Site icon Iran Human Rights Documentation Center

Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions (1989)

          
          UNITED
          NATtONS
          Econqmic and Social
          Counc i l
          C( *I1SSI 1 ON Ut iiN RIGHTS
          Forty—fifth session
          Agenda item 17
          Dintr.
          Gz qER L
          E/CN.4/1909/25
          S ?ebr'J,ry 19O
          Oriqina1 ENGLISH
          QUESTION OF THE VLOLATION OF RURM RIGWFS MID PWIDAMENTAL FREEDOMS
          IN AWY PART OF THE WORLD, WITH AflICULAR REPEREKCE TO COLONIAL
          AND aFH R DEPENDENT COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES
          Su., ary or arbitrary executions
          Report by the Specia l Rap rteur Mr. S. J 1iOS Wako , pJrsOaat
          . to Economic and Social Council resolution 1980/30
          E
          CE • 89.10 4O2/OlB6
        
          
          E/OI.4/1909/25
          pAqe ii
          . CONTENTS
          I ntroduction .
          I. AOPIVITIES OP OEE SPECIAL PSPPORFEUR .
          A. Co..nu]_tations .
          5. Co.atjnlc .tiorrs .
          C. Joint hearings on southern Africa .
          II. SITUATIONS
          A. General
          B. country situations
          III. i ALYSIS OF TEE PHENOI4EWON
          A. Reoedial and/or preventive measures for
          the protection of the right to life:
          international standards
          B. Co—ordination and co—operation of aechanisas
          Iv. CONCLUSIONS MID RZCOF IENDATIONS
          Chapter
          Patagra S Pages
          L
          5
          1
          6
          21
          2
          6
          2
          7-
          20
          2
          Zl
          3
          22
          293
          I
          22
          23
          4
          24
          293
          4
          294
          310
          58
          294
          298
          58
          299
          310
          59
          3].1
          316
          62
        

B/cN.4/1989/2S page 1 Introduction 1. The present report is subm itted pursuant to Economic and Social Council resolution 1980/38 entitled Su’ ary or arbitrary etecutionC. This is the seventh report of the Special Rapporteur to the Commission on Human Rights on the subject. 2. In his six previous reports {E/CN.4/3S83/l6 and Add.l, E/CN.4/]S84/29, E/CN.4/l905/17, E/CN.4/i986/2l, 5/0 1 .4/ 1 9 87/2 0 and E/cPq.4/1908/22 and Md . 1 and 2) * the Special Rapporteur has dealt with and examined the varices aspects of the phenomenon of sulmary executions, including legal and other theoretical issues. Re considers that all the basic elements of the phenomenon have been discussed in earlier reports and that a sufficiently clear and comprehensive picture has been presented. 3 OEe present report follows the genera]. structure of the Last report, except that urgent appeals t 0 Coverneents are desaribed in chapter II B of the present report together with other co unications forwarding aLlegations to the Soverneents concerned and replies and observations therefrom – The Special Rapporteur believes that this, together with a more detailed description of alleged situations and cases • will present a more comprehensive picture of the situation in each country. I. In chapter 111, the Special Rapporteur describes two issues which are being dealt with or are expected to be addressed in the near future. The two issues ares (a) recent develop.ents with regard to establishing international standards on remedial and/or preventive measures for the protection of the right to life; and (b) co—ordination and co—operation of various mechanisms and organs relevant to the mandate of the Speo a1 Rapporteur, which the Speosa]. Rapporteur considers of vital iliportance in enhancing the effective implementation of his mandate. . 5. Pina lly, in chapter IV, the Special Rapporteur gives conclusions and recofllendationS, Which are based on his analysts of the inforisation he has received and consideration of practical Imeasures to be taken in the immediate future.

          
          E/cN.4/1989/25
          page 2
          I. ACTIVITIES OF THE SPECIAL RAPPOR 4Jk
          A. Consultations
          6. The Special Rapporteur visited the Centre for Euman Rights,
          United Nations Office at Geneva, in July and October 1 1 ovei.bet lflS for
          consultations with the Secretariat and again in January fla' to finalize his
          report.
