Twenty inmates were killed in a shootout with police during a prison breakout in Madagascar on Sunday, the justice ministry said.

Scores of prisoners attacked guards with rocks and grabbed a gun as they tried to flee the Farafangana prison in the southeast of the Indian Ocean island, it said.

The police and army moved in, capturing 37 of the 88 escapees, while another 20 were killed and eight wounded in a shootout.

Thirty-one inmates are still on the run, the ministry said, vowing to boost security at all penitentiaries across the country.

Mass prison escapes are not uncommon in Madagascar. In 2016, around 40 detainees broke out from a high-security prison in Toliary in southern Madagascar.

Twenty inmates were killed in a shootout with police during a prison breakout in Madagascar on Sunday, the justice ministry said. Scores of prisoners attacked guards with rocks and grabbed a gun as they tried to flee the Farafangana prison in the southeast of the Indian Ocean island, it said.

Twenty inmates were killed in a shootout with police during a prison breakout in Madagascar on Sunday, the justice ministry said. Scores of prisoners attacked guards with rocks and grabbed a gun as they tried to flee the Farafangana prison in the southeast of the Indian Ocean island, it said. The police and army moved in, capturing 37 of the 88 escapees, while another 20 were killed and eight wounded in a shootout. Thirty-one inmates are still on the run, the ministry said, vowing to boost security at all penitentiaries across the country. Mass prison escapes are not uncommon in Madagascar. In 2016, around 40 detainees broke out from a high-security prison in Toliary in southern Madagascar.

20 inmates killed in Madagascar prison breakout

The Afghan government has begun releasing the last Taliban prisoners from a final batch of 400 before they agree to start peace negotiations, a security agency spokesman said on Friday.

Fineprint: Afghanistan government begins releasing last 400 Taliban prisoners

Two prisoners escaped from an Italian prison and left a courtesy note to the guards saying that they would be back shortly, as per a newspaper reported on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Both the convicts Davad Zukanovic and Lil Ahmetovic are cousins, they broke out of Rebibbia prison which is situated in Rome on June 2. They scaled the walls using a water hose in the courtyard.&nbsp;

In the note, they said they had to flee due to some personal reasons. According to Repubblica daily, they "needed &nbsp;to protect their children from a nasty business they had got themselves into." &nbsp; &nbsp;

They also said that only they could make things right for their kids as both their wives are in jail. They promised to return by 15 days.&nbsp;

Both the convicts are facing jail term until 2029 for non-violent crimes including fraud and receiving stolen goods.&nbsp;

Two prisoners escaped from an Italian prison and left a courtesy note to the guards saying that they would be back shortly, as per a newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Two prisoners escaped from an Italian prison and left a courtesy note to the guards saying that they would be back shortly, as per a newspaper reported on Tuesday. Both the convicts Davad Zukanovic and Lil Ahmetovic are cousins, they broke out of Rebibbia prison which is situated in Rome on June 2. They scaled the walls using a water hose in the courtyard. In the note, they said they had to flee due to some personal reasons. According to Repubblica daily, they "needed to protect their children from a nasty business they had got themselves into." They also said that only they could make things right for their kids as both their wives are in jail. They promised to return by 15 days. Both the convicts are facing jail term until 2029 for non-violent crimes including fraud and receiving stolen goods.

Two Italian inmates escape prison; vow to return by 15 days

The Supreme Court on Monday said that prisoners convicted of or charged with offences having prison terms up to seven years can be given parole to decongest the jails because of coronavirus, reported news agency ANI.

The apex court directed all the state governments and Union territories to set up high-level committees to determine the class of prisoners who could be released on parole for four to six weeks to safeguard them in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

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Supreme Court on overcrowding in jails: We direct each state govt to constitute a high power committee comprising of Law Secretary and Chairman of State Legal Service Authority to determine which class of convicts or undertrials can be released on parole or interim bail
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A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said the high-level committees would work in consultation with the state legal service authority for release of prisoners.

The top court made it clear that prisoners are being released in an attempt to avoid overcrowding in jails because of the outbreak.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday said that prisoners convicted of or charged with offences having prison terms up to seven years can be given parole to decongest the jails because of coronavirus, reported news agency ANI.

The Supreme Court on Monday said that prisoners convicted of or charged with offences having prison terms up to seven years can be given parole to decongest the jails because of coronavirus, reported news agency ANI. The apex court directed all the state governments and Union territories to set up high-level committees to determine the class of prisoners who could be released on parole for four to six weeks to safeguard them in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Supreme Court on overcrowding in jails: We direct each state govt to constitute a high power committee comprising of Law Secretary and Chairman of State Legal Service Authority to determine which class of convicts or undertrials can be released on parole or interim bail — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2020 × A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said the high-level committees would work in consultation with the state legal service authority for release of prisoners. The top court made it clear that prisoners are being released in an attempt to avoid overcrowding in jails because of the outbreak.

Coronavirus: SC directs states, UTs to set up panel to consider release of prisoners on parole

Iran has released approximately 70,000 prisoners because of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, Iranian judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi said on Monday, according to Mizan, the news site of the judiciary.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/number-of-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-in-pakistan-reaches-7-285131">Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan reaches 7</a>

"The release of the prisoners, to the point where it doesn't create insecurity in society ... will continue," he said.

Watch: 

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Raisi did not specify if or when those released would need to return to jail.

Iran has released approximately 70,000 prisoners because of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, Iranian judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi said on Monday, according to Mizan, the news site of the judiciary.

Iran has released approximately 70,000 prisoners because of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, Iranian judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi said on Monday, according to Mizan, the news site of the judiciary. Also read: Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan reaches 7 "The release of the prisoners, to the point where it doesn't create insecurity in society ... will continue," he said. Watch: × Raisi did not specify if or when those released would need to return to jail.

Iran releases about 70,000 prisoners because of coronavirus: Judiciary Chief

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-finalise-gas-deal-one-day-before-deadline-271258">Ukraine and Russia</a> are working towards a new prisoner exchange, just two days after swapping 200 captives, Kiev said Tuesday after leaders Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky spoke on the phone.

The two countries "agreed to immediately start agreeing on lists (of names) for freeing Ukrainians, including Crimeans, who are in Crimea and in Russia, as well as Russians in Ukraine," the Ukrainian presidency said in a statement.

The news comes after a massive exchange of prisoners on Sunday, with 12 Ukrainian soldiers and 64 civilians flown to Kiev.

Ukraine also handed over people in its custody to pro-Russian separatists, including five riot policemen suspected of shooting protesters during a pro-Western uprising in 2014.

Zelensky said on Sunday that Kiev is working on returning those detained in Crimea, without elaborating on numbers.

Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014, shortly after the Maidan uprising ousted pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych.

The Kremlin, which also provided a readout of the phone call on Tuesday, remarked on the "positive" Sunday exchange but made no mention of any similar swap being planned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-rivals-exchange-200-prisoners-in-controversial-swap-270877">Exchanging prisoners</a> resumed following face-to-face talks between Putin and Zelensky in Paris on December 9, in a European-mediated summit aimed at de-escalating the continent's only active war.

The conflict was sparked in 2014 in eastern Ukraine between Kiev and pro-Russian separatists following the annexation of Crimea and has led to the deaths of more than 13,000 people.

Ukraine and Russia are working towards a new prisoner exchange, just two days after swapping 200 captives, Kiev said Tuesday after leaders Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky spoke on the phone.

