April 1992 REVIEW OF MEDICAL CASES ISSUED IN 1991 (ACT 75/02/92 - March 1992: External)
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
CAMEROON Moussa HABOUBA POC/ ill-health/ Held without charge or trial for more than six years. One of . AFR 17/02/91, 22 January 1991 long-term detention over 1,000 people arrested in the wake of an unsuccessful coup . AFR 17/05/91, 9 May 1991 without charge or trial attempt. Suffering from malaria & hypertension and in need [MAs] of medical care. ------Notice of release Released from detention on 15 March 1991.
CHINA WANG Juntao POC/ ill-health/ fair trial Arrested in November 1990 for his role in the pro-democracy See below for further information . ASA 17/18/91, 13 February 1991 movement in China. Charged with "counter-revolutionary [MA] propaganda and agitation" and sentenced to 13 years imprisonment. Reported to be suffering from hepatitis and to have been held in solitary confinement since early April 1991.
WANG Juntao and 5 others: POCs/ ill-health/ All six prisoners, who were arrested following the 1989 Wang Juntao: Sent to a prison hospital in Yan Qing in CHEN Ziming, REN Wanding, BAO isolation/ hunger-strike pro-democracy demonstrations, said to be held in isolation in September 1991 for treatment. Zunxing, WANG Dan, LIU Gang severe conditions normally imposed as punishment. Three Chen Ziming: Moved to a cell with other prisoners in . ASA 17/50/91, 8 August 1991 said to be in ill-health: October 1991. Still said to be weak & thin. . ASA 17/55/91, 9 September 1991 Wang Juntao: Suffering hepatitis, general weakness and loss of Bao Zunxin and Wang Dan: According to a Justice [MA, UA] weight. Threatening hunger strike in protest at isolation. Ministry official, both are sharing a cell with other Chen Ziming: Skin disease and malnutrition prisoners. Bao Zunxing: Heart disease Liu Gang: Transferred to Lingyuan labour camp. Wang Juntao and Chen Ziming went on hunger strike on 13 Said to have been ill-treated in the camp and to have August. All prisoners remained in isolation with the exception suffered a broken arm in November 1991 after of Liu Gang, who was said to have been transferred elsewhere. threatening to stage a hunger-strike.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED CHEN Xuedong POC/ ill-health Arrested in June 1989 after the military crackdown against the Released on 14 June 1991. . ASA 17/38/91, 15 May 1991 pro-democracy demonstrations. Reported to suffer from [MA] gastric problems requiring medication and attention to diet.
Dr Song Song, Pu Yong, Shan Gangzhi Doctor/ medical Appeal cases which featured in the paper Health personnel: No further information available on Dr Song Song or . ACT 75/01/91, April 1991 personnel/ fair trial Victims of human rights violations. All were arrested in the Shan Gangzhi. Pu Yong is said to have been tried [MA] wake of the military crackdown of 4 June 1989 which put an and sentenced, but there is no information available end to pro-democaracy demonstrations in China. Dr Song on his sentence. Song, a surgeon, was believed to be held in Beijing. There was no information on the whereabouts of Pu Yong or Shan Gangzhi, both of whom were described as medical workers.
CUBA Dr Alfredo Samuel MARTÍNEZ LARA Doctor/ detention (Follow-up to 1990 action). Arrested in March 1990 and In June 1991 Dr Martinez was allowed to leave Cuba . AMR 25/02/91, 28 February 1991 without charge or trial/ brought to trial in February 1991 on charges of "rebellion" and for the USA where he wished to obtain medical [MA] release "other acts against state security". Dr Martinez Lara was found treatment. It is reported that this was permitted only guilty, sentenced to three years "restricted liberty" and released on the condition that he did not return to Cuba. from detention.
DJIBOUTI Mohamed Moussa ALI ("Tourtour") POC/ detention without Former economic adviser to the President of Djibouti. . AFR 23/03/91, 30 August 1991 charge or trial/ ill-health Detained without charge or trial since his arrest on 8 April . AFR 23/04/91, 9 September 1991 1991. Reported to suffer from hypertension and cardiac and [UA] Release respiratory problems; had been suffering periods of loss of ------consciousness. Condition believed to have been aggravated by a hunger strike he undertook in May 1991. Released unconditionally on 7 September 1991. Subsequently thanked AI for the interventions on his behalf.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
Djibouti: Aref Mohamed AREF Ill-health/ medical care 39-year-old-lawyer who had previously defended political Provision of food and medical attention improved. . AFR 23/05/91, 11 September 1991 prisoners in Djibouti. Arrested 13 January 1991 with large Trial postponed until July 1992. Has been returned . AFR 23/06/1991, 15 October 1991 number of others of Afar ethnic origin. He and over 10
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 2 . AFR 23/11/91, 30 October 1991 others charged with attempting to overthrow the government. to remote Ali-Adde prison. [UAs] Suffering from food poisoning and tachycardia. Without medical attention. Transferred to hospital in September 1991, but later returned to prison. Food rations severely cut. No date yet set for his trial.