          5. Coununications
          1. Information received
          7. En the course of his present nandate, the Special Rapporteur received
          comnunications containing information concerning sus. ary or arbitrary
          executions from Governments, non —governmental organizations and individuals.
          0. Information of a general nature, in reply to the Special Rapporteurs
          request on 30 September 1987, was received from the Governments of Barbados
          and Venezuela.
          9. Information of a qeneral nature and/or concerning specific allegations of
          suimaary or arbitrary executions were received fran the following
          non—governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and
          Social Council: Afro—Asian People's Solidarity Organifiation, A inesty
          International, Andean Commission of Jurists, International Association of
          Democratic La /ers , International Commission of Jurists, International
          Confederation of Free Trade Onions, International Federation of Human Rights,
          Inter—Parliamentary Union, Regional Council on Uwsan Rights in Asia.
          10. En addition, information concerning alleged oases of summary or arbitrary
          executions was received frea a number of regional, national and local non—
          governmental organizations, groups and individuals in various parts of the
          world.
          2. Allegations of summary or arbitrary executions
          11. In the course of his mandate, the Special Rapporteur sent cables and
          letters to Governments concerning allegations of imminent or actual summary or
          arbitrary executions in their countries.
          a) urgent appeals
          12. In response to information containing allegations of imoinent Or
          threatened sunuary or arbitrary executions which appeared prima facie relevant
          to his mandate, the Special Rapporteur addressed urgent messages by cable to
          23 Governments, appealing, on purely humanitarian grounds, for the
          Governllents protection of the right to life of the individuals concerned and
          requesting information concerning those allegations. These Governments are:
          Algeria. Mgola, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Burundi, China, Colombia, tI Salvador,
          Equatorial Guinea. Guatemala, Haiti. Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of),
          Iraq, Jamaica. Jordan, (auritania. Peru, Somalia, South Africa, Suriname,
          United States of Ajuerica, Viet Nail.
        
          
          E/CN.4/1989/25
          paqe 3
          13. Replies were received from the following Cover,aents, Algeria.
          Bangladesh. Burundi, China. Iraq. 3ordan, United States of America. Viet 11am.
          14. These messages and the replies received are sugnarized in chapter 11, the
          full texts are available for consultatioy, in the Secretariat files.
          (b} Requests for information concerninq alleged summary or arbitrary
          execut ion
          15. OEe Special Rapporteur also sent letters to 36 Governments concerning
          alleged Sunnary or arbitrary executions in their ccontries as follows:
          Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, Burma, Chad. China, Colombia, Czechoslovakia.
          Democratic Yemen, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India,
          Indonesia. Iran (rslamic Republic of), Iraq, Israel, Mauritania, Nepal,
          Nicaragua, Nigeria. Pakistan. Peru. Philippines, Somalia, South Africa,
          Sri tanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, OEailand, Uganda. United XingdcB of
          Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Yemen. Zaire.
          16. Replies were received from the following Governments, angladesh, Henin,
          Brazil, Durma, Colouibia. Czechoslovakia, Bonduras, India, Indonesia, Iraq.
          Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka. Syrian Arab Republic, United Kingdom of Great
          Britain and Northern Ireland.
          In addition, replies were received from the following five Governments
          concerning the allegations transmitted by the Special Rapporteur during 1907:
          El Salvador, India, Mexico. Nicaragua, Syrian Arab Republic.
          18. Furthermore, in the course of his present imandate, the Special apporteur
          met the representatives of the following Governments in connection with
          alleged sunisary or arbitrary executions in their countries Algeria, Benin,
          murnia, China, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Sri Lanka.
          19. The Special Rapporteur would like to express his utmost appreciation for
          their positive co—operation with bin. He values these consultations and culd
          like to have more of the with note countries in the future, as they help him
          to be better informed and thereby to Bake a rare comprehensive report to the
          C o mm ission.