Ukraine and Russia are working towards a new prisoner exchange, just two days after swapping 200 captives, Kiev said Tuesday after leaders Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky spoke on the phone. The two countries "agreed to immediately start agreeing on lists (of names) for freeing Ukrainians, including Crimeans, who are in Crimea and in Russia, as well as Russians in Ukraine," the Ukrainian presidency said in a statement. The news comes after a massive exchange of prisoners on Sunday, with 12 Ukrainian soldiers and 64 civilians flown to Kiev. Ukraine also handed over people in its custody to pro-Russian separatists, including five riot policemen suspected of shooting protesters during a pro-Western uprising in 2014. Zelensky said on Sunday that Kiev is working on returning those detained in Crimea, without elaborating on numbers. Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014, shortly after the Maidan uprising ousted pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych. The Kremlin, which also provided a readout of the phone call on Tuesday, remarked on the "positive" Sunday exchange but made no mention of any similar swap being planned. Exchanging prisoners resumed following face-to-face talks between Putin and Zelensky in Paris on December 9, in a European-mediated summit aimed at de-escalating the continent's only active war. The conflict was sparked in 2014 in eastern Ukraine between Kiev and pro-Russian separatists following the annexation of Crimea and has led to the deaths of more than 13,000 people.

Planning new prisoner swaps with Ukraine: Russia

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday he hoped for further dialogue with Iran to <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/will-bypass-us-sanctions-or-overcome-them-through-negotiations-irans-rouhani-267706">free prisoners</a> but announced new sanctions as he vowed no let-up in pressure.

Iran has also voiced a willingness for more prisoner swaps after the exchange Saturday of Xiyue Wang, a US scholar detained since 2016, for Massoud Soleimani, an Iranian scientist detained in the United States since last year.

"I do hope that the exchange that took place will lead to a broader discussion on consular affairs. We still have Americans held in Iran -- too many, for sure." Pompeo told reporters.

Pompeo said the United States will "follow every even tiny opening" to free the at least handful of Americans known to be in Iranian custody.&nbsp;

"I hope it portends well for this. We have had some indication that may be the case, but I don't want to overstate that and I don't want to give false optimism about that pathway," Pompeo said.

Pompeo, however, said the United States would not deviate from its campaign of trying to strangle Iran's economy through sanctions.

"As long as its malign behavior continues, so will our campaign of maximum pressure," Pompeo said.

In the latest measures, the Treasury Department slapped sanctions on shipping networks owned by Iranian businessman Abdolhossein Khedri.

The Treasury Department said the companies have been used by the elite&nbsp;Revolutionary Guards' Qods Force to send weapons to Yemen's Huthi rebels, who are battling US ally Saudi Arabia.

The Treasury Department also designated sales offices in Hong Kong and Dubai for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foiled-very-big-foreign-cyber-attack-iran-267687">Iran's Mahan Air</a>, which is already under US sanctions.

The United States says that the airline has assisted the clerical regime by flying fighters and supplies to war-ravaged Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad.

President Donald Trump, who has close relations with Iran's rivals Saudi Arabia and Israel, last year pulled out of a multinational deal on Tehran's nuclear program and imposed sweeping sanctions aimed at curbing the clerical regime's regional influence.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday he hoped for further dialogue with Iran to free prisoners but announced new sanctions as he vowed no let-up in pressure.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday he hoped for further dialogue with Iran to free prisoners but announced new sanctions as he vowed no let-up in pressure. Iran has also voiced a willingness for more prisoner swaps after the exchange Saturday of Xiyue Wang, a US scholar detained since 2016, for Massoud Soleimani, an Iranian scientist detained in the United States since last year. "I do hope that the exchange that took place will lead to a broader discussion on consular affairs. We still have Americans held in Iran -- too many, for sure." Pompeo told reporters. Pompeo said the United States will "follow every even tiny opening" to free the at least handful of Americans known to be in Iranian custody. "I hope it portends well for this. We have had some indication that may be the case, but I don't want to overstate that and I don't want to give false optimism about that pathway," Pompeo said. Pompeo, however, said the United States would not deviate from its campaign of trying to strangle Iran's economy through sanctions. "As long as its malign behavior continues, so will our campaign of maximum pressure," Pompeo said. In the latest measures, the Treasury Department slapped sanctions on shipping networks owned by Iranian businessman Abdolhossein Khedri. The Treasury Department said the companies have been used by the elite Revolutionary Guards' Qods Force to send weapons to Yemen's Huthi rebels, who are battling US ally Saudi Arabia. The Treasury Department also designated sales offices in Hong Kong and Dubai for Iran's Mahan Air, which is already under US sanctions. The United States says that the airline has assisted the clerical regime by flying fighters and supplies to war-ravaged Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad. President Donald Trump, who has close relations with Iran's rivals Saudi Arabia and Israel, last year pulled out of a multinational deal on Tehran's nuclear program and imposed sweeping sanctions aimed at curbing the clerical regime's regional influence.

US imposes fresh sanctions on Iran, still hopeful for prisoner talks

The prisoner exchange between the Taliban group and the Afghan government has not happened yet, a source close to the group told Sputnik. 
 
President Ashraf Ghani on Monday announced that the government would release Anas Haqqani, Abdul Rashid and Haji Mali Khan in exchange for two lecturers of an American University. 
 
According to the source, the Taliban prisoners were brought to Qatar, but had yet to be handed over to the group. 
 
Asadullah Wahid, a lecturer at Kabul University who had gone to Qatar for a meeting with the Taliban leaders, told Sputnik that the United States did not want the exchange to be covered by the media. 
 
"They [the prisoners] have not been handed over to the Taliban, but there is information that the Taliban prisoners have arrived in Qatar," Wahid said, confirming the information gathered from the Taliban source. 
 
The lecturers will be transferred to Pakistan first, and then to Qatar for exchange. 
 
The scholars hail from the United States and Australia.

The prisoner exchange between the Taliban group and the Afghan government has not happened yet, a source close to the group told Sputnik. President Ashraf Ghani on Monday announced that the government would release Anas Haqqani, Abdul Rashid and Haji Mali Khan in exchange for two lecturers of an American University.

The prisoner exchange between the Taliban group and the Afghan government has not happened yet, a source close to the group told Sputnik. President Ashraf Ghani on Monday announced that the government would release Anas Haqqani, Abdul Rashid and Haji Mali Khan in exchange for two lecturers of an American University. According to the source, the Taliban prisoners were brought to Qatar, but had yet to be handed over to the group. Asadullah Wahid, a lecturer at Kabul University who had gone to Qatar for a meeting with the Taliban leaders, told Sputnik that the United States did not want the exchange to be covered by the media. "They [the prisoners] have not been handed over to the Taliban, but there is information that the Taliban prisoners have arrived in Qatar," Wahid said, confirming the information gathered from the Taliban source. The lecturers will be transferred to Pakistan first, and then to Qatar for exchange. The scholars hail from the United States and Australia.

Exchange of prisoners between Taliban, Afghan government yet to take place

Shocking video shows up Uighur Muslim prisoners shackled and blindfolded in Korla, Xinjiang, China

Shocking video shows hundreds of blindfolded and bound Uighur Muslims

Russians vote Sunday in local elections after weeks of opposition protests that led to the biggest police crackdown on dissent in nearly a decade.

Elections take place after Moscow and Kiev carried out a long-awaited swap of 70 prisoners on Saturday, a deal hailed as a first step towards ending five years of conflict after Moscow's annexation of Crimea.

Municipal and regional polls will be held across the country, but most attention will be focused on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-to-hold-new-protest-march-246854">Moscow</a> parliament vote following the arrests and jailings of independent would-be candidates and their supporters.

