah faction, had been held for attacks against Israel. They escaped by digging a tunnel under a sink. One of them, Mahmud Abdullah Ardah, said after he was recaptured that he had used spoons, plates and even the handle of a kettle to dig the tunnel. The six -- hailed as heroes by Palestinians -- were recaptured in batches during a major Israeli manhunt in September. In addition to Ardah, an Islamic Jihad member and the alleged mastermind of the escape, they include Zakaria Zubeidi who headed the Fatah armed wing. The other four are Ayham Kamamji, Munadel Infeiat, Yaqub Qadri and Mohammad Ardah. Lawyers for two of the prisoners said they had begun to dig the tunnel in December. Israel has launched an investigation into how they pulled off their daring escaping.

Israel indicts Palestinian jail breakers

At least 100 people were killed and 52 injured in Ecuador prison after clashes broke out between rival groups in this complex. Two police officers tried to take the situation under control but were wounded by armed prisoners.

At least 100 people killed and 52 injured in Ecuador prison

Thousands of low-level criminals in the US were sent back to their houses when the coronavirus pandemic hit the world. These criminals were told to serve their time in form of house arrest now.

However, reportedly, they are now being called back to the prison to finish their time as the pandemic is on a low level in the country currently.

The New York Times published a report that said there is a chance that prisoners will be taken back into police custody. However, this has angered several criminal justice reform activists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-biden-orders-us-intelligence-to-redouble-efforts-to-collect-information-on-covid-19-origin-387626">President Biden orders US intelligence to 'redouble efforts' to collect information on COVID-19 origin</a>

People are now taking to the social media platform, Twitter, to urge US President Joe Biden to let these low-level criminals stay at home. Several activists started using #KeepThemHome to request the administration to allow people to finish their remaining jail time in form of house arrest.

"NOTHING is better for public safety than supporting people who have navigated the system, come home, and succeeded - that is the best possible outcome," Joshua B. Hoe, a policy analyst tweeted. "4,000 people have been home for 16 months successfully and could be sent back."

The movement came into being after a memo was issued by the US Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel that stated that inmates whose sentences extend beyond the "pandemic emergency period" will have to return to jail to complete their remaining terms.

Experts, however, believe that if the criminals have followed all rules of house arrest and have shown good progress in behaviour, then they should be allowed to complete their remaining time in the same atmosphere rather than being thrown back into jail.

Thousands of low-level criminals in the US were sent back to their houses when the coronavirus pandemic hit the world. These criminals were told to serve their time in form of house arrest now.

Thousands of low-level criminals in the US were sent back to their houses when the coronavirus pandemic hit the world. These criminals were told to serve their time in form of house arrest now. However, reportedly, they are now being called back to the prison to finish their time as the pandemic is on a low level in the country currently. The New York Times published a report that said there is a chance that prisoners will be taken back into police custody. However, this has angered several criminal justice reform activists. Also read | President Biden orders US intelligence to 'redouble efforts' to collect information on COVID-19 origin People are now taking to the social media platform, Twitter, to urge US President Joe Biden to let these low-level criminals stay at home. Several activists started using #KeepThemHome to request the administration to allow people to finish their remaining jail time in form of house arrest. "NOTHING is better for public safety than supporting people who have navigated the system, come home, and succeeded - that is the best possible outcome," Joshua B. Hoe, a policy analyst tweeted. "4,000 people have been home for 16 months successfully and could be sent back." The movement came into being after a memo was issued by the US Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel that stated that inmates whose sentences extend beyond the "pandemic emergency period" will have to return to jail to complete their remaining terms. Experts, however, believe that if the criminals have followed all rules of house arrest and have shown good progress in behaviour, then they should be allowed to complete their remaining time in the same atmosphere rather than being thrown back into jail.

#KeepThemHome trends on Twitter as activists urge Biden to let prisoners stay at home

Syrian mother Umm Saeed was so desperate to find her two jailed sons she even sold the family furniture to pay "fixers", but a decade of deceit has left her no closer to the truth.

"Had they asked for my heart, I would have handed it over," the 63-year-old mother told AFP by phone from central Syria, using a pseudonym for fear of reprisal.

But "they lied to me".

In war-torn Syria, where tens of thousands of people have disappeared into a murky web of regime jails infamous for torture, a booming trade has emerged for "fixers" offering to help families locate or save their loved ones.

