Khaama press-A court in western Herat province sentenced an individual for 16 years in prison in espionage charges.Sirajuddin Nasar chief of the Herat Municipal Court and Public Security said, the individual was charged with espionage for a foreign nation and violation of the Afghan sovereignty, freedom and security.Mr. Nasar further added, the accused individual had taken pictures of the Afghan and NATO military bases and also had telephone numbers of the Iranian Intelligence officials.He also said, provincial intelligence officials had noted the discussions of the accused individual with the Iranian intelligence officials where he was providing information regarding the military bases.Provincial Attorney General For National Security said, the accused individual had also brought some papers from Iran which shows his efforts for providing information to Iran.

Judicial authorities in western Herat province also said, the accused had confessed to espionage charges against him.

This comes as the accused earlier said that he confessed to the charges as he was torutured and beaten.

The detained suspect is originally a resident of the western Herat province but has spent most of his time in Iran, he was detained two months back after he returned from Iran.

Meanwhile Provincial Attorney General For National Security emphasized that the court verdict is not final and the accused has the right to appeal for the reconsideration of his case.

A provincial Judicial official in Herat province said, this is not the first time susch suspects have been detained for espionage charges.

The official said, Similar cases have been referred to Herat court with the espionage charges for neighboring Iran.