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Thursday, 5 July 2007, 16:40 GMT 17:40 UK

In pictures: Afghan mass grave

Afghan officials pose near a row of skulls. Pics by Massoud Hossaini

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Afghan officials say they have uncovered a mass grave in an underground prison on the outskirts of the capital, Kabul, which dates from the Soviet era. Pics by Massoud Hossaini

The entrance to the prison where the skulls were uncovered

The entrance to the prison where the skulls were uncovered

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The site appears to be a Soviet base which was later used as a prison.

An Afghan official uncovering remains underground

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Its location was revealed to the Afghans by an old man who used to work as a driver for the Soviets.

Skulls

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Officials said many of the bodies appeared to have blindfolds and their arms tied behind their backs.

An Afghan holds a skull in his hands

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They said many of the remains had fragments of rope around their eyes and hands.

An Afghan official handles one of the skulls discovered in the mass grave

An Afghan official handles one of the skulls discovered in the mass grave

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At least 15 rooms containing human remains were discovered in the abandoned prison.

Afghan officials pose near a row of skulls

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Thousands of Afghans were killed under the Moscow-backed communist regime while many others disappeared.

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Related to this story:
Afghan prison bodies discovered (05 Jul 07 | South Asia )