Policemen, lawyers, businessmen and even lawmakers, with security&nbsp;and judicial contacts, demand steep fees to dig up information about a disappeared son or brother, allow a visit, reduce their sentence, or obtain their release.

Some efforts are successful, while more often scammers pocket the money and stop answering phone calls.

It's normal families who seek out the so-called fixers, but sometimes they receive cold calls persuading them to pay up for a photo or voice recording, only to vanish with the money.

AFP spoke to members of eight such families, most of whom asked that their real names not be used.

Umm Saeed said her two sons were detained in 2012.

"Whenever someone told me about a potential middleman, I would go to them," said the mother, who suffers from heart problems.

She paid a lawyer who asked for the equivalent of more than $3,000 but "did not provide the slightest bit of information".

Another man claiming to be a policeman was paid with a mobile phone after saying he could get her permission to visit Sednaya, a notorious prison in Damascus.

But when she showed up at the jail which Amnesty International calls a "slaughterhouse", she was told the pass was fake and sent away.

"I sold my home furniture and my daughters' gold. I have nothing left," she said.

'Black market'

Diana Semaan, a researcher at Amnesty,&nbsp;said the government's policy of silence on the fate of detainees had created a "black market" for information.

"Families, desperate for information, end up paying huge amounts of money, sometimes their entire life savings, to intermediaries and 'middlemen' close to the Syrian government," she explained.

Suaad, 45, said her family in northern Syria had paid 20 million pounds to various brokers over the years to try to find her brother since he disappeared in 2013.

In April, someone contacted the family asking for payment to release him.

But after they raised the cash, "he told us my brother had died three days earlier", Suaad said.

Two weeks later, another person rang, offering a phone call with her brother.

When the call came, there was no audible voice on the other end of the line; all they got for their money was static.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says around half a million people have entered regime jails since the 2011 start of Syria's conflict, of whom 60,000 have died of poor detention conditions or torture.

Another mother, 56-year-old Umm Yahya, said she had managed to visit her son just once, six months after he was detained in Idlib, northwest Syria, in 2012.

"I barely recognised him. His weight had dropped from 110 (240 pounds) to less than 50 kilos," she said.

She has heard nothing since.

Her family has over the years poured a small fortune into the pockets of possible intermediaries, selling two plots of land and a house in Idlib to cover the costs,&nbsp;but to no avail.

Her husband has grown increasingly reluctant to squander the family's savings. Two years ago, a lawyer asked for $10,000, but her husband refused.

"If a hundred more people turned up, even if there was just a one per cent chance of success, I would do it again," said Umm Yahya.

Estimated $900 million in bribes

The Association of Detainees and Missing Persons at Sednaya prison accused the regime in a report earlier this year of using detention as a means to extort money and "increase the influence of security services, their leaders, influential people in its government, some judges and lawyers."

It carried out hundreds of interviews showing that families had paid a total of more than $2.7 million over the years in return for the promise of information, a visit or a release from jail.

Based on that figure, the association estimates that the Syrian regime has made almost $900 million through "extortion" of families over the past decade.

Noura Ghazi, director of Nophotozone, an association that helps detainees' relatives, said many lawyers "invested" in state security courts.

Most of them deceive the families, "but some pay bribes to judges and to the security apparatuses, while taking a percentage or just their fees, and succeed in getting a person released", she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-relying-on-chinese-vaccines-reporting-covid-19-surge-report-393242">Also Read |&nbsp;Countries relying on Chinese vaccines reporting COVID-19 surge: Report</a>

Though most efforts fail, three people told AFP they had managed to transfer their relative to a better jail or even to have them freed.

Tamer said his family spent the past two years trying to save his brother Nizar from death in detention.

Nizar was arrested in 2018 in southern Syria despite having signed a so-called "reconciliation deal" with the regime.

The family learned he had been taken to Sednaya and was to appear before a military court infamous for handing out death sentences.

An MP asked for a payment of $40,000, but the family did not trust him.

They agreed instead to pay the same amount to a lawyer but only after his sentence was reduced and he was transferred. Within a month, he delivered and they paid.

Then a presidential pardon reduced his sentence further and Nizar was set free, returning home after having shed 30 kilos.

Tamer said that had they known about the upcoming pardon, they would have done it all anyway.&nbsp;

"All we wanted was to get him out of there as soon as possible."