          20. The alleged summary or arbitrary executions transmitted to Govern. ents
          and the replies thereto are su, aarized in chapter II. The full texts are
          available for consultation in the Secretariat files.
          C. Joint hearings on southern Africa
          21. The Special Rapporteur joined the Ad fcc Working Croup of Experts on
          southern Africa for hearings on southern Africa at the Working Group's 714th
          to 731st meetings held in Harare. tusaka, and Dar es Salaaja. United Republic
          of Tanzania, from 3 to 17 August l9BO. OEe infontation obtained at the joint
          hearings is reflected in chapter II, section S. (paragraphs 236—245).
        
          
          E/CW.4/1909/25
          page 4
          I I. SIWATI 1S
          A. General
          22. OEe information received by the special Rapporteur in the course of his
          present mandate includes alle3ations of executions or deaths whrch may have
          taken place in the absence of the safequards designed to protect the right to
          life entodied in various intetnational instruments, such as the International
          Covenant on Civil and Politictl Rights arts. 4, 6, 7, 9, 14 and 15), the
          Standard Minimum Rules for th, Treatment of Prisoners, the Cnde of conduct for
          Law Enforcement Officials, th Convention against Torture and Other Cruel.
          Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. an the Safeguards guaranteeing
          protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty adopted by the
          Economic .nd Social Council i; resolution 1984/50.
          23. This infornation generaLly related to allegations of the following nature;
          Ca) Actual or imminent k,tecutions:
          Ci) Without a trial;
          Cii) With a trial btifi without safeguards desigaed to protect the
          rights of the efendant as provided for in articles 14 and 15
          of the Internataonal Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
          Cb) Deaths which took Place:
          Ii) As a result Of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
          during detentirjn;
          (ii) As a result of abuse of force by police, military or any other
          governmental C t quasi—governmental forces;
          (iii) As a result of assault by individuals or paramilitary groups
          under official control
          (iv) As a result Of assault by groups opposing the Government or not
          under its contl ol.
          E, country situations
          Algeria
          24. on 13 October 1988, a cable was sent to the Government of Algeria
          concerning t he widespread unr st throughout the country at the beginning of
          October 1988 in which a large number of persons aLlegedly died as a result of
          confrontations between civilb.ns and security forces.
          25. OEe SpeciaL Rapporteur aDpeaied to the Government to take every necessary
          measure in order to protect the right to Life of individuaLs and requested
          information on the above—rRent&oned situation, and in particuLar the measures
          taken by the Government to Pttvent further Loss of Life.
        
          
          E/cS.4/19 69/25
          page 5
          26. On 2 Ilove.ber 1908. the Special Itapporteur met the Permanent
          Representative of Algeria to the United Ilations Office at Geneva in connection
          with the above—mentioned situation.
          27. On li December 1988, a reply was received fro, the Government of Algeria,
          stating that no sululary or arbitrary executions had occurred during the
          incidents in question. It was also stated that the Government deplored the
          death of 159 persons during the unrest among whcn ,,ere demonstrators as well
          as members of the security forces. Mcording to the reply, the Government was
          responsible under the Constitution for the maintenance of public order and the
          protection of persons and their property and therefore had proclaimed a state
          of siege on 5 October 1988 which was lifted on 12 October 1988, when the
          situation returned to normal. Tt was further stated that, under the
          instructions of the President of Algeria, the Cooncil of Mininters had adopted
          a series of measures at its meeting on 6 December InS in favour of the
          deceased and those wounded during the incidents and that it had also taken
          decisions concerning those arrested.
          MQ0 la
          28. On 15 Noventer 1988, a cable was sent to the Government of Mgola
          concerning two alleged cases of imminent execution. Mcording to information
          received, two persons named Marcolino Pazenda and Joaquim JIItonio were
          sentenced to death on 24 October 1999 by the Loanda Garrison MiLitary
          Tribunal, following their conviction for murder and robbery. In this
          connection it was aLleged that, since the beginning of 1988, five persons had
          been sentenced to death, without the right to appeal to a higher tribunal
          against the death Sentences.