EGYPT Dr Mohammed MANDOUR Doctor/ psychiatrist/ (Dr Mandour: head of psychiatry at the Palestinian Red Dr 'Emad 'ATREES torture Crescent Hospital in Cairo & board member of the Egyptian . MDE 12/05/91, 11 February 1991, Organization of Human Rights. Dr 'Atrees: physician.) . MDE 12/11/91, 20 February 1991 Release Arrested on 8 February 1991. Reason for arrest unknown, ------. MDE 12/12/91, 26 February 1991 although a number of journalists, lawyers, doctors and students . MDE 12/15/91, 15 April 1991 had been detained since the outbreak of the Gulf War for [UAs] expressing opposition to the war. Held incommunicado by the State Security Intelligence Police. 10 days after his arrest Dr Mandour was visited by a representative of the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights who confirmed that he had been subjected to "persistent and savage torture". Dr Mandour was released without charge on 23 February 1991 and wrote to AI expressing his thanks for the efforts to secure his release. Dr 'Atrees was later also released uncharged. Dr Ahmed Isma'il Mahmoud SALAMA Doctor/ torture (Follow-up to 1990 medical action.) Released from detention . MDE 12/10/91, 15 February 1991 complaint / release without charge on 7 February 1991 after arrest in November. [MA] (Had been tortured while in the custody of the State Security Intelligence Police.) ------
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
Egypt: Torture Ill-treatment/ torture/ Medical action to coincide with the publication of a report on In response to an article in The Lancet published by . MDE 12/22/91, 9 September 1991 medical evidence of torture in Egypt. The torture of political detainees became the British medical group of AI, a letter from an [MA] torture widespread and systematic after the assassination of President Egyptian doctor was carried in a subsequent issue Sadat in October 1981 when a State of Emergency was
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 3 imposed. The State of Emergency still remains in force and welcoming the report on Egypt. was renewed in May 1991 for a further three years. Political detainees held incommunicado under emergency provisions are frequently subjected to ill-treatment and torture. The report presented extensive testimony from ex-detainees of varying political and social backgrounds. Evidence of ill-treatment had in many instances been corroborated by medical examination.
EL SALVADOR Julia PONCE and Angel FLORES Health workers/ Appeal cases which feaured in the paper Health personnel: The cooperative to which they belonged made a . ACT 75/01/91, April 1991 extra-judicial execution Victims of human rights violations. Both were health formal complaint to the judiciary in early 1990, but [MA] promoters for a federation of Salvadorian agricutural there has been no further information about cooperatives. Their bullet-ridden bodies were found on 11 responsibility for their deaths. Following the close of January 1990 beside the road between Santa Ana and San the war in El Salvador in early 1992, peace Salvador. They appeared to have been tortured. Both had agreements have been signed between the reportedly been abducted in front of relatives on 31 December governmnent and the FMLN opposition and a Truth 1989. Commission (Comisión de la Verdad) has been established to investigate acts of violence committed both government and FMLN forces since 1980.
ETHIOPIA Mulugetta MOSISSA, Demissie POCs/ ill-health/ torture/ All reported to be in ill-health, some as a result of earlier All six were released following the fall of the Mengistu KEBEDE, Nagari FAYISSA, Nigisti denial of medical care/ torture and ill-treatment. Three were adopted POCs held for government in May 1991. Mulugetta Mosissa and his GIORGIS, Abdul Kadir Hasssan detention without charge over 10 years without charge or trial. The others were arrested family visited the UK for medical treatment. (His wife MOHAMED and Tesfa-Mariam or trial at different times and their cases were under investigation by was also imprisoned for almost ten years and gave ZEGGAI AI. birth to their son in prison. Their son remained in . AFR 25/01/91, 30 January 1991 prison with his mother). [MA]
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
HAITI
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 4 Philistine AUGUSTE, Lucien Torture Tortured while held in military custody. (Philistine Auguste Subsequently released. AUGUSTE, Joseph NIXON was arrested and held for a day whilst the army sought his son . AMR 36/01/91, 24 April 1991 Lucien Auguste.) Lucien Auguste and Joseph Nixon were [UA] denied medical treatment for their injuries.
Paul LAROCHE Torture/ lack of medical One of many arrested without warrant in the wake of a military Released in December 1991 (Follow-up already . AMR 36/36/91, 20 December 91 care coup which overthrew the government of President Aristide. issued; see AMR 36/06/92 - 10 January 1992) [MA] Arrested 15 October 1991 and severely beaten and tortured. Admitted to hospital two days later where surgery was undertaken on two intestinal perforations sustained during torture. Also suffered loss of hearing in the right ear and some visual loss in the right eye as a result of ill-treatment.
INDIA Human rights violations in the Punjab Torture/ death in Medical action focusing on torture and deaths in detention to A 31-page response to the AI report was sent to the . ASA 20/17/91, 28 June 1991 detention coincide with the publication of an AI report on abuses by the IS by the Indian Government. This was the first [MA] security forces in Punjab. response of its kind to AI by any Indian administration. AI sent comments to the government on their response in August 1991. These have now been published (see ASA 20/25/91, February 1992). (In addition, a full report on torture, rape and deaths in custody in India was published in March 1992)
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
INDONESIA
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 5 Doctorandus SUSILO Veterinary surgeon/ fair Drs Susilo's case featured in the paper Health Personnel: . ACT 75/01/91, April 1991 trial Victims of Human Rights Violations. He is a vetinerary . ASA 21/10/91, 1 July 1991 surgeon who appeared to have been among the many [MAs] Release thousands arrested for alleged involvement in a coup attempt in 1965 or for membership of the banned Communist Party of ------Indonesia (PKI). Drs Susilo was released from prison in April 1991 after spending over 20 years in prison following conviction under Indonesia's Anti-Subversion Law.