Syrian mother Umm Saeed was so desperate to find her two jailed sons she even sold the family furniture to pay "fixers", but a decade of deceit has left her no closer to the truth.

Syrian mother Umm Saeed was so desperate to find her two jailed sons she even sold the family furniture to pay "fixers", but a decade of deceit has left her no closer to the truth. "Had they asked for my heart, I would have handed it over," the 63-year-old mother told AFP by phone from central Syria, using a pseudonym for fear of reprisal. But "they lied to me". In war-torn Syria, where tens of thousands of people have disappeared into a murky web of regime jails infamous for torture, a booming trade has emerged for "fixers" offering to help families locate or save their loved ones. Policemen, lawyers, businessmen and even lawmakers, with security and judicial contacts, demand steep fees to dig up information about a disappeared son or brother, allow a visit, reduce their sentence, or obtain their release. Some efforts are successful, while more often scammers pocket the money and stop answering phone calls. It's normal families who seek out the so-called fixers, but sometimes they receive cold calls persuading them to pay up for a photo or voice recording, only to vanish with the money. AFP spoke to members of eight such families, most of whom asked that their real names not be used. Umm Saeed said her two sons were detained in 2012. "Whenever someone told me about a potential middleman, I would go to them," said the mother, who suffers from heart problems. She paid a lawyer who asked for the equivalent of more than $3,000 but "did not provide the slightest bit of information". Another man claiming to be a policeman was paid with a mobile phone after saying he could get her permission to visit Sednaya, a notorious prison in Damascus. But when she showed up at the jail which Amnesty International calls a "slaughterhouse", she was told the pass was fake and sent away. "I sold my home furniture and my daughters' gold. I have nothing left," she said. 'Black market' Diana Semaan, a researcher at Amnesty, said the government's policy of silence on the fate of detainees had created a "black market" for information. "Families, desperate for information, end up paying huge amounts of money, sometimes their entire life savings, to intermediaries and 'middlemen' close to the Syrian government," she explained. Suaad, 45, said her family in northern Syria had paid 20 million pounds to various brokers over the years to try to find her brother since he disappeared in 2013. In April, someone contacted the family asking for payment to release him. But after they raised the cash, "he told us my brother had died three days earlier", Suaad said. Two weeks later, another person rang, offering a phone call with her brother. When the call came, there was no audible voice on the other end of the line; all they got for their money was static. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says around half a million people have entered regime jails since the 2011 start of Syria's conflict, of whom 60,000 have died of poor detention conditions or torture. Another mother, 56-year-old Umm Yahya, said she had managed to visit her son just once, six months after he was detained in Idlib, northwest Syria, in 2012. "I barely recognised him. His weight had dropped from 110 (240 pounds) to less than 50 kilos," she said. She has heard nothing since. Her family has over the years poured a small fortune into the pockets of possible intermediaries, selling two plots of land and a house in Idlib to cover the costs, but to no avail. Her husband has grown increasingly reluctant to squander the family's savings. Two years ago, a lawyer asked for $10,000, but her husband refused. "If a hundred more people turned up, even if there was just a one per cent chance of success, I would do it again," said Umm Yahya. Estimated $900 million in bribes The Association of Detainees and Missing Persons at Sednaya prison accused the regime in a report earlier this year of using detention as a means to extort money and "increase the influence of security services, their leaders, influential people in its government, some judges and lawyers." It carried out hundreds of interviews showing that families had paid a total of more than $2.7 million over the years in return for the promise of information, a visit or a release from jail. Based on that figure, the association estimates that the Syrian regime has made almost $900 million through "extortion" of families over the past decade. Noura Ghazi, director of Nophotozone, an association that helps detainees' relatives, said many lawyers "invested" in state security courts. Most of them deceive the families, "but some pay bribes to judges and to the security apparatuses, while taking a percentage or just their fees, and succeed in getting a person released", she said. Also Read | Countries relying on Chinese vaccines reporting COVID-19 surge: Report Though most efforts fail, three people told AFP they had managed to transfer their relative to a better jail or even to have them freed. Tamer said his family spent the past two years trying to save his brother Nizar from death in detention. Nizar was arrested in 2018 in southern Syria despite having signed a so-called "reconciliation deal" with the regime. The family learned he had been taken to Sednaya and was to appear before a military court infamous for handing out death sentences. An MP asked for a payment of $40,000, but the family did not trust him. They agreed instead to pay the same amount to a lawyer but only after his sentence was reduced and he was transferred. Within a month, he delivered and they paid. Then a presidential pardon reduced his sentence further and Nizar was set free, returning home after having shed 30 kilos. Tamer said that had they known about the upcoming pardon, they would have done it all anyway. "All we wanted was to get him out of there as soon as possible."