          29. The Special Rapporteur appealed to the Government to look into the
          above—mentioned canes and requested information on the., in, particular
          regarding the proceedings of the Tribunal, as a result of which the two
          persons had reportedly been sentenced to death.
          30. At the time of preparation of the present report no reply had been
          received from the Government of Mgola. .
          Bangladesh
          31. On 30 May 1989, a cable was sent to the Government of Bangladesh
          concerning ar alleged case of inninent execution. According to information
          received, a man named Mohiuddin was allegedly sentenced to death on
          3 Iqovember 1985 by special Military Court No. 9 in Jessore. It wan alleged
          that at that time th, defendant was not granted the right to appeal against
          the verdict and sentence of the Special Military Co irt. Furthernore,
          Mohilk6din's petition for mercy was Raid to have been rejected by the
          President.
          32. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the case, in particular
          on the procedures of the Special Military Court.
          33. On 9 November 1989, a letter was sent concerning an alleged case of death
          in detention. According to information received, on 5 Noveier 1987, a person
          named Abe Sayed MokseduL guq Rinto, a student fro” Cotwali in Barisal, died as
        
          
          V O l. 4 / 1 9 89/25
          page 6
          a result of beatings while in detention at Barisal gaol. It was alleled that
          the post—mortem, ordered by the Deputy Coimninsioner of Sarisal, found that
          Rinto had died due to head injuries and that his body carried oeart s of
          beatings. No investigation Wan knc 4n to have been carried Out so far on the
          case.
          34. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the above—mentioned case,
          and in particular. on any irlllestigation carried out into the case, including
          an autopsy, and any measures taken by the authorities to bring those
          resronsible to justice and prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          I Jut, 3 t9&&. a rept,3 was received trot the Govettoeattt at aaqOEdsatt ta
          the cable of 30 May 1988, stating that on 26 Kay 1908 the President had
          consjted the death sentence iIT osed on Mohiuddin to life isiprisoni,ent.
          36. On 16 Decenter 1988, a reply was received from the Covernoeent of
          Bangladesh to the letter of 9 Nove*er 1988, stating that a judicial
          investigation was carried out into the death of AS. Moksedul Huq Rinto in
          Barisal gaol, that subsequently the chief and another gaol guard were charged
          with havin9 contravened certain sections of the Fangladesh Penal Code
          concerning the treatment of prisoners and that the cases were currently being
          tried by the session judge of Barisal.
          Sen in
          37. On 9 November 1988, a letter was sent to the Government of Benin
          concerning an alleqed case of death in detention. According to infornation
          received, a person nai,ed Resy Clele flpokpo, died in custody on
          18 January 1988 as a resu .t of torture in the Central Police Station
          CoTtlissariat central) in Abolley. No investigation or inquest was said to
          have been carried out concerning his death.
          38. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the ahove—eentioned case
          and in particular on any investigation of the case, including an autopsy, arid
          any measures taken by the authorities to prevent further occurrence of such
          deaths. .
          39. On 23 necejiber 1988, a reply was received from the Government of Benin,
          stating that there were no poritical detainees or prisoners of conscience in
          aenin. It was stated that, during the periods of grave tension in the
          country, certain people who bad decided to carry out activities wiII a view to
          seriously disturbing the social order had been suinoned and placed under
          administrative detention for questioning to clarify their involveeent in
          activities which would endanger the social peace and stability of deijocratic
          institutions. In order that those convicted of such activities cou1 assu e
          full responsibility in accordance with the law, measures ware taken by the
          competent Organs. It was further stated that, in order to deal with the
          abusive practice of deprivation of liberty in garrisons by certain officers,
          the Need of State had reiterated relevant provisions of the Fundamental Law
          which embodied the principles of habeas corpus as well as Art No. 81—004 of
          23 March 1981 and that he had again forbidden the practice of excessive
          detention without charge. According II the reply, the People Central
          Prosecutor • s Office (parquet populaire central) had a piandate to ensure the
          legality of detention, to visiting places of detention regularly and supervise
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1989(25
          page 7
          the adainistration of detention. It was also stated that various activities
          were organized to inform and educate administrative bodies and the people in
          general with regard to human rights, in order to protect citizens against
          arbitrary action, With regard to conditions of detention, it was stated that
          regular visits by the People s Prosecutor's Office ensured respect for human
          dignity arid contributed to the rehabilitation of offenders in their social
          life.