IRAN Ali ARDALAN and other POCs POC/ ill-health/ medical In early 1991 a number of prisoners arrested in June 1990 for Ali Ardalan was released and his sentence suspended arrested in June 1990 care/ prison conditions having signed an open letter to President Rafsanjani were on grounds of age towards the end of 1991. The . MDE 13/04/91 - 25 January 1991 released. Nine, however, remained in detention, including others, however, remain in detention and there is . MDE 13/07/91 - 29 April 1991 prisoners who were elderly and/or in ill-health. All were continuing concern for their health and well-being. . MDE 13/09/91 - 28 August 1991 adopted as POCs. (See MDE 13/02/92 issued on 10 January 1992 on . MDE 13/11/91 - 22 September 91 In mid-1991 the nine prisoners were brought to trial. Ali behalf of Nezameddin Movahed, one of those still . MDE 13/12/91 - 7 November 91 Ardalan, who was 75, was sentenced to 3 years' imprisonment held.) [MA, UA, UA, MA, MA] and 20 lashes. He suffers from long-standing ischaemic heart disease and there was considerable concern for his well-being. In September 1991 Ali Ardalan was said to be suffering from periods of loss of consciousness and continuing hypotension. Surgery for installation of a pacemaker was recommended. At this time he was also reported to be suffering from failure of one of his kidneys. Ali Ardalan was admitted to hospital in September 1991.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
ISRAEL/OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 6 Dr Rabah Hasan 'Abd al-'Aziz Administrative detention/ (Doctor). Vice-President of the Arab Medical Association in Dr Mohanna's appeal against his detention order was MOHANNA doctor/ Arab Medical Gaza. Worked in al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza, and was in charge heard in mid-February 1992 and was rejected. He . MDE 15/67/91, 16 December 91 Association in Gaza of the diabetes programme in Gaza. Arrested 29 October on will remain in detention for the duration. [MA] the eve of the Madrid Peace Conference and served with a 6-month administrative detention order. Believed to have been arrested for publicly voicing reservations about the Peace Conference.
KENYA Kenneth MATIBA POC/ ill-health/ denial of Former government minister arrested in July 1990. One of . AFR 32/03/91, 7 February 1991 medical attention/ the leading proponents of the re-introduction of a multi-party . AFR 32/21/91, 10 June 1991 detention without charge system in Kenya which had been the subject of much public [MAs] or trial debate in early 1990. Held in solitary confinement in very ------stressful conditions. Suffering from hypertension. Release Released on 9 June 1991 after suffering a stroke. Ngotho KARIUKI POC/ torture/ Another leading proponent of the multi-party system arrested Ngotho Kariuki was sentenced to 7 years' . AFR 32/10/91, 28 March 1991 ill-treatment/ ill-health/ in July 1991 and one of the authors of a press release headed imprisonment in July 1991 and transferred to [MA] medical care "Democracy in Kenya". Charged with sedition. Tortured Naivasha Prison. He has now, however, been following arrest and believed to be in need of medical released. He and three other prisoners of conscience attention. were released on bond on 14 February 1992 pending their appeal to the High Court later this year. A major piece of evidence against them was discredited at a trial in January this year.
Raila ODINGA POC/ ill health/ denial of Leader of a new opposition party which the government had Released in June 1991 and left for Norway. He has . AFR 32/22/91, 13 June 1991 medical care refused to register. Arrested in July 1990 with other leading now returned to Kenya. He returned in January [UA] supporters of multi-party democracy. Diabetic and unable to 1992 after the constitutional changes which allowed properly control his diabetes in prison. opposition parties.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
Kenya: Gitobu IMANYARA Fear of torture/ ill-health/ Lawyer and journalist; editor of the Nairobi Law Monthly. Gitobu Imanyara was initially not allowed to travel . AFR 32/11/91, 11 March 1991 denial of medical care Arrested on 1 March 1991 and charged with publishing abroad for medical treatment. He is a prominent
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 7 . AFR 32/14/91, 23 April 1991 seditious material. spokesman of an opposition party which is now . AFR 32/16/91, 2 May 1991 Release On 19 April he collapsed in a cell at the Nairobi Law Courts permitted to operate after a constitutional change in . AFR 32/17/91, 30 May 1991 where he was awaiting a decision for bail pending trial. December 1991. Travelled abroad for treatment in [UAs] Admitted to hospital for tests. early 1992. Released on 28 May 1991. All charges against him were dropped.
SOUTH KOREA PANG Yang-kyun POC/ ill-health/ denial of Chief political aide to Suh Kyung-won, an opposition member See below for further information . ASA 25/20/91, 17 July 1991 medical care of the National Assembly who is also imprisoned. Pang was [MA] arrested in July 1989 and sentenced to 7 years imprisonment on charges of espionage for having failed to report an illegal visit made by Suh Kyung-won to North Korea. Reportedly tortured on arrest and said to have lost the hearing in one ear. Also said to have respiratory difficulties and to be suffering from debilitating back pains.
LEE Hon-chi and POC/ ill-health/ denial of Lee Hon-Chi: Arrested in October 1981 and charged with Lee Hon-chi: No further information available. PANG Yang-kyun medical care espionage. Case under investigation by AI. He was initially Pang Yang-kyun: His state is said to have improved. . ASA 25/33/91, 22 October 1991 sentenced to death, a sentence which was later commuted to 20 [MA] years' imprisonment. Reported to suffer from a persistant urinary tract infection which had not been properly investigated. Pang Yang-kyun (See above) : Now said to have become withdrawn and to be suffering from depression. Both men were held in Chonju prison where they had little access to medical attention.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
KUWAIT
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 8 Dr Nazmi Salim KHURSHID Torture/ doctor (Doctor) Palestinian doctor arrested 10 March 1991 with No further information is available. . MDE 17/08/91, 25 July 1991 several other Palestinian doctors at al-'Ardiyyah Hospital where [UA] he worked. (Hundreds of people from various Arab nationalities, including Iraqis, Palestinians and Jordanians, were reported to have been arbitrarily arrested in Kuwait from February 1991 onwards.) Dr Khurshid was reported to have suffered paralysis following torture and later to have entered a coma.
MEXICO Torture Death in detention/ Medical action issued to coincide with campaign on torture in The campaign provoked considerable response from . AMR 41/12/91, 5 November 91 forensic investigation/ Mexico. Torture in Mexico is widespread and routinely used government and led to increased awareness and [MA] torture/ medical evidence by the security forces against all types of detainees - individuals reporting of human rights abuse in the Mexican of torture/ doctor. detained for political reasons or in the context of land disputes, media. In December 1991 a new anti-torture law was human rights activists or individuals detained in the course of approved and enacted by the Mexican government criminal investigations. There have been numerous deaths as and the government has adopted a number of other a result of torture and hundreds of cases of torture have been measures. Reports of torture continue, however, and documented, many supported by medical or forensic evidence. AI is continuing to monitor the situation closely. However, investigations into the conduct of police officers have rarely been conducted, and even more rarely has any prosecution been brought. AI believes this to be the reason for the continued prevalence of torture on such a widespread scale in Mexico.