Syria 'fixers' cash in on despair of prisoners' families

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on Myanmar's junta to free all political prisoners and discussed implementing a regional 'consensus' to end turmoil since the February&nbsp;1 coup, the regional bloc said. 
 
Myanmar's junta has shown little sign of heeding April's five-point agreement among the 10 ASEAN countries, including Myanmar, which calls for an end to violence, political talks and the naming of a regional special envoy. 
 
The ASEAN envoys met junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, on Friday. 
 
The ASEAN statement dated June 5 said the objective of the visit was to discuss how Myanmar would reach 'a peaceful solution in the interests of its people'&nbsp;by implementing the five points. 
 
It said they had also 'called for the release of all political prisoners, including women and children and foreigners' - an appeal that was not on the consensus but is supported by many ASEAN members. 
 
Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman for comment. 
 
The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar said the meeting covered 'implementation of the recommendation of initial survey of ASEAN' and 'terror acts' by junta opponents and the army's plan to hold elections. 
 
The junta has failed to impose control since seizing power from elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi, who is among more than 4,500 people detained since the coup. At least 849 have been killed, a rights group says. The army disputes that figure. 
 
Opponents of the junta have voiced frustration at the lack of tough action by ASEAN. 
 
Myanmar's crisis is also expected to be a topic at a special ASEAN-Chinese foreign ministers meeting in Chongqing this week. The junta's foreign minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, will also attend. 
 
China's ambassador met army chief Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday. 
 
China's state-run Global Times newspaper quoted the junta leader as saying Myanmar was willing to coordinate implementation of the consensus. It reported that the ambassador had said China was ready to support implementing the consensus. 
 
Opponents of the junta have been wary of the role of China, which unlike Western countries has not been vocal in criticising the coup. 
 
The army said it seized power after election authorities rejected its accusations of fraud in a November 2020 ballot swept by Suu Kyi's party. She now faces several charges and is due to appear in court again on Monday.

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on Myanmar's junta to free all political prisoners and discussed implementing a regional 'consensus' to end turmoil since the February 1 coup, the regional bloc said.

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on Myanmar's junta to free all political prisoners and discussed implementing a regional 'consensus' to end turmoil since the February 1 coup, the regional bloc said. Myanmar's junta has shown little sign of heeding April's five-point agreement among the 10 ASEAN countries, including Myanmar, which calls for an end to violence, political talks and the naming of a regional special envoy. The ASEAN envoys met junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, on Friday. The ASEAN statement dated June 5 said the objective of the visit was to discuss how Myanmar would reach 'a peaceful solution in the interests of its people' by implementing the five points. It said they had also 'called for the release of all political prisoners, including women and children and foreigners' - an appeal that was not on the consensus but is supported by many ASEAN members. Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman for comment. The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar said the meeting covered 'implementation of the recommendation of initial survey of ASEAN' and 'terror acts' by junta opponents and the army's plan to hold elections. The junta has failed to impose control since seizing power from elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi, who is among more than 4,500 people detained since the coup. At least 849 have been killed, a rights group says. The army disputes that figure. Opponents of the junta have voiced frustration at the lack of tough action by ASEAN. Myanmar's crisis is also expected to be a topic at a special ASEAN-Chinese foreign ministers meeting in Chongqing this week. The junta's foreign minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, will also attend. China's ambassador met army chief Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday. China's state-run Global Times newspaper quoted the junta leader as saying Myanmar was willing to coordinate implementation of the consensus. It reported that the ambassador had said China was ready to support implementing the consensus. Opponents of the junta have been wary of the role of China, which unlike Western countries has not been vocal in criticising the coup. The army said it seized power after election authorities rejected its accusations of fraud in a November 2020 ballot swept by Suu Kyi's party. She now faces several charges and is due to appear in court again on Monday.