          40. On 1.3 January 1989, the Special Rapporteur met the Permanent
          Representative of Bentri to the United Nations Office at Geneva. With regard
          to the case of Slfle Akpokpo, the Permament Representative seated that he lad
          urged his Sovernment to carry out an inquiry into the case. According to the
          Permanent Representative, if the person in question had been found dead, a
          judicial investigation would have been held regarding the circumstances of his
          death and the result of the investigation would be communicated to the Special
          Rapporteur.
          41. In addition, the Permanent Representative hriefed the Special Rapportelir
          with regard to the recent developments in Benin concerning human rights,
          including the estab usheerit of various national institutions under the new
          Constitution c c .976, such as the People's Tribunal., and Peoples Prosecutor s
          Office, the appointoeent of judges, the creation of the national. section of the
          &ssociation of African Jurists, the organization of national seminars on human
          rights and the recent reinstatesent of privately owned newspapers.
          hrazil
          42. On 28 July 1988, a letter was sent to the Government of Brazil concerning
          the following allegations.
          43. During the past several years. hundreds of persons, said to be criminal
          suspects, have beer, killed in various parts of the coontry by so—called
          vigilante groops whose meBbers alleqedly included current and former poLice
          officers. In spite of efforts made at various levels of the Government to
          suppress this phenomenon, killings continued to be reported. In Rio de
          Janeiro alone, 47 persons ,,ere reported to have been lUlled by vigilante
          groups in one week at the end of September 1987.
          44. On 29 December 1987, in Pars State, at least eight unarmed persons died
          when Pars State military police opened fire while clearing gold—miners and
          their families who had been blockading a bridge at Maraba. in addition to the
          eight confirmed deaths, 55 persons were said to be still missing, presumed
          dead. Later, one witness, who had reported on television on 30 December 1987
          that he had seen eight corpses below the bridge, was aLlegedly beaten to death
          by a group of unidentified men.
          45. On 28 March 1988, in the vicinity of the sro Leopoldo Indian area.
          District of Benjamia Constant, State of Amazonas, four Ticurta Indians were
          aLlegedly kilLed in Sri attack by the employees of a timber company operating
          in the area. Despite the fact that the incident was seen by numerous
          eye—witnesses those involved in the killings were allegedly released from
          police custody.
        
          
          E/CW.4/1989/25
          page 8
          46. 0,, November 1988, another letter was sent transmitting information
          alleging that, during the past several years. a number of persons, mainly
          peasant soeallholders ( pesseirOs ) but also trade—unionists, priests and
          lawyers working with peasant cosaunities, were killed by persons hired for the
          purpose In a number of cases of such killings the police personnel were
          alleged to have been directly involved. It was further alleged that the
          authorities had failed to take effective action to investigate the killings,
          to bring those responsible to justice or to protect those whose lives were
          threatened.
          47. The Special Rapporteur described, by way of example, 13 such incidents
          which had allegedly occurred since 1987 In the States of Par , GOIIs.
          Pernambuco, Minas Cerais, Espirito Santo, Rahia and Acre.
          40. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the alleged occurrence of
          summary and arbitrary executions and in particular on any investigations of
          those cases, Including autopsies, and any measure taken by the authorities to
          bring those responsible to justice and prevent further occurrence of such
          deaths.