MOROCCO Hassan El Hasni ALAOUI Need for medical care as Arrested in 1983 and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for No further information available . MDE 29/10/91, 4 March 1991 result of ill-treatment plotting against the monarchy. His case is under investigation [MA] by AI. Suffers from a right inguinal hernia and occasional luxation of the right shoulder said to have been the result of trauma sustained during interrogation.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 9 Morocco: Mohamed RAISS Ill-health/ ill-treatment/ One of 61 prisoners convicted in 1973 in connection with an Admitted to Avicennes hospital on 25 December . MDE 29/29/91, 30 October 1991 need for medical care attack against King Hassan and transferred to Tazmamert 1991 for medical care. He was receiving treatment [MA] following abuse/ prison secret detention centre. Virtually nothing was heard of the for numerous problems, including the following: conditions prisoners throughout the subsequent years. News later goitre, failing vision, chronic bronchitis, emerged of extraordinarily harsh and brutal conditions in gastro-intestinal problems, rheumatism, hypertension Tazmamert. In September 1991 the secret centre was reported but was returned to prison before the completion of to have been demolished (although this was later said to be his treatment. He is continuing to serve the remainder untrue). The prisoners were, however, either released or of his sentence. (Further medical action to be issued transferred elsewhere. 30 of the original 61, however, are shortly.) believed to have died while in Tazmamert. Mohamed Raiss was transferred to Kenitra Prison. He was reported to be suffering from hypertension, heart problems and other health problems related to chronic deprivation.
Dr Mohamed JAAIDI Psychiatrist / fair trial Psychiatrist whose appeal cases featured in Health Personnel: . ACT 75/01/91, April 1991 Victims of Human Rights Violations. At the time of his arrest . MDE 29/27/91, 9 September 1991 Release Dr Jaaidi was Director of Tetouan psychiatric hospital and [MA] Director of Sanitation for Northern Morocco. He was ------arrested in Tetouan on 7 November 1985 at the time of a wave of arrests across the country. Tried in January 1986 on charges of having "participated in a clandestine organization Ila'l-Amam which aimed to overthrow the monarchy". Sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment. Released on 16 August 1991 under the terms of an amnesty granted by King Hassan II.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
Action as part of Morocco campaign Deaths in detention/ At the end of March 1991 AI launched a campaign on In the course of the year there were several positive
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 10 . MDE 29/04/91, 5 February 1991 hunger-strike/ medical Morocco aimed at addressing the whole range of human rights developments. At the end of June 1991, over 300 [MA] care/ prison conditions/ abuses in the country and based on a research paper entitled "disappeared" Western Saharans held in secret torture Morocco: a pattern of political imprisonment, disappearances detention for up to 15 years were released (hundreds and torture. Medical groups were asked to focus on the use of still remain unaccounted for); on 16 August 40 torture, poor prison conditions and limited access to medical political prisoners were released following a royal care, deaths in detention and conditions for hunger strikers. amnesty (24 had been adopted as POCs by AI) - those released included two prisoners who had been on hunger-strike for more than six years, kept isolated in Averroes hospital, Casablanca, and forcibly fed via gastric tube; on 13 September 91 Abraham Serfaty, one of Morocco's longest-serving prisoners of conscience, was released and expelled to France. Many of those who had survived up to 18 years in the Tazmamert secret detention centre were also released.
Recommendations of the Moroccan Death in detention/ In February 1991 a human rights body established by King No further news on the specific implementation of Consultative Council prison conditions/ Hassan II submitted three reports to the King. These recommendations. A few responses were received . MDE 29/26/91, 12 September 91 incommunicado recommended improved provision of health care for prisoners, from individual doctors in Morocco, ranging from the [MA] detention/ human rights regular inspection of prison conditions, the proper investigation defensive to the expression of mutual concern about commision of all deaths in custody, including autopsy, and various other the human rights situation in the country. recommendations aimed at safeguarding against the ill-treatment of prisoners and detainees. Although many specific recommendations had been made, there was as yet no indication that steps had been taken to implement any of the recommendations.
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 11 COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
MYANMAR Dr U Tin Myo Win Doctor/ POC/ fair trial Appeal cases which featured in the paper Health personnel: U Tin Myo Win's situation remains unchanged. . ACT 75/01/91, April 1991 Victims of human rights violations. U Tin Myo Win was a [MA] central committee member of Myanmar's largest opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD). He was arrested 11 August 1989 during a nationwide crackdown on the opposition by military authorities. U Tin Myo Win had been a leader in a protest by doctors and nurses against the government's shooting of demonstrators during the pro-democracy movement of 1988. He had been a surgeon at Yangon General Hospital for almost 10 years and before his arrest had a private medical practice.