Analysts say the results of the vote will be keenly watched ahead of parliamentary elections in 2021 and will help shape Russia's political future, as President Vladimir Putin enters his third decade in power.

In recent weeks, tens of thousands have taken part in Moscow protests demanding a fair vote after allies of opposition leader Alexei Navalny were barred from the election. Rap stars and prominent bloggers backed the demonstrations.

Authorities responded with a police crackdown the biggest since a wave of protests in 2011-12 against Putin's return to the Kremlin after a stint as prime minister.

Tatyana Stanovaya, head of the R.Politik analysis firm, said the campaign exposed a growing rift between authorities bent on preserving the status quo and Russians wanting political change.

"The Moscow parliament elections have become a litmus test of the authorities' ability to accept this new reality," Stanovaya told AFP.&nbsp;

Authorities briefly jailed nearly all opposition politicians seeking to get on the ballot in Moscow.

Several people were also imprisoned for alleged violence against police, even though opposition supporters said their rallies were peaceful.

Smart voting

Some 7.2 million people are eligible to elect 45 lawmakers in the Moscow parliament, which is dominated by the ruling United Russia party.

But not a single candidate is formally running on the United Russia ticket as the party's popularity hits rock bottom.

Navalny has put forward a "Smart Voting" plan urging Muscovites to support those who have the highest chances of beating pro-Kremlin candidates. Most of them are Communists.

The 43-year-old lawyer described the vote as a referendum on whether Russians trust authorities and the ruling party.

"The only way to say 'NO' is coordinated voting for the strongest competitors of the United Russia candidates," he wrote.

"'Smart voting' is a protest," said Lyubov Sobol, a lawyer for Navalny's Anti-Corruption Fund who refused food for more than a month after her exclusion from the ballot.

The 31-year-old has emerged as the brightest star in a new generation of political challengers, with videos of her resisting authorities going viral.&nbsp;

The chief of the central election commission, Ella Pamfilova, said that a dozen opposition candidates were disqualified because they did not provide the right papers or faked some of their supporters' signatures.

Russians will elect governors in 16 regions, and elections to legislative assemblies will take place in 13 regions.

The race for the governor's seat in Saint Petersburg has become the most controversial campaign outside Moscow, with the Kremlin backing the unpopular acting city chief Alexander Beglov.&nbsp;

Polling stations in Moscow will be open from 0500 GMT to 1700 GMT.

Russians vote Sunday in local elections after weeks of opposition protests that led to the biggest police crackdown on dissent in nearly a decade. Elections take place after Moscow and Kiev carried out a long-awaited swap of 70 prisoners on Saturday, a deal hailed as a first step towards ending five years of conflict after Moscow's annexation of Crimea.

Russians vote Sunday in local elections after weeks of opposition protests that led to the biggest police crackdown on dissent in nearly a decade. Elections take place after Moscow and Kiev carried out a long-awaited swap of 70 prisoners on Saturday, a deal hailed as a first step towards ending five years of conflict after Moscow's annexation of Crimea. Municipal and regional polls will be held across the country, but most attention will be focused on the Moscow parliament vote following the arrests and jailings of independent would-be candidates and their supporters. Analysts say the results of the vote will be keenly watched ahead of parliamentary elections in 2021 and will help shape Russia's political future, as President Vladimir Putin enters his third decade in power. In recent weeks, tens of thousands have taken part in Moscow protests demanding a fair vote after allies of opposition leader Alexei Navalny were barred from the election. Rap stars and prominent bloggers backed the demonstrations. Authorities responded with a police crackdown the biggest since a wave of protests in 2011-12 against Putin's return to the Kremlin after a stint as prime minister. Tatyana Stanovaya, head of the R.Politik analysis firm, said the campaign exposed a growing rift between authorities bent on preserving the status quo and Russians wanting political change. "The Moscow parliament elections have become a litmus test of the authorities' ability to accept this new reality," Stanovaya told AFP. Authorities briefly jailed nearly all opposition politicians seeking to get on the ballot in Moscow. Several people were also imprisoned for alleged violence against police, even though opposition supporters said their rallies were peaceful. Smart voting Some 7.2 million people are eligible to elect 45 lawmakers in the Moscow parliament, which is dominated by the ruling United Russia party. But not a single candidate is formally running on the United Russia ticket as the party's popularity hits rock bottom. Navalny has put forward a "Smart Voting" plan urging Muscovites to support those who have the highest chances of beating pro-Kremlin candidates. Most of them are Communists. The 43-year-old lawyer described the vote as a referendum on whether Russians trust authorities and the ruling party. "The only way to say 'NO' is coordinated voting for the strongest competitors of the United Russia candidates," he wrote. "'Smart voting' is a protest," said Lyubov Sobol, a lawyer for Navalny's Anti-Corruption Fund who refused food for more than a month after her exclusion from the ballot. The 31-year-old has emerged as the brightest star in a new generation of political challengers, with videos of her resisting authorities going viral. The chief of the central election commission, Ella Pamfilova, said that a dozen opposition candidates were disqualified because they did not provide the right papers or faked some of their supporters' signatures. Russians will elect governors in 16 regions, and elections to legislative assemblies will take place in 13 regions. The race for the governor's seat in Saint Petersburg has become the most controversial campaign outside Moscow, with the Kremlin backing the unpopular acting city chief Alexander Beglov. Polling stations in Moscow will be open from 0500 GMT to 1700 GMT.

Russians go to polls after summer of protests

Russia and Ukraine carried out a long-awaited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mh17-suspect-among-prisoners-swapped-by-ukraine-with-russia-dutch-government-248309">prisoner swap</a> on Saturday (September 7). The step could thaw a deep freeze in relations since Moscow's annexation of the Crimea region in 2014.

A Russian aircraft carrying freed Russian prisoners from Kiev landed in Moscow while a Ukrainian plane with released Ukrainian prisoners aboard touched down in Kiev.

<img alt="Ukraine-Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dbbfd899-edab-45a9-83d3-563f5a6f81f8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_2.jpg" />

Relatives of Ukrainian prisoners, included in the Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap, wait for their arrival at Borispil International Airport outside Kiev, Ukraine September 7, 2019. (Reuters Photo)

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump welcomed the Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange Saturday as a potential step toward peace.

"Russia and Ukraine just swapped large numbers of prisoners. Very good news, perhaps a first giant step to peace. Congratulations to both countries!" Trump tweeted.

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Russia and Ukraine just swapped large numbers of prisoners. Very good news, perhaps a first giant step to peace. Congratulations to both countries!
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Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, whose arrest and imprisonment in Russia has been a rallying cry for the entertainment industry and human-rights groups worldwide, has been sent back to Ukraine as part of the exchange.

Sentsov was an outspoken opponent of Ukraine's former pro-Russian government and of Russia's annexation of Crimea. In May 2014, he was arrested by Russian authorities at his home in Crimea, jailed for a year in Moscow, then convicted by a military court of terrorist crimes - charges that critics say were trumped up. Sentsov was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The Dutch government said that Ukraine has included a man suspected of involvement in the downing of a Malaysia Airlines flight over eastern Ukraine in 2014, which killed 298 people, in the swap with Russia. Volodymyr Tsemakh, whom Ukraine's security service has identified as a former commander of Russian-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine, was transferred to Russia in the exchange of prisoners between Moscow and Kiev, the Dutch Foreign Ministry said.

Dutch prosecutors had urged Kiev not to allow Tsemakh to travel to Russia, fearing this could jeopardize the investigation into Flight MH17. He was released on bail by a Ukrainian court on Thursday (September 5).