          49. On 22 September 1988, a reply was received from the Government of Brazil
          to the letter of 2ffi July 1980* statIng that the so—called vIgIlante group
          were extermlnatio,? gro ups set op by highly dangerous outlaws of the
          organized crime underground, and that the Government was taking the necessary
          measures to suppreas such groups, for example in the state of S o Paulo, where
          a highly specialised corps was being trained and deployed to deal with the
          problem, With regard to the incident of 29 December 1987 in Pan State, it
          was said that the Cc4usission appointed by the council for the Defence of Human
          Rights (CEOW) of the Ministry of Justice II investigate the incident had
          reccsmtended in its report an inquiry by the Department of Federal Police.
          With regard to the alleged killing of four Ticuna Indians in the State of
          Anazonas, it was stated that on 30 March l9 8 the Departnent of Federal Police
          had begun its investigation of the killings and that the National Foundation
          for Assistance to Indigenous Populations FU1IAI) had requested the Oepartnent
          of Federal Police to detain those suspected of the murders, had folloved the
          progress of the investigation in Benjamin Constant and requested the Ministry
          of Welfare to extend pension benefits to the widows of the victims.
          50. On 21 December 1988, a reply to the Special Rapporteur ‘s letter
          of 9 Noventer 1988 was received from the Covernoeent, stating that the
          allegations were under consideration by the competent authorities. The reply
          stated further that the overnment considered as summary or arbitrary
          executions only tbuse cases in which Covernment officials were actually
          Involved.
          Bulgaria
          51. On 11 May 19 58, a cable was sent to the Government of Bulgaria concerning
          three alleged oases of Imminent execution. According to information received,
          three persons named Elm Madzharov, Aitsek Chakarov and Sava Ceerqlev were
          allegedly sentenced to death or, 25 April 1q88 by the Supreme Court of
          Eulgaria. It was alleged that there was no right of appeal to a higher
          tribunal. The Special Rapporteur, stating that, in cases of capital
          punishment, he was concerned wIII any allegation of absence of t],e safeguards
        
          
          L/CIL4/ 1989/25
          page 9
          intended to ensure the basic rights of the individual, including the right to
          appeal, requested information in particular on the legal provisions and
          procedures under which the above—mentioned persons were sentenced II death.
          52. At the time of preparation of the present report no reply had been
          received from the Government of Bulgaria.
          Burns
          53. On 28 July 1908, a letter was sent to the Government of Burma
          transmitting IIe allegation that during 1986 and 1987 a 1 -arge number of
          unarmed civilians, said to be members of the Karen ethnic minority. had been
          killed by the Burmese army during its counter—insurgency operations in Karen
          State. It was alleged that the victims, who were suspected of links with
          opposition groups, had disobeyed travel or rationing restrictions, or had been
          sei2ed by the army to work as porters or guides were alle edly killed by
          them. In his letter the Special Rapporteur stated that he had received a list
          of 60 such victims.
          54. on 9 November 1908. another letter was sent concerning the alleged
          killing by Government forces of civilians belonging to the shan ethnic
          minority during the past several years in Shan State. It was alleged that the
          victims. either suspected of links with opposition groups or seized by the
          army to . rk as porters, had been shot, stabbed or beaten to death. The
          Special Rapporteur described, by way of exa.ple. eight alleged incidents of
          such killings since the beginning of 1987.
          55. rurtheniore, the Special Rapporteur transriitted by the saim letter
          information alleging that, during the unrest in Rangoon and other cities since
          June 1988. a large ntjiiber of persons had been shot dead by government troops
          during demonstrations or had died in detention as a result of torture and
          i 1 l—t re ataent.
          56. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the alleged oocurrence of
          susnary and arbitrary executions and in particular on any investigations of
          those cases, including autopsiesr and any measures taken by the authorities to
          bring those responsible to justice and prevent further occurrence of such
          deaths.
          57. On 4 October 1980. a reply was received from the Government of Burma to
          the Special Rapporteurs letter of 28 July 1988, stating that, according to
          the authorities concernedr including those in the remote frontier areas, no
          cases of sumeary and arbitrary executions had taken place in the military
          operations in the years 1986 and 1981.
