[JURIST] Afghan authorities on Wednesday regained control of the Policharki prison [AP report; IWPR backgrounder; also "Pul-e-Charkhi"] after four days of rioting that was allegedly started by al Qaeda and Taliban convicts. Deputy Justice Minister Mohammed Qasim Hashimzai reported that over 11,300 unruly inmates, including 350 Taliban and al Qaeda loyalists, were transferred from Block Two where the riot took place to another block under official guard. The most dangerous rioters were placed in separate rooms.

The riot was allegedly led by former senior Taliban commander Mullah Mujahed. Hundreds began rioting late Saturday [JURIST report] and security forces surrounded the prison to prevent escapes while government officials tried to negotiate with the rioting inmates. Despite a day-long truce, a fresh uprising of violence [JURIST report] occurred on Tuesday. A total of six inmates were killed and at least 40 were injured in the four-day riot. AP has more.