Russia and Ukraine carried out a long-awaited prisoner swap on Saturday (September 7). The step could thaw a deep freeze in relations since Moscow's annexation of the Crimea region in 2014.

Russia and Ukraine carried out a long-awaited prisoner swap on Saturday (September 7). The step could thaw a deep freeze in relations since Moscow's annexation of the Crimea region in 2014. A Russian aircraft carrying freed Russian prisoners from Kiev landed in Moscow while a Ukrainian plane with released Ukrainian prisoners aboard touched down in Kiev. Relatives of Ukrainian prisoners, included in the Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap, wait for their arrival at Borispil International Airport outside Kiev, Ukraine September 7, 2019. (Reuters Photo) Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump welcomed the Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange Saturday as a potential step toward peace. "Russia and Ukraine just swapped large numbers of prisoners. Very good news, perhaps a first giant step to peace. Congratulations to both countries!" Trump tweeted. Russia and Ukraine just swapped large numbers of prisoners. Very good news, perhaps a first giant step to peace. Congratulations to both countries! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 7, 2019 × Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, whose arrest and imprisonment in Russia has been a rallying cry for the entertainment industry and human-rights groups worldwide, has been sent back to Ukraine as part of the exchange. Sentsov was an outspoken opponent of Ukraine's former pro-Russian government and of Russia's annexation of Crimea. In May 2014, he was arrested by Russian authorities at his home in Crimea, jailed for a year in Moscow, then convicted by a military court of terrorist crimes - charges that critics say were trumped up. Sentsov was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The Dutch government said that Ukraine has included a man suspected of involvement in the downing of a Malaysia Airlines flight over eastern Ukraine in 2014, which killed 298 people, in the swap with Russia. Volodymyr Tsemakh, whom Ukraine's security service has identified as a former commander of Russian-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine, was transferred to Russia in the exchange of prisoners between Moscow and Kiev, the Dutch Foreign Ministry said. Dutch prosecutors had urged Kiev not to allow Tsemakh to travel to Russia, fearing this could jeopardize the investigation into Flight MH17. He was released on bail by a Ukrainian court on Thursday (September 5).

Russia and Ukraine carry out prisoner swap, Trump calls it first giant step to peace

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to release 73 prisoners from various district jails tomorrow on the occasion of Independence Day.

A direction to this effect was given by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, an official statement said on Wednesday.

The prisoners have completed their jail term but were unable to pay the penalties imposed on them, it said.

Principal Secretary (Home) Awanish Kumar Awasthi issued the orders for their release to the prison authorities and police.

The 73 prisoners are lodged in jails at Meerut, Kanpur, Aligarh, Bareilly, Hamirpur, Chitrakoot, Sultanpur, Mirzapur, Kannauj, Ayodhya, Agra, Hardoi, Jhansi and Ghaziabad.&nbsp;

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to release 73 prisoners from various district jails tomorrow on the occasion of Independence Day. A direction to this effect was given by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, an official statement said on Wednesday.

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to release 73 prisoners from various district jails tomorrow on the occasion of Independence Day. A direction to this effect was given by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, an official statement said on Wednesday. The prisoners have completed their jail term but were unable to pay the penalties imposed on them, it said. Principal Secretary (Home) Awanish Kumar Awasthi issued the orders for their release to the prison authorities and police. The 73 prisoners are lodged in jails at Meerut, Kanpur, Aligarh, Bareilly, Hamirpur, Chitrakoot, Sultanpur, Mirzapur, Kannauj, Ayodhya, Agra, Hardoi, Jhansi and Ghaziabad.

Uttar Pradesh government to release 73 prisoners as Independence Day gesture

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-to-visit-pakistan-will-discuss-talks-with-imran-khan-224176">Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a> pledged Tuesday to release nearly 900 inmates from prisons across Afghanistan.

During an address to the nation for Eid -- the festival marking the end of Ramadan -- Ghani said 887 inmates would be set free.

The president did not say what offences the prisoners had committed or whether they were members of the Taliban.&nbsp;

During a peace conference in April, Ghani said he would release 175 Taliban prisoners as a gesture of "goodwill".

It was not clear if those insurgent prisoners were included in the number Ghani gave on Tuesday.

Ghani had proposed a nationwide ceasefire at the start of Ramadan early last month, but the Taliban rejected the offer.

Last year, the Taliban observed a three-day ceasefire but there has been no reduction in violence this year.

Ghani also said he had accepted an invitation from Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Pakistan later this month.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani pledged Tuesday to release nearly 900 inmates from prisons across Afghanistan. During an address to the nation for Eid -- the festival marking the end of Ramadan -- Ghani said 887 inmates would be set free.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani pledged Tuesday to release nearly 900 inmates from prisons across Afghanistan. During an address to the nation for Eid -- the festival marking the end of Ramadan -- Ghani said 887 inmates would be set free. The president did not say what offences the prisoners had committed or whether they were members of the Taliban. During a peace conference in April, Ghani said he would release 175 Taliban prisoners as a gesture of "goodwill". It was not clear if those insurgent prisoners were included in the number Ghani gave on Tuesday. Ghani had proposed a nationwide ceasefire at the start of Ramadan early last month, but the Taliban rejected the offer. Last year, the Taliban observed a three-day ceasefire but there has been no reduction in violence this year. Ghani also said he had accepted an invitation from Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Pakistan later this month.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani pledges to release nearly 900 prisoners

Myanmar will release 6,520 prisoners in an amnesty on Tuesday, the president`s office said in a statement. President Win Myint pardoned thousands of prisoners in two mass amnesties last month.

It is customary in Myanmar for authorities to free prisoners around the time of the traditional New Year, which began on April 17. It was not clear whether two jailed <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/reuters-journalists-jailed-in-myanmar-freed-from-prison-216559&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjY3be484jiAhUEheYKHTxjCKIQFjAFegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0K5PU9TVkConfuywCpRptR">Reuters reporters </a>were among the prisoners scheduled to be released.

The two Reuters reporters, Wa Lone, 33, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 29, were convicted in September of breaking the Official Secrets Act and sentenced to seven years in jail, in a case that raised questions about Myanmar`s progress toward democracy and sparked an outcry from diplomats and human rights advocates.

Myanmar will release 6,520 prisoners in an amnesty on Tuesday, the president`s office said in a statement. President Win Myint pardoned thousands of prisoners in two mass amnesties last month.

Myanmar will release 6,520 prisoners in an amnesty on Tuesday, the president`s office said in a statement. President Win Myint pardoned thousands of prisoners in two mass amnesties last month. It is customary in Myanmar for authorities to free prisoners around the time of the traditional New Year, which began on April 17. It was not clear whether two jailed Reuters reporters were among the prisoners scheduled to be released. The two Reuters reporters, Wa Lone, 33, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 29, were convicted in September of breaking the Official Secrets Act and sentenced to seven years in jail, in a case that raised questions about Myanmar`s progress toward democracy and sparked an outcry from diplomats and human rights advocates.

Myanmar to release 6,500 prisoners in amnesty on Tuesday: President

Myanmar began releasing prisoners on Friday after the president announced he would pardon nearly 7,000 people in addition to thousands released earlier this month.

President Win Myint granted unconditional amnesty to 6,948 prisoners serving jail terms around the country "to bring delight to the citizens of Myanmar and taking into consideration humanitarian concerns", according to a statement.

More cases were being scrutinised for possible pardons, the statement&nbsp;said.