PAKISTAN Medical participation in cruel, inhuman Cruel, inhuman and AI was concerned at the introduction under the Qisas and To our knowledge, the Ordinance was and degrading punishments degrading punishment/ Diyat Ordinance of new forms of cruel, inhuman and re-promulgated repeatedly throughout 1991. . ASA 33/06/91, 15 April 1991 corporal punishment/ degrading punishment. The Ordinance provides for retributive (Ordinances remain in force for 120 days. If [MA] mutilation/ medical punishment for conviction of causing bodily harm. Under the parliament does not vote on an ordinance, making it ethics Ordinance a person may be sentenced to the infliction of the part of permanent law, an ordinance will either lapse same harm caused. The Ordinance requires that such or must be re-promulgated.) punitive bodily harm is inflicted by medical personnel. Letters were sent to Pakistan government authorities, to the Pakistan Medical Association and to the Medical & Dental Council.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 12 Pakistan: Whipping Cruel, inhuman and The punishment of whipping continues to be dispensed and Reports of sentences involving the punishment of . ASA 33/11/91, 18 September 1991 degrading punishment/ implemented in Pakistan. On 25 September 1991, two men whipping continue to be received [MA] corporal punishment/ were administered 30 strokes each for the rape of a six year old medical ethics/ whipping girl. They had also been sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment. Doctors in Pakistan are required to certify prisoners' fitness for whipping and to attend the carrying out of the punishment. AI has frequently urged an end to judicial whipping in Pakistan.
Amputation sentences Amputation/ cruel Daniel and Charles Boyd, two brothers of US nationality, were Although sentences of amputation are regularly . ASA/33/16/91, 27 September 1991 inhuman and degrading sentenced in September 1991 to cross-limb amputations imposed in Pakistan, none are known to have been . ASA 33/18/91, 15 October 1991 treatment/ fair trial (amputation of the right hand and left foot) after being carried out so far. The Islamabad-based organization [UAs] convicted of robbery. They had been tried by a special court "Voice against Torture" told an AI delegation visiting for "speedy trial". Such courts were created in July 1991 and Pakistan in December 1991 that some Pakistani are mandated to decide cases within 30 days. AI called for a doctors had received training in amputation in the retrial before a regular court and expressed concern about the course of the year for the purpose of preparing for "speedy court" system and the continuing imposition of judicial amputations. The organization said that the amputation as a punishment. Pakistan Medical Association had protested against The two brothers were cleared of all charges at their appeal this. AI is seeking details from the PMA. hearing on 14 October and released the same day.
PHILIPPINES Elias CARULLO Ill-treatment Detained for questioning by the armed forces and members of Transferred to Lucena Prison. Physical condition now . ASA 35/03/91, 31 January 1991 a paramilitary force on 18 November 1990. Reported to have satisfactory. [MA] been badly beaten and ill-treated.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
Josefa PADCAYAN Nurse / "disappearance" One of the appeal cases featured in Health Personnel: Victims Her whereabouts and fate remain unknown
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 13 . ACT 75/01/91, April 1991 of Human Rights Violations. Former government nurse who [MA] worked for nine years in the National Mental Hospital before be ginnng to work with local community health organizations. She was last seen on 16 November 1989 in the custody of members of the 17th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Zinundungan Valley, Cagayan province after being arrested with two companions on their way to deliver relief ggods to villages in the Zinundungan area. Her two companions re-appeared, but nothing further was hears of Josefa Padcayan's whereabouts.
SAUDI ARABIA Amputations Amputations/ cruel, Three judicial amputations were carried out in Saudi Arabia in These were the only amputations recorded by AI in . MDE 23/06/91, 18 December 91 inhuman and degrading the first three weeks of December 1991. Three men had their Saudi Arabia in 1991 [MA] punishment/ medical right hand severed from the wrist after conviction of theft. ethics
Saudi Arabia: Muhammad al-FASI Incommunicado Saudi Arabian businessman arrested in Jordan on 2 October No further information. . MDE 23/05/91, 17 December 91 detention in secret 1991 and extradited to Saudi Arabia where he was held in [MA] location/ torture secret detention at an undisclosed location in Riyadh. Arrest believed to have been due to his public criticism of the Saudi Arabian Government during the Gulf War. Reported to have been subjected to torture and ill-treatment. Unconfirmed reports stated that he had sustained a fracture to one of his hands and had been forced to sign confessions and to read them before a video camera. Believed to be without medical attention.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 14 SINGAPORE Caning Caning/ corporal The practice of caning continues in Singapore as punishment ------. ASA 36/03/91, August 1991 punishment/ medical for a wide range of offences. It is mandatory for certain [MA] ethics crimes. The Singapore Criminal Procedure Code specifies that a medical officer must be present during the punishment and must certify that a prisoner is fit to be caned. In the two-year period from 1987-end 1988, 1,218 prisoners had been caned. (No more recent figures available.)
SOUTH AFRICA Hunger strikers in Rooigrond prison Hunger-strike/ medical Political prisoners held in Bophuthatswana, who had begun a Further releases took place in late November/early . AFR 53/24/91, 4 July 1991 care hunger strike in mid-June 1991, were forcibly removed on 28 December 1991. The wave of releases occurred as . AFR 53/26/91, 18 July 1991 June from the hospital where they were receiving care and the process of constitutional negotiations in South . AFR 53/36/91, 24 October 1991 relocated to other hospitals. The occurred despite protests Africa gathered momentum towards multi-party talks [UAs] from doctors and nurses. The strike was in protest at the in December. Approximately 150 prisoners were authorities' failure to consider the prisoners' cases under the eventually released in Boputhatswana, including those terms agreed between the government and the ANC for the who had been on hunger strike. release of political prisoners. By 17 July nearly all had suspended their hunger strike following promises of releases. On 17 October the Boputhatswana authorities announced the release of 20 political prisoners. Some 20 other prisoners resumed their hunger strike.
SUDAN Death in detention/Prisoners suffering ill-health/ denial of Many political detainees in Sudan were said at the time of the A general amnesty was announced on 30 April 1991 ill-health medical care/ prison action to be without adequate medical attention. One leading to the release of many of the 300+ prisoners . AFR 54/03/91, 14 February 1991 conditions prisoner with diabetes mellitus and coronary atheroma had of conscience being held. Further arrests have since [MA] died in late January 1991 without access to medical care. AI occurred, however, and torture, secret detention and had the names of some 40 prisoners in various Sudanese unfair trials remain a concern. prisons said to have health problems and to be in need of medical care.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
Sudan: Professor Moses MACAR, Doctor/ torture Moses Macar was Principal of the University of Juba and a Both released.