Regional envoys urged Myanmar junta to free prisoners, follow agreement

Iraqi&nbsp;police&nbsp;were&nbsp;questioned&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;after&nbsp;21&nbsp;prisoners&nbsp;escaped&nbsp;jail, the latest breakout to highlight failings in the country's security system.

Ten of the escaped&nbsp;prisoners, all convicted on drug and terrorism charges, had been recaptured by Sunday afternoon&nbsp;after&nbsp;a manhunt was launched at dawn.

The interior minister immediately "ordered the confinement to the barracks of all officers and&nbsp;police" at Hilal district&nbsp;prison&nbsp;in Mouthanna province 300 kilometres (180 miles) south of the capital Baghdad, while an investigation into the&nbsp;escape&nbsp;was carried out.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/20-terror-suspects-escape-iraqs-prison-382219">20 terror suspects escape Iraq's prison</a>

It was not immediately clear how the&nbsp;prisoners&nbsp;broke out, but in corruption-riddled Iraq, escapes are often achieved by paying off security forces.

Other detainees get help from armed groups or tribes, often equipped with heavy arms.

Transparency International ranks the country 21st from bottom in its Corruption Perceptions Index.

In mid-March, men from a powerful pro-Iran armed group disguised as soldiers freed a drug trafficker under&nbsp;police&nbsp;escort while en route to court in Amara, another town in rural southern Iraq.

In an effort to flush out the escapees and discourage accomplices from sheltering them, Mouthanna's governor promised "a financial reward to anyone who catches a fugitive", while law enforcement officers enlisted the help of tribal leaders in the manhunt.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-jihadist-attacks-claim-18-lives-381984">Iraq: Jihadist attacks claim 18 lives</a>

Prison&nbsp;breaks are particularly sensitive in Iraq, where thousands of Iraqis and foreigners have been convicted of "terrorism", mainly as part of the Islamic State group in recent years.&nbsp;

Jihadist groups -- from IS and Al-Qaeda before it -- have already organised bold escapes from&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;prisons, and regularly vow to carry out others.

Iraq is regularly criticised by human rights activists for the conditions of its jails.

Cells built to hold around 20 detainees are often packed with 50, a source working in the jails told AFP.

Prisoners&nbsp;are often caught smuggling phones or passing on information during family visits.

Iraqi police were questioned Sunday after 21 prisoners escaped jail, the latest breakout to highlight failings in the country's security system. Ten of the escaped prisoners, all convicted on drug and terrorism charges, had been recaptured by Sunday afternoon after a manhunt was launched at dawn.

Iraqi police were questioned Sunday after 21 prisoners escaped jail, the latest breakout to highlight failings in the country's security system. Ten of the escaped prisoners, all convicted on drug and terrorism charges, had been recaptured by Sunday afternoon after a manhunt was launched at dawn. The interior minister immediately "ordered the confinement to the barracks of all officers and police" at Hilal district prison in Mouthanna province 300 kilometres (180 miles) south of the capital Baghdad, while an investigation into the escape was carried out. Also read | 20 terror suspects escape Iraq's prison It was not immediately clear how the prisoners broke out, but in corruption-riddled Iraq, escapes are often achieved by paying off security forces. Other detainees get help from armed groups or tribes, often equipped with heavy arms. Transparency International ranks the country 21st from bottom in its Corruption Perceptions Index. In mid-March, men from a powerful pro-Iran armed group disguised as soldiers freed a drug trafficker under police escort while en route to court in Amara, another town in rural southern Iraq. In an effort to flush out the escapees and discourage accomplices from sheltering them, Mouthanna's governor promised "a financial reward to anyone who catches a fugitive", while law enforcement officers enlisted the help of tribal leaders in the manhunt. Also read | Iraq: Jihadist attacks claim 18 lives Prison breaks are particularly sensitive in Iraq, where thousands of Iraqis and foreigners have been convicted of "terrorism", mainly as part of the Islamic State group in recent years. Jihadist groups -- from IS and Al-Qaeda before it -- have already organised bold escapes from Iraqi prisons, and regularly vow to carry out others. Iraq is regularly criticised by human rights activists for the conditions of its jails. Cells built to hold around 20 detainees are often packed with 50, a source working in the jails told AFP. Prisoners are often caught smuggling phones or passing on information during family visits.

Iraqi police questioned after 21 prisoners escape jail

A number of Taliban prisoners who were released by the Afghan government as a condition for peace talks have taken up arms again, top official Abdullah Abdullah said Tuesday. 
 