More than 9,000 prisoners were released on April 17, the first day of the traditional New Year, but human rights activists were disappointed that the earlier amnesty only included two people jailed on political charges.

Min Tun Soe, a spokesman for the prisons department, told Reuters that Friday's amnesty would also not include many activists.

"As far as I can see on the list, the majority are drug-related cases," Soe&nbsp;said.

Two activists in the northern state of Kachin were released on Friday, one of them, Zau Jat, told supporters and journalists outside the prison in the city of Myitkyina.

"There are many prisoners in this prison who experienced an unfair judiciary," Zau Jat said in comments broadcast live over Facebook.

A court in December convicted Zau Jat and fellow activist Lum Zawng, also released on Friday, under Myanmar's peaceful assembly law and sentenced both to six months in prison.

"Even if there was no amnesty, we would be released next month, so this is just (the authorities) trying to improve their image," said Zau Jat.

Min Tun Soe and another prison official told Reuters that Friday's release did not include prisoners held in Yangon, excluding two Reuters reporters jailed for breaking the Official Secrets Act from the amnesty.

Myanmar's Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the final appeal of the journalists, Wa Lone, 33, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 29, and upheld their seven-year prison sentences.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a human rights group monitoring the prisons, said earlier this month there were 45 people serving prison sentences for "political activity", most of them for alleged links to armed groups.

Hundreds more are awaiting trial on political charges, including criticising Myanmar's powerful military, according to AAPP. Many are on bail but the group counts 94 people jailed awaiting trial in political cases.

Government spokesman Zaw Htay told reporters in the capital Naypyitaw that armed group members and those involved in "politically related cases" would be released in the third amnesty of more than 6,000 prisoners at an undisclosed date, according to a video published by The Speaker, a news outlet.

Myanmar began releasing prisoners on Friday after the president announced he would pardon nearly 7,000 people in addition to thousands released earlier this month.

Myanmar began releasing prisoners on Friday after the president announced he would pardon nearly 7,000 people in addition to thousands released earlier this month. President Win Myint granted unconditional amnesty to 6,948 prisoners serving jail terms around the country "to bring delight to the citizens of Myanmar and taking into consideration humanitarian concerns", according to a statement. More cases were being scrutinised for possible pardons, the statement said. More than 9,000 prisoners were released on April 17, the first day of the traditional New Year, but human rights activists were disappointed that the earlier amnesty only included two people jailed on political charges. Min Tun Soe, a spokesman for the prisons department, told Reuters that Friday's amnesty would also not include many activists. "As far as I can see on the list, the majority are drug-related cases," Soe said. Two activists in the northern state of Kachin were released on Friday, one of them, Zau Jat, told supporters and journalists outside the prison in the city of Myitkyina. "There are many prisoners in this prison who experienced an unfair judiciary," Zau Jat said in comments broadcast live over Facebook. A court in December convicted Zau Jat and fellow activist Lum Zawng, also released on Friday, under Myanmar's peaceful assembly law and sentenced both to six months in prison. "Even if there was no amnesty, we would be released next month, so this is just (the authorities) trying to improve their image," said Zau Jat. Min Tun Soe and another prison official told Reuters that Friday's release did not include prisoners held in Yangon, excluding two Reuters reporters jailed for breaking the Official Secrets Act from the amnesty. Myanmar's Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the final appeal of the journalists, Wa Lone, 33, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 29, and upheld their seven-year prison sentences. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a human rights group monitoring the prisons, said earlier this month there were 45 people serving prison sentences for "political activity", most of them for alleged links to armed groups. Hundreds more are awaiting trial on political charges, including criticising Myanmar's powerful military, according to AAPP. Many are on bail but the group counts 94 people jailed awaiting trial in political cases. Government spokesman Zaw Htay told reporters in the capital Naypyitaw that armed group members and those involved in "politically related cases" would be released in the third amnesty of more than 6,000 prisoners at an undisclosed date, according to a video published by The Speaker, a news outlet.

Myanmar pardons nearly 7,000 prisoners in their second amnesty this month

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/whoever-builds-a-wall-will-end-up-enslaved-within-the-walls-he-built-says-pope-208409&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjMq7LE39vhAhUPiHAKHdWpBlwQFggUMAU&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hUxaluHEWQyO0w1hTVuB7">Pope Francis </a>washed and kissed the feet of 12 prisoners on Thursday at a traditional service, telling them to shun any inmate hierarchy structure or law of the strongest and to help each other instead.

Francis` predecessors held the traditional Holy Thursday rite in one of Rome`s great basilicas, washing the feet of 12 priests.

But to emphasise its symbolism of service, Francis transferred it to places of confinement, such as prisons, immigrant centres or old age homes.

He travelled this year to a prison in the town of Velletri, about 40 km south of Rome.

It is the fifth time since his election in 2013 that he has held the service, which commemorates Jesus` gesture of humility toward his apostles on the night before he died, in jail.

Francis told the inmates that in Jesus`s time, washing the feet of visitors was the job of slaves and servants.

"This is the rule of Jesus and the rule of the gospel. The rule of service, not of domination or of humiliating others," he said.

"Among you, it must not be this way (domination). The strongest must serve the smallest one. The one who thinks he is the strongest must be a servant. We must all be servants," he said.&nbsp;

Of the male inmates whose feet Francis washed, there were nine Italians, one Brazilian, one Moroccan and one Ivorian. The Vatican did not give their religions.&nbsp;

In the past, conservative Catholics criticised the pope for washing the feet of women and Muslim inmates.

The Velletri prison, which is overcrowded like most Italian jails, mostly holds foreigners for common crimes, but one section holds turncoats who collaborated with investigators and get special protection.

On Good Friday, Francis, marking his seventh Easter season as Roman Catholic leader, is due to lead a Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession around Rome`s ancient Colosseum.

The 82-year-old leader of the world`s 1.3 billion Roman Catholics leads an Easter vigil service on Saturday night and on Easter Sunday reads the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (To The City and The World) message. 
&nbsp;

Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of 12 prisoners on Thursday at a traditional service, telling them to shun any inmate hierarchy structure or law of the strongest and to help each other instead.

Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of 12 prisoners on Thursday at a traditional service, telling them to shun any inmate hierarchy structure or law of the strongest and to help each other instead. Francis` predecessors held the traditional Holy Thursday rite in one of Rome`s great basilicas, washing the feet of 12 priests. But to emphasise its symbolism of service, Francis transferred it to places of confinement, such as prisons, immigrant centres or old age homes. He travelled this year to a prison in the town of Velletri, about 40 km south of Rome. It is the fifth time since his election in 2013 that he has held the service, which commemorates Jesus` gesture of humility toward his apostles on the night before he died, in jail. Francis told the inmates that in Jesus`s time, washing the feet of visitors was the job of slaves and servants. "This is the rule of Jesus and the rule of the gospel. The rule of service, not of domination or of humiliating others," he said. "Among you, it must not be this way (domination). The strongest must serve the smallest one. The one who thinks he is the strongest must be a servant. We must all be servants," he said. Of the male inmates whose feet Francis washed, there were nine Italians, one Brazilian, one Moroccan and one Ivorian. The Vatican did not give their religions. In the past, conservative Catholics criticised the pope for washing the feet of women and Muslim inmates. The Velletri prison, which is overcrowded like most Italian jails, mostly holds foreigners for common crimes, but one section holds turncoats who collaborated with investigators and get special protection. On Good Friday, Francis, marking his seventh Easter season as Roman Catholic leader, is due to lead a Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession around Rome`s ancient Colosseum. The 82-year-old leader of the world`s 1.3 billion Roman Catholics leads an Easter vigil service on Saturday night and on Easter Sunday reads the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (To The City and The World) message.