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 15 Professor Richard Hassan Kalam lecturer in mathematics. Richard Kalam Sakit is a surgeon SAKIT and was Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the same . AFR 54/09/91, 16 April 1991 university. They were arrested at the end of March 1991 and [UA] held incommunicado without charge. Believed to have been arrested for peaceful opposition to the government.
Amputations Amputation/ cruel, Two men were sentenced to amputation of the right hand after Nothing further to report at present . AFR 54/15/91, 16 September 1991 inhuman and degrading being convicted of stealing flour and sugar from a shop. The . AFR 54/16/91, 24 September 1991 treatment sentences, which were submitted to the High Court in [UAs] Khartoum for review, were the first known to have been imposed since a new penal code based on the government's interpretation of Shari'a law came into force in March 1991. On 19 September 1991 a third man was sentenced to amputation. In this instance he was sentenced to cross limb amputation (amputation of the right hand and left foot) after being convicted of armed robbery.
SWEDEN Esmail PAKNEJAD Asylum seeker/ Esmail Paknejad, an Iranian psychologist, attempted to burn . EUR 42/01/91, 17 June 1991 refoulement himself to death after being refused asylum in Sweden. (He had . EUR 42/02/91, 2 September 1991 spent 16 months in prison in Iran where he was tortured. He [UAs] then provided Iranian opposition newspapers abroad with ------information about torture & prison conditions, and feared return to Iran.) He was hospitalized suffering 35% burns. Esmail Paknejad, together with wife and child, was granted permanent residence in Sweden on 9 August.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
SYRIA Syria: Dr Mahmud al-`ARYAN Long-term detention (al-'Aryan and al-Nasser: doctors) Action on behalf of four No further information available. Please note,
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 16 Dr Khalid al-NASSER without trial/ ill-health/ long-term political prisoners in need of medical care. Although however, that there have been recent releases in Syria. 'Adil SAHYUNI medical care/ doctors held for periods of between four and seven years, none had At the end of 1991 the Syrian Government Bara al-SARRAJ been charged or brought to trial. announced that some 2,800 prisoners "who . MDE 24/07/91, 15 October 1991 Dr Mahmud al-'Aryan: Aged 44, nephrologist, arrested committed crimes against national security" had been [MA] September 1986. Suffering from suspected kidney problems. pardoned and were to be released immediately. AI Dr Khalid al-Nasser: Aged 43. Gynaecologist. Arrested was able to confirm from reliable sources that more September 1986. In need of medical attention. Said to be in than 700 prisoners were released in the week of 14-20 very poor health. December 1991 and that further releases were 'Adil Sahyuni: Aged 48. Arrested July 1987. Cardiac problems. expected. However, it has not been possible to Bara al-Sarraj: Aged 28. Arrested March 1984. Probably confirm the names of those released. The IS detained because of family relationship to an exiled opposition continues to seek from the Syrian Government a full figure. Suffering kyphoscoliosis with respiratory difficulties. list of the names of those released.
Dr Tawfiq Draq al-Siba'i Doctor/ neurologist / One of the appeal cases featuring in Health Personnel: Victims Dr Draq al-Siba'i's fate is unknown. . ACT 75/01/91, April 1991 long-term detention of Human Rights Violations. Neurologist who was detained in [MA] without charge or trial Homs in May 1980 after the Syrian censors intercepted a letter from his relatives in Sa'udi Arabia expressing concern about the political situation in Syria. Since held without charge or trial.
Riad al-TURK POC/ torture/ ill-health/ Lawyer, aged 60. Founder of Communist Party Political Although Riad al-Turk remains in prison, news has . MDE 24/05/91, 18 July 1991 detention without trial/ Bureau. Arrested October 1980 and since held without charge now been received that his conditions of [MA] incommunicado or trial. Chronically ill and held incommunicado throughout imprisonment have recently been markedly detention the 11 years of his detention. He suffers from diabetes with improved. renal insufficiency and hypertension. Badly ill-treated and tortured several times during his detention; on one occasion suffered fractures to an arm and leg. Hospitalized several times. Suffers diabetic retinopathy and has suffered hearing loss due to torture. No response ever received from the Syrian authorities to the many appeals issued on his behalf.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
Syria: Seven prisoners in need of medical POCs/ ill-health/ medical Seven long-term detainees held without charge or trial for See above. care care/ detention without periods of up to 10 years. All arrested on suspicion of . MDE 24/06/91, 15 October 1991 charge or trial/ membership of the banned Party for Communist Action. . MDE 24/09/91, 20 December 91 ill-treatment/ torture/ Four adopted as POCs; others may also be POCs. All in need [MA] medical students of medical attention and without proper care.
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 17 . Mustafa Khalifa, aged 43, arrested 1982. Bladder problems. Two released . Munif Mulhim, aged 41, arrested 1981. Unspecified urogenital problems; severe genital inflammation. . Lina al-Mir, aged 30, medical student arrested 1987. Long-standing heart problems. . May al-Hafez, aged 36, arrested 1987. Sickle cell anaemia. . Akram al-Bunni, aged 35, medical student arrested 1987. Back problems resulting from vertebral trauma sustained during torture. . Nizer Maradni, aged 35, arrested 1987. Tortured following arrest and suffered fractured pelvis. . Ghassan Qassis, aged 31, arrested 1987. Paralysis of muscles of hands following injury/ill-treatment. May al-Hafez and Lina al-Mir were both released in December 1991. They were among 60 female prisoners of conscience released in Syria in mid-December.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
TAIWAN Executions and organ transpants Death penalty/ medical In October 1991 the Taiwan Justice Ministry approved a Several responses were received from Taiwan. The . ASA 38/11/91, 8 July 1991 ethics/ organ removal proposal to execute condemned prisoners by a shot to the head Minister of Justice defended the practice and denied [MA] from death row prisoners to allow the use of their organs for transplantation if the that coercion was used. He gave details of the prisoner had given consent. AI believed this to raise very procedures followed by doctors at the execution.