Abdullah, who chairs Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation and is overseeing the government's peace efforts, said discussions with the Taliban in Qatar so far have been positive. 
 
However, he said some -- though not the majority -- of the 5,000 Taliban prisoners released by the government as a condition for talks had resumed the fight against Kabul. 
 
"I do know that some have returned to the battlefield, which is a violation of the agreement that they had made," Abdullah said during an online conference with the US Council on Foreign Relations. 
 
Abdullah said talks between the two sides had begun in Doha on a positive note, as the delegations build some familiarity with each other. 
 
Yet the level of violence inside Afghanistan has not fallen, and he called on the United States, which launched the peace process with its own deal with the Taliban, and Pakistan, which maintains ties to the insurgents, to pressure them to agree to a ceasefire. 
 
"Unfortunately, so far, the level of violence is very high and to a level that is not acceptable for the people," Abdullah said. 
 
"I repeat my call to the Taliban themselves and also to all partners who have any leverage over the Taliban to press on that point." 
 
Abdullah said he planned to visit Pakistan in the coming days for the first time since 2008. 
 
The persistent violence, and the Taliban's failure to completely cut relations with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda jihadist groups, was singled out as a barrier to success by US officials testifying in Congress Tuesday. 
 
US chief negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said a drawdown of US troops, under the US-Taliban agreement, would halt at around 4,500 remaining in Afghanistan in November while Washington assesses whether the insurgents were living up to their pledges. 
 
"Further withdrawals will be determined based on conditions on the ground and delivery by the Taliban on their commitments," Khalilzad told a hearing of the House oversight committee. 
 
The US has slashed troop numbers in Afghanistan by more than half from above 12,000. 
 
Under President Donald Trump's promise to end US involvement in wars abroad, Washington has pledged to withdraw all forces by May 2021, if the Taliban and the government can achieve a solid peace agreement. 
 
"By any measure, the current levels of violence are too high. We know that the reductions are possible," Khalilzad said, noting short ceasefires were respected by the Taliban in the past.

A number of Taliban prisoners who were released by the Afghan government as a condition for peace talks have taken up arms again, top official Abdullah Abdullah said Tuesday.

A number of Taliban prisoners who were released by the Afghan government as a condition for peace talks have taken up arms again, top official Abdullah Abdullah said Tuesday. Abdullah, who chairs Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation and is overseeing the government's peace efforts, said discussions with the Taliban in Qatar so far have been positive. However, he said some -- though not the majority -- of the 5,000 Taliban prisoners released by the government as a condition for talks had resumed the fight against Kabul. "I do know that some have returned to the battlefield, which is a violation of the agreement that they had made," Abdullah said during an online conference with the US Council on Foreign Relations. Abdullah said talks between the two sides had begun in Doha on a positive note, as the delegations build some familiarity with each other. Yet the level of violence inside Afghanistan has not fallen, and he called on the United States, which launched the peace process with its own deal with the Taliban, and Pakistan, which maintains ties to the insurgents, to pressure them to agree to a ceasefire. "Unfortunately, so far, the level of violence is very high and to a level that is not acceptable for the people," Abdullah said. "I repeat my call to the Taliban themselves and also to all partners who have any leverage over the Taliban to press on that point." Abdullah said he planned to visit Pakistan in the coming days for the first time since 2008. The persistent violence, and the Taliban's failure to completely cut relations with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda jihadist groups, was singled out as a barrier to success by US officials testifying in Congress Tuesday. US chief negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said a drawdown of US troops, under the US-Taliban agreement, would halt at around 4,500 remaining in Afghanistan in November while Washington assesses whether the insurgents were living up to their pledges. "Further withdrawals will be determined based on conditions on the ground and delivery by the Taliban on their commitments," Khalilzad told a hearing of the House oversight committee. The US has slashed troop numbers in Afghanistan by more than half from above 12,000. Under President Donald Trump's promise to end US involvement in wars abroad, Washington has pledged to withdraw all forces by May 2021, if the Taliban and the government can achieve a solid peace agreement. "By any measure, the current levels of violence are too high. We know that the reductions are possible," Khalilzad said, noting short ceasefires were respected by the Taliban in the past.

Some freed Taliban prisoners ‘returned to battlefield’: Afghan Official 

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