Help each other, pope tells prisoners at foot washing rite

A&nbsp;large&nbsp;number&nbsp;of&nbsp;prisoners&nbsp;in Iran will be&nbsp;pardoned&nbsp;on Thursday in honour of the 40th&nbsp;anniversary&nbsp;of the&nbsp;revolution&nbsp;that toppled the US-backed Shah, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali&nbsp;Khamenei&nbsp;said on his Twitter account.

The&nbsp;number&nbsp;of&nbsp;prisoners&nbsp;that will be&nbsp;pardoned&nbsp;by&nbsp;Khamenei&nbsp;was not announced, but&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;media earlier said around 50,000&nbsp;prisoners&nbsp;will enjoy "the Islamic clemency".

The country is holding official celebrations for the&nbsp;anniversary&nbsp;of the 1979 Islamic&nbsp;Revolution&nbsp;that will culminate next Monday in a nationwide rally.

It was not immediately clear whether those who will be&nbsp;pardoned&nbsp;will include some of the hundreds of&nbsp;prisoners&nbsp;that human rights groups say have been jailed for political offences.

Several dual nationals from the United States, Britain, Austria, Canada and France have been detained by Iran's security forces in past years and have been kept behind bars on charges including espionage and collaborating with hostile governments.

Khamenei&nbsp;has the final say on all state matters and issues pardons or reduces sentences of&nbsp;prisoners&nbsp;on special occasions.

A large number of prisoners in Iran will be pardoned on Thursday in honour of the 40th anniversary of the revolution that toppled the US-backed Shah, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on his Twitter account.

A large number of prisoners in Iran will be pardoned on Thursday in honour of the 40th anniversary of the revolution that toppled the US-backed Shah, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on his Twitter account. The number of prisoners that will be pardoned by Khamenei was not announced, but Iranian media earlier said around 50,000 prisoners will enjoy "the Islamic clemency". The country is holding official celebrations for the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that will culminate next Monday in a nationwide rally. It was not immediately clear whether those who will be pardoned will include some of the hundreds of prisoners that human rights groups say have been jailed for political offences. Several dual nationals from the United States, Britain, Austria, Canada and France have been detained by Iran's security forces in past years and have been kept behind bars on charges including espionage and collaborating with hostile governments. Khamenei has the final say on all state matters and issues pardons or reduces sentences of prisoners on special occasions.

40 years of Iranian revolution: Large number of prisoners to be pardoned, says Khamenei

At least 25 inmates and two security officers have been killed after a riot broke out at a high-security prison in Tajikistan, three security sources said on Thursday.

The violence started late on Wednesday when an inmate believed to be a member of the militant group Islamic State attacked a guard and seized his assault rifle, said an interior ministry official who declined to give his name.

Officers restored order hours later with the help of reinforcements, a security official speaking on condition of anonymity said.

The prison in the northern Tajik city of Khujand is where prisoners convicted of religious extremism offences, including membership of Islamic State, are generally held. It also houses other prisoners.

Both officials said at least 25 inmates were killed, as well as one warder and one policeman. The third source, also a security official, said three guards had died.

Local authorities confirmed a riot had occurred but gave no details.

Khujand lies around 300 km (185 miles) north of the Tajik capital, Dushanbe.

In July, Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack which killed four Western tourists in Tajikistan, an impoverished Central Asian country.

At least 25 inmates and two security officers have been killed after a riot broke out at a high-security prison in Tajikistan, three security sources said on Thursday.

At least 25 inmates and two security officers have been killed after a riot broke out at a high-security prison in Tajikistan, three security sources said on Thursday. The violence started late on Wednesday when an inmate believed to be a member of the militant group Islamic State attacked a guard and seized his assault rifle, said an interior ministry official who declined to give his name. Officers restored order hours later with the help of reinforcements, a security official speaking on condition of anonymity said. The prison in the northern Tajik city of Khujand is where prisoners convicted of religious extremism offences, including membership of Islamic State, are generally held. It also houses other prisoners. Both officials said at least 25 inmates were killed, as well as one warder and one policeman. The third source, also a security official, said three guards had died. Local authorities confirmed a riot had occurred but gave no details. Khujand lies around 300 km (185 miles) north of the Tajik capital, Dushanbe. In July, Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack which killed four Western tourists in Tajikistan, an impoverished Central Asian country.

At least 27 dead in Tajikistan prison riot: Security sources

As part of the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, over 900 prisoners have been released in the first phase of the Centre's scheme for grant of special remission to specific categories of prisoners.

The decision was taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 18, 2018.

The prisoners are decided to be released in three phases -- October 2, 2018, April 6, 2019, and October 2, 2019.

In the week-long first phase of special remission to prisoners, the States and Union Territories, after obtaining the approval of the competent authority in their jurisdictions released the prisoners.

The States and Union Territories have also been advised to hold week-long functions in all prison premises based on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi before the dates specified for the release of prisoners.

The prisoners will garland the status of Mahatma Gandhi and at the time of their release, they will be gifted with books relating to the Father of the Nation.

Women and transgender convicts, who are of 55 years of age and above and have completed 50 per cent of their actual sentence period, are eligible for special remission.

Meanwhile, male convicts of 60 years of age and above, who have completed 50 per cent of their actual sentence period, are also subjected to benefit under the central government's scheme.

Apart from this, physically-challenged convicts with 70 per cent disability, terminally-ill convicts, prisoners who have completed two-thirds of their actual sentence period are also eligible for special remission.

The remission scheme is not available to prisoners who have been convicted for an offence for which the sentence awarded is death or where the death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment.

Cases of convicts involved in crimes like dowry death, rape, human trafficking, and others also are not included in this.&nbsp;

As part of the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, over 900 prisoners have been released in the first phase of the Centre's scheme for grant of special remission to specific categories of prisoners.

As part of the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, over 900 prisoners have been released in the first phase of the Centre's scheme for grant of special remission to specific categories of prisoners. The decision was taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 18, 2018. The prisoners are decided to be released in three phases -- October 2, 2018, April 6, 2019, and October 2, 2019. In the week-long first phase of special remission to prisoners, the States and Union Territories, after obtaining the approval of the competent authority in their jurisdictions released the prisoners. The States and Union Territories have also been advised to hold week-long functions in all prison premises based on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi before the dates specified for the release of prisoners. The prisoners will garland the status of Mahatma Gandhi and at the time of their release, they will be gifted with books relating to the Father of the Nation. Women and transgender convicts, who are of 55 years of age and above and have completed 50 per cent of their actual sentence period, are eligible for special remission. Meanwhile, male convicts of 60 years of age and above, who have completed 50 per cent of their actual sentence period, are also subjected to benefit under the central government's scheme. Apart from this, physically-challenged convicts with 70 per cent disability, terminally-ill convicts, prisoners who have completed two-thirds of their actual sentence period are also eligible for special remission. The remission scheme is not available to prisoners who have been convicted for an offence for which the sentence awarded is death or where the death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment. Cases of convicts involved in crimes like dowry death, rape, human trafficking, and others also are not included in this.

Over 900 prisoners to be released to mark Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary

Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed Saturday a possible exchange of prisoners, the Kremlin said, raising hopes that hunger-striking film director Oleg Sentsov and others could be released ahead of the start of the World Cup next week.

"Special attention was paid to humanitarian issues including an exchange of people being held" by the two sides, the Kremlin said in a statement following the rare phone conversation by the two leaders.