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 18 grave moral issues, the most immediate concerns being Follow-up action was issued in March 1992. (ASA . the prisoner's capacity to consent freely and the risk of 38/04/92). coercion to consent . the risk that the timing of a death sentence could be influenced by pressure to use the organs of a given prisoner . the transformation of executions into quasi-medical operations . the risk of death row prisoners becoming an accepted source of organs in Taiwan, impeding reform or abolition of death penalty laws. Such concerns were raised with the Taiwanese authorities and comment and opinion was sought from medical bodies and individuals, including transplant surgeons.
TUNISIA Mohcen Ben Abdallah Ben Taieb Incommunicado 23-year-old student with a history of chronic depression. Sentenced on 30 December 1991 to 8½ months' ZEGHDOUDI detention/ medical care Arrested in August 1991 and held in garde-à-vue detention for imprisonment on charges of membership of an . MDE 30/27/91, 12 December 1991 over 80 days in violation of Tunisian law. Released on 15 unauthorized organization. Appears to have seen a [MA] November but arrested a few days later on 27 November and doctor while at Ministry of Interior, but said to have again held garde-à-vue. His family were unable to obtain any been without medical attention since transfer to information about his whereabouts and there were fears that he prison. Medication said to be withheld and he is now would be subjected to ill-treatment. He had been treated for reported to be unwell. depression since 1983 since which time he had been receiving medication.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
Tunisia: Habib LASSOUED Ill-treatment/ torture/ Arrested in November 1990. Tortured during Subsequently believed to have received medical . MDE 30/03/91, 12 February 1991 denial of medical care/ incommunicado detention in the custody of police. Said to treatment. Currently awaiting trial [MA] incommunicado have suffered injuries to the vertebral column and to the legs. detention Reportedly denied medical attention.
Faisal BARAKAT Death in custody 25-year-old student believed to have died under torture in Ten deaths in detention are now estimated to have . MDE 30/35/91, 21 October 1991 October 1991. Arrested around 8 October 1991; seen in occurred during this period. On 4 March 1992 AI
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 19 [MA] custody in Nabeul police station on 8 October with clear signs published a paper entitled Tunisia: Prolonged of ill-treatment. Eyewitnesses report having heared him being incommunicado detention and torture (see MDE beaten and ill-treated. His family was informed of his death by 30/04/91), and on 19 March 1992 a medical action on the authorities on 17 October and were told that he had died deaths in custody was issued (see MDE 30/03/92). of an accident. No further explanation was given. They received a death certificate and autopsy report from Nabeul hospital dated 11 October. It was a report of the examination of "an unknown man" and noted bruising to various parts of the body. The cause of death was given solely as "acute respiratory insufficiency related to extensive pulmonary congestion". AI urged investigation. At least five individuals had died in garde-à-vue detention in Tunisia in the course of the previous six months.
TURKEY Muharrem ERYASAR Ill health/ medical care/ 36-year-old political prisoner serving a sentence of eight years' . EUR 44/134/91, 8 October 1991 conditions of detention imprisonment. Muharrem Erya_ar was suffering from . EUR 44/141/91 , 5 November 1991 inoperable naso-pharyngeal cancer which had already reached [MAs] Release a stage where he was unable to eat normally. He also had ------Behçet's disease which had affected his eyesight. A petition for his release on health grounds had been refused. Released 30 October 1991
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
Dr Cavit OLGUN and others Torture/ doctor Following the assassination of General Temel Cingöz on 23 AI did subsequently received testimonies of torture . EUR 44/72/91, 31 May 1991 May 1991, widespread detentions took place in Adana in from Dr Olgun and others. [UA] southern Turkey. Detainees who had been detained and then released reported that torture was being used during interrogation. AI was concerned for some 20 detainees still believed to be in custody.
Political prisoners in E_kisehir Ill-treatment/ health In early November 1991 the Turkish authorities began to By government decision, the prison was closed at the
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 20 Special-type prison concern/ isolation move political prisoners from all over the country to E_kisehir beginning of December 1991 and all prisoners were . EUR 44/151/91, 20 November 1991 prison which had been specially converted to hold prisoners in transferred back to the usual E-type prisons used to [MA] isolation. This was one of the provisions of the new house political prisoners. "Anti-terror law". By 5 November around 200 left-wing political prisoners charged under provisions of this law had been relocated; some were convicted, some on trial and others were awaiting trial. On arrival at the prison, many were ill-treated. They were stripped on arrival and blindfolded; their heads were then forcibly shaved and all were beaten with sticks and truncheons on their way back to their cells. A group of 14 doctors were later allowed into the prison and the Turkish Medical Association reported on 18 November that of 198 prisoners examined in E_kisehir, 119 had bruises and signs of minor injuries. A hunger strike began in protest.
Dr Hüseyin ÖZKAHRAMAN Torture/ ill-treatment/ Arrested on 6 July 1991 together with other members of a Dr Özkahraman subsequently brought a complaint of . EUR 44/115/91, 20 August 1991 doctor "Halkevi" (community centre) while peacefully demonstrating torture. A charge against a police officer was [MA] against its closure. Dr Özkahraman was beaten in a reported dismissed when Dr Özhahraman could not identify attempt to force him to sign pre-prepared statements. On his him. The case has been referred back to Kadiköy release he was found to have sustained a perforated eardrum as State Prosecutor. a result of his ill-treatment
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
Turkey: Devrim SEZEN, Murat [ill-health] Three students detained on 1 May 1991 while taking part in No further information available. OZTURK, Muammer [last name not Labour Day activities. They were held incommunicado at the known] Political Branch of Istanbul police headquarters where it was . EUR 44/53/91, 3 May 1991 feared that they would be ill-treated or tortured. There was [UA] particular concern for Devrim Sezen who, as a result of an earlier brain haemorrhage, required constant medication.