Putin stressed that Russian journalists arrested in Ukraine should be released immediately, the Kremlin said, adding that the conflict in eastern Ukraine was also discussed.

Poroshenko for his part stressed that Sentsov, who has been on hunger strike since May 14, and other "Ukrainian political prisoners" should be released "as soon as possible."

"The head of the Ukrainian state drew attention to Ukrainians' hunger strikes and expressed concern over their deteriorating health," his office said in a statement.

Both Moscow and Kiev said the two leaders agreed that a rights ombudsmen would visit the two countries' prisoners "in the near future". No other details were provided.

Sentsov, who is serving a 20-year sentence on terrorism charges in Russia's far north, is demanding that Moscow release dozens of Ukrainian political prisoners languishing in Russian prisons.

His supporters said the father of two was prepared to die in prison, clouding Russia's chance to shine on the world stage during the World Cup which begins on Thursday.

Ukrainian activist Oleksandr Kolchenko, who is serving a 10-year sentence in a Russian prison after being convicted of terrorism together with Sentsov, also launched a hunger strike in solidarity with Sentsov.

He, however, halted his protest earlier this week due to his poor health.

Putin and Poroshenko spoke on the phone ahead of talks Monday in Berlin between the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers that will also involve Germany and France.

The talks are aimed at reviving a stalled peace process in eastern Ukraine. Efforts to put an end to a four-year conflict between Ukranian government troops and pro-Russian rebels that has claimed more than 10,000 lives since 2014 have come to a halt.

The announcement raised hopes of hunger-striking film director Oleg Sentsov and others could be released ahead of the start of the World Cup next week

Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed Saturday a possible exchange of prisoners, the Kremlin said, raising hopes that hunger-striking film director Oleg Sentsov and others could be released ahead of the start of the World Cup next week. "Special attention was paid to humanitarian issues including an exchange of people being held" by the two sides, the Kremlin said in a statement following the rare phone conversation by the two leaders. Putin stressed that Russian journalists arrested in Ukraine should be released immediately, the Kremlin said, adding that the conflict in eastern Ukraine was also discussed. Poroshenko for his part stressed that Sentsov, who has been on hunger strike since May 14, and other "Ukrainian political prisoners" should be released "as soon as possible." "The head of the Ukrainian state drew attention to Ukrainians' hunger strikes and expressed concern over their deteriorating health," his office said in a statement. Both Moscow and Kiev said the two leaders agreed that a rights ombudsmen would visit the two countries' prisoners "in the near future". No other details were provided. Sentsov, who is serving a 20-year sentence on terrorism charges in Russia's far north, is demanding that Moscow release dozens of Ukrainian political prisoners languishing in Russian prisons. His supporters said the father of two was prepared to die in prison, clouding Russia's chance to shine on the world stage during the World Cup which begins on Thursday. Ukrainian activist Oleksandr Kolchenko, who is serving a 10-year sentence in a Russian prison after being convicted of terrorism together with Sentsov, also launched a hunger strike in solidarity with Sentsov. He, however, halted his protest earlier this week due to his poor health. Putin and Poroshenko spoke on the phone ahead of talks Monday in Berlin between the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers that will also involve Germany and France. The talks are aimed at reviving a stalled peace process in eastern Ukraine. Efforts to put an end to a four-year conflict between Ukranian government troops and pro-Russian rebels that has claimed more than 10,000 lives since 2014 have come to a halt.

Russia and Ukraine discuss 'exchange' of prisoners: Kremlin

The Afghanistan government, on Thursday, released 75 Hizb-e-Islami party members who had been imprisoned in Pul-e-Charkhi prison in the east of Kabul city.&nbsp;

The release was made following the peace agreement between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar last year.

The prisoners had been held for a long time as their release had been delayed since organisations criticized the government for agreeing to the move saying that the prisoners had been involved in insurgency incidents that killed civilians. 
&nbsp; 
Hizb-e-Islami claims that there are 3,000 of its members being held in Afghan prisons.

According to Article 11 of the peace agreement, it stated: &quot;After assessment of their documents, all prisoners of Hizb-e-Islami who are accused of political and security crimes and are exempted from &#39;the right of people&#39;&quot; (a legal term which is used for those who don&#39;t carry any complaint from members of the public in a court).

As per media reports, a total of 145 HI men had been released so far.&nbsp;

The released prisoners had been accused of political and security crimes. This was the third batch of HI prisoners released on Thursday.

The first batch of prisoners was released last year in May, which included 55 people. Around 13 more were released later in the same year.&nbsp;

The release was made following the peace agreement between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar last year

The Afghanistan government, on Thursday, released 75 Hizb-e-Islami party members who had been imprisoned in Pul-e-Charkhi prison in the east of Kabul city. The release was made following the peace agreement between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar last year. The prisoners had been held for a long time as their release had been delayed since organisations criticized the government for agreeing to the move saying that the prisoners had been involved in insurgency incidents that killed civilians. Hizb-e-Islami claims that there are 3,000 of its members being held in Afghan prisons. According to Article 11 of the peace agreement, it stated: "After assessment of their documents, all prisoners of Hizb-e-Islami who are accused of political and security crimes and are exempted from 'the right of people'" (a legal term which is used for those who don't carry any complaint from members of the public in a court). As per media reports, a total of 145 HI men had been released so far. The released prisoners had been accused of political and security crimes. This was the third batch of HI prisoners released on Thursday. The first batch of prisoners was released last year in May, which included 55 people. Around 13 more were released later in the same year.

Afghanistan releases 75 Hizb-e-Islami prisoners from Kabul

United States acknowledged on Thursday that it waited for Iran to release American prisoners before delivering $400 million in cash that it owed the country, but again insisted the payment was not ransom. 
 
&quot;With concerns that Iran may renege on the prisoner release... we of course sought to retain maximum leverage until after American citizens were released,&quot; State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters. 
 
&quot;That was our top priority,&quot; he said. 
 
In January, five American prisoners were released as Washington granted clemency to seven Iranians and withdrew arrest warrants for 14 others. 
 
Immediately thereafter, the United States helped airlift $400 million worth of Swiss francs and euros to Iran. 
 
The US government insists that money was to settle an old debt stemming from a military purchase by Iran. 
 
The money was delivered on January 17, just one day after a landmark nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers took effect. 
 
&quot;We were able to conclude multiple strands of diplomacy within a 24 hour period, including implementation of the nuclear deal, the prisoner talks and a settlement of an outstanding Hague tribunal claim,&quot; Kirby said. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s already publicly known that we returned to Iran its $400 million in that same time period as part of the Hague settlement agreement,&quot; he said. 
 
In early August, the State Department had said the prisoner release and delivery of money were completely separate, although Kirby acknowledged Thursday that the two were in fact related. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m saying that the events came together simultaneously... it would have been foolish, imprudent, irresponsible for us not to try to maintain maximum leverage,&quot; Kirby said. 
 
The ordeal has set off a tidal wave of condemnation from Republicans, who have questioned the timing of the two events and said the government paid ransom for the prisoner release. 
 
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was quick to attack. 
 
&quot;Speaking of lies, we now know from the State Department announcement that President Obama lied about the $400 million dollars in cash that was flown to Iran,&quot; he told a rally in Thursday in North Carolina. 
 
&quot;He denied it was for the hostages, but it was. He said we don&#39;t pay ransom, but he did. He lied about the hostages - openly and blatantly,&quot; Trump said. 
 
Trump&#39;s opponent in the race for the White House, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, was no longer serving as the nation&#39;s top diplomat when the accord came into effect. 
 
Still, Trump senior communications advisor Jason Miller said that &quot;by helping put together a deal that ultimately sent $400M to Iran that was likely used to fund terrorism, Clinton has proven herself unfit to be president of the United States.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

US government insists the payment was not a ransom, but the move has been slammed by presidential candidate Donald Trump

United States acknowledged on Thursday that it waited for Iran to release American prisoners before delivering $400 million in cash that it owed the country, but again insisted the payment was not ransom. "With concerns that Iran may renege on the prisoner release... we of course sought to retain maximum leverage until after American citizens were released," State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters. "That was our top priority," he said. In January, five American prisoners were released as Washington granted clemency to seven Iranians and withdrew arrest warrants for 14 others. Immediately thereafter, the United States helped airlift $400 million worth of Swiss francs and euros to Iran. The US government insists that money was to settle an old debt stemming from a military purchase by Iran. The money was delivered on January 17, just one day after a landmark nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers took effect. "We were able to conclude multiple strands of diplomacy within a 24 hour period, including implementation of the nuclear deal, the prisoner talks and a settlement of an outstanding Hague tribunal claim," Kirby said. "It's already publicly known that we returned to Iran its $400 million in that same time period as part of the Hague settlement agreement," he said. In early August, the State Department had said the prisoner release and delivery of money were completely separate, although Kirby acknowledged Thursday that the two were in fact related. "I'm saying that the events came together simultaneously... it would have been foolish, imprudent, irresponsible for us not to try to maintain maximum leverage," Kirby said. The ordeal has set off a tidal wave of condemnation from Republicans, who have questioned the timing of the two events and said the government paid ransom for the prisoner release. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was quick to attack. "Speaking of lies, we now know from the State Department announcement that President Obama lied about the $400 million dollars in cash that was flown to Iran," he told a rally in Thursday in North Carolina. "He denied it was for the hostages, but it was. He said we don't pay ransom, but he did. He lied about the hostages - openly and blatantly," Trump said. Trump's opponent in the race for the White House, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, was no longer serving as the nation's top diplomat when the accord came into effect. Still, Trump senior communications advisor Jason Miller said that "by helping put together a deal that ultimately sent $400M to Iran that was likely used to fund terrorism, Clinton has proven herself unfit to be president of the United States." (AFP)

US used $400m as 'leverage' for Iran to release five prisoners in January

Turkey will grant early release to some 38,000 prisoners who committed crimes before July 1, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Wednesday, amid reports of prison overcrowding after the failed coup. 
 
Bozdag said in a series of messages on Twitter that the move was &quot;not an amnesty&quot; and the convicts were not being pardoned but released on parole. 
 
It will not apply to convicts guilty of murder, terrorism or state security crimes, or the thousands jailed after the putsch which took place on July 15. 
 
&quot;The regulation refers to crimes committed before July 2016. The crimes committed after July 1, 2016, are outside its scope,&quot; Bozdag said. 
 
&quot;As a result of this regulation, approximately 38,000 people will be released from closed and open prisons at the first stage.&quot; 
 
The timing means that it is impossible that anyone detained for complicity in the coup can be released as part of the mass parole move. 
 
There have been reports in Turkish media that jails in the country were suffering severe overcrowding due to the influx of tens of thousands of prisoners in the wake of the failed July 15 coup. 
 
According to Turkish officials, over 35,000 people have been detained since the coup attempt although almost 11,600 of them have since been released. 
 
It is likely that releasing convicts not linked to the coup will make room for the alleged coup plotters who still face trials and heavy jail sentences.&nbsp; 
 
Bozdag, however, did not outline his reasoning for the move. 
 
(AFP)

Country's justice minister tweeted that the move was 'not an amnesty' and convicts were not being pardoned but released on parole

Turkey will grant early release to some 38,000 prisoners who committed crimes before July 1, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Wednesday, amid reports of prison overcrowding after the failed coup. Bozdag said in a series of messages on Twitter that the move was "not an amnesty" and the convicts were not being pardoned but released on parole. It will not apply to convicts guilty of murder, terrorism or state security crimes, or the thousands jailed after the putsch which took place on July 15. "The regulation refers to crimes committed before July 2016. The crimes committed after July 1, 2016, are outside its scope," Bozdag said. "As a result of this regulation, approximately 38,000 people will be released from closed and open prisons at the first stage." The timing means that it is impossible that anyone detained for complicity in the coup can be released as part of the mass parole move. There have been reports in Turkish media that jails in the country were suffering severe overcrowding due to the influx of tens of thousands of prisoners in the wake of the failed July 15 coup. According to Turkish officials, over 35,000 people have been detained since the coup attempt although almost 11,600 of them have since been released. It is likely that releasing convicts not linked to the coup will make room for the alleged coup plotters who still face trials and heavy jail sentences. Bozdag, however, did not outline his reasoning for the move. (AFP)

Turkey to release 38,000 prisoners to possibly make space for coup plotters

Moroccan police have crushed an escape attempt by inmates at a juvenile detention centre in Casablanca, resulting in nine detainees being injured, the prison service said on Friday. 
 
&quot;The Ain Sebaa rehabilitation centre was the scene of rioting&quot; by prisoners on Thursday night, the General Directorate of Prisons and Re-integration said. 
 
Detainees at the centre in the Northeast of Morocco&#39;s biggest city set fire to beds in a bid to attract staff, attack them and try to escape, it said.&nbsp;The prisoners tried and failed to break into a weapons store, but managed to get out of the main building and set alight a prison bus, it said.&nbsp;They attacked and lightly wounded several staff. Police then intervened to put down the riot. 
 
An AFP photographer on the scene saw fire and smoke coming from the centre, which was surrounded by security forces.&nbsp;Videos posted online appeared to show a large explosion at the centre and a burning bus, with the sound of gunshots and police sirens. Local news websites said witnesses had heard the sound of gunfire coming from the facility. 
 
The prison service said nine detainees were hurt in the incident, although it was not clear whether from smoke inhalation or during clashes with the police. 
 
The prison service said it would open an enquiry to determine who was behind the incident. Moroccan prisons are chronically overcrowded, housing some 65,000 detainees in facilities with a capacity of just 30,000, according to the Ministry of Justice.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

The prisoners tried and failed to break into a weapons store, but managed to get out of the main building and set alight a prison bus

Moroccan police have crushed an escape attempt by inmates at a juvenile detention centre in Casablanca, resulting in nine detainees being injured, the prison service said on Friday. "The Ain Sebaa rehabilitation centre was the scene of rioting" by prisoners on Thursday night, the General Directorate of Prisons and Re-integration said. Detainees at the centre in the Northeast of Morocco's biggest city set fire to beds in a bid to attract staff, attack them and try to escape, it said. The prisoners tried and failed to break into a weapons store, but managed to get out of the main building and set alight a prison bus, it said. They attacked and lightly wounded several staff. Police then intervened to put down the riot. An AFP photographer on the scene saw fire and smoke coming from the centre, which was surrounded by security forces. Videos posted online appeared to show a large explosion at the centre and a burning bus, with the sound of gunshots and police sirens. Local news websites said witnesses had heard the sound of gunfire coming from the facility. The prison service said nine detainees were hurt in the incident, although it was not clear whether from smoke inhalation or during clashes with the police. The prison service said it would open an enquiry to determine who was behind the incident. Moroccan prisons are chronically overcrowded, housing some 65,000 detainees in facilities with a capacity of just 30,000, according to the Ministry of Justice. (AFP)

Mass jail-break attempt in Casablanca juvenile home leads to riot

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