USA Participation of doctors in executions Death Penalty/ medical Following earlier disclosure of the role played by doctors in the Missouri: We have not been informed of any . AMR 52/12/91, 26 March 1991 involvement in death Charles Walker execution in Illinois in September 1990, AI response from Missouri to queries about the role
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 21 [MA] penalty learned that doctors in the State of Missouri had also been played by doctors similarly involved in the execution process. (In both states, Illinois: In Illinois the State Medical Society (SMS) doctors had inserted the cannula through which lethal drugs adopted a resolution in April 1991 stating that they used to execute were administered.) wished to see state law amended so that no participation was required of doctors in the process of execution. Moreover, the American Medical Association in June 1991 also adopted a resolution urging all SMSs to examine their State criminal codes to ensure that physician participation in executions was not required by law, except to certify death. The AMA resolution also urged all SMSs whose State criminal codes did require such participation to lobby for a change in State legislation. However, in July 1991, despite the clear position of the AMA and the Illinois SMS, Illinois State legislators passed a bill which allows continued physician participation and further protects the identity of doctors present.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
USA: Execution of juveniles Execution/ juveniles Medical action launched to coincide with a death penalty action Johnny Frank Garrett was executed in Texas on 11 . AMR 52/31/91, 3 September 1991 on the execution of juveniles in the USA. The USA is one of February 1992. He became the fifth juvenile [MA] only seven countries worldwide known to have executed offender executed under US States' current death juvenile offenders in the course of the last ten years and there penalty laws. He was 17 at the time of the crime. are reported to be more juvenile offenders on death row in the Medical examinations in the weeks prior to his USA than elswhere. Over 90 juveniles have been sentenced to execution concluded that he was chronically death in the USA since the mid-1970s. Most had had their psychotic. (For further information on this case, sentences reversed on appeal, but at least 41 others remained please see AMR 51/01/92 USA: Death penalty on death row in 12 separate states. developments in 1991, issued February 1992.)
VIET NAM TRAN Duy Hinh Re-education camp / Aged 52. Detained without trial since the end of the Viet Nam No further news received.
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 22 . ASA 41/02/91, 22 April 1991 long-term detention/ war in mid-1975. Tran Duy Hinh was hospitalized in 1990 for [MA] ill-health an unspecified mental illness.
NGUYEN Huu Hai Ill-health/ long-term Held in "re-education camp" since 1975. Reported to be weak No further news received. . ASA 41/03/91, 31 May 1991 detention and in ill health. AI was concerned as to why he remained in [MA] detention and about whether he had access to adequate medical attention.
Dr NGUYEN Dan Que POC/ legal concern/ (Doctor whose case featured in the paper Health Personnel: See ASA 41/02/92 issued in January 1992, an external . ACT 75/01/91, April 1991 doctor Victims of Human Rights Violations.) Arrested 14 June 1990 document sent to medical groups which may be used . ASA 41/08/91, 19 November 1991 shortly after a political movement of which he was a founder to continue action and for publicity about Nguyen . ASA 41/09/91, 9 December 1991 member had issued a political manifesto highly critical of the Dan Que's case. [MA] [UAs] Vietnamese Government. Dr Dan Que had spent an earlier period of 10 years in prison between 1978 and 1988 on which occasion he had been accused of "rebelling against the regime". He was due to be brought to trial on 29 November 1991 on charges of "activities aimed at overthrowing the People's Government". Dr Dan Que was sentenced in November 1991 to 20 years' imprisonment to be followed by five years' house arrest. He is adopted as a prisoner of conscience.
COUNTRY/CASES KEY WORDS CONCERN IN LAST ACTION LATEST INFORMATION RECEIVED
REPUBLIC OF YEMEN Amputations Amputations/ cruel, Five judicial amputations were carried out in August 1991. No further amputations are known to have been . MDE 31/01/91, 23 September 1991 inhuman and degrading These were the first known to have taken place since the carried out during 1991. However, it is now known [MA] treatment unification of the country in May 1990. Sentences of that a new Penal Code and Code of Criminal amputation had previously been carried out in the north of the Procedure are to be introduced by decree some time country where Shari'a law applied, but had not been part of the during the holy month of Ramadan which begins on 5 penal system in the south. At the time of the action, the legal March 1992. This will, unfortunately, provide for systems of the former Yemen Arab Republic and People's amputations and floggings to be imposed as penalties Democratic Republic of Yemen remained separate pending the for some offences. See UA of 13 February 1992 agreement of a common judicial system. already sent to medical groups (MDE 31/01/92) and medical action of 27 February 1992 (MDE 31/02/92).
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 23 YUGOSLAVIA Dr Vesna BOSANAC Doctors and others Arrested on 20 November 1991 by federal army troops in It appears that all medical staff were released. Dr Juraj NJAVRO and others arrested Vukovar hospital following the capture of the town of Vukovar, However, several of those arrested following the . EUR 48/29/91, 28 November 1991 Croatia, by the federal army (JNA) after a 3-month siege. Dr capture of Vukovar, including sick and wounded, still . EUR 48/31/91, 11 December 1991 Released Bosanac was acting head of the hospital during the siege and appear to be unaccounted for. [UAs] Dr Njavro was the hospital's chief surgeon. The two doctors and others arrested in the hospital were imprisoned in Serbia. Drs Bosanac and Njavro were released on 10 December 1991 in a prisoner exchange carried out by the JNA and the Croatian authorities. At least some of the other medical staff and patients arrested with them were also released at the same time. Further prisoner exchanges were due to take place on 11 December.
ACT 75/02/92, April 1992 24