          58. On 22 December 1988 another reply was received stating that, with regard
          to the allegations transmitted in the Special Rapporteurs letter of
          28 July 1988, the burmese authorities had ro land it difficult to establish the
          facts. since relevant particulars, such as names of victims and exact
          locations of alleged executions. were not specified. However, it was also
          stated that general and comprehensive inquiries, carried out in the oonand
          areas IIere counter—insurgency operations took place during 1986 and 1987,
          indicated that no sunny or arbitracy executions had occurred in those areas
          as alleged. It was further stated that there were no records of official
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1909 /25
          page 10
          coisplaints lodged by the families of the alleged victims with the local
          authorities concerned. With regard to the allegations transmitted by the
          Special Rapporteur a letter of 9 t ove'IIer 1980, inquiries and investigations,
          carried out with the regiments and infantry divisions concerned, revealed that
          the alleged sum mary or arbitrary executions had not taken place.
          59. Concerning the demonstrations in Rangoon and elsewhere in the country
          since June 1980. it was stated that the security authorities, in the process
          of restoring law and order. had acted with the utaost self—restraint and had
          resorted to shooting only when public and private property and the life of
          citnens were in jeopardy. It was also stated that, in the general confusion
          caused by certain unsccup flo s political. elements which had reached its peak
          between 8 and 16 August 1988, action taken by the security forces had resulted
          in 192 deaths and 570 injured nation—wide. including the death of
          four soldiers and 19 members of the police force. It was further stated that
          since 19 september 1980 when IIe national defence authorities had been forced
          to intervene to assume State responsibilities, the security forces had taken
          action to prevent vandalism and looting and to quell the general violence.
          According to the reply, this had resulted in the death of 516 and the injury
          of 212 looters country—wide and the death of 15 and the injury of 21 other
          persons in the confusion of the violent demonstrations. With regard to the
          arrest and detention of those believed to have been involved in the
          disturbances, it was said that the State Law and Order Restoration Council had
          enacted a new law ensuring due process of law with proceedings in Open court,
          unless otherwise provided for by law, the right of the detainee to defence and
          the right to appeal. .
          60. On 11 January 1989, the Special Rapporteur met the Permanent
          Representative of Burma to the United Nations Office at Geneva, who briefed
          him on a number of positive develop ents which it was hoped would remedy some
          of the conditions which had given rise to a situation in which loss of life
          had taken place. J,ong the points mentioned ware:
          a) More than one political party fly be registered and permitted to
          operate and participate in elections but they lust be committed to the true
          democratic system. Currently there are more than 167 political parties which
          have been registered with the Multi—Party Democracy General Elections
          Commission ,
          h I The Multi—Party Democracy General Elections Commission has been set
          up to prepare the successful holding of free and fair multi—party del*ocraoy
          general elections,
          cJ The persons who have been appointed II the said Coimsission have been
          accepted by all the parties in Burma as persons of integrity, impartiality and
          good reputej
          {d) The groups of youths, students and monks who have been repatriated
          from Thailand have been aocorded individual attention to ensure that each of
          them has returned safely to their parents. up to 5 January 1989,
          1,929 students had returned home.
          61. On the same day additional information was received fro,, the Government
          of Burma. Stating that the recent rumours that students who had returned from
          the horder areas had been arrested and killed were totally false.
        
          
          E!0L4/l909/25
          page 11
          Burundi
          62. On 26 August 1988, a cabj.e was sent to the Coveriment of Eururidi
          concerning alleged deaths as result of a tribal conflict. According to
          infor,rntion received. thounnds of people had been killed since aid—August
          1988 during a tribal conflict which had broken out in the north of the
          country. OE rther inrornation received alleged that the intervention of the
          arisy had resulted in even i r*, victil's.
          63. The Special Rapporteur appealed to the Government to take all necessary
          measures to ensure that the r qht to life of every citizen was fully protected
          and requested information on she above—mentioned situation, and in particular
          on the steps taken by the Government to prevent further loss of life.
          64. on 3L august 1986, a note verbal.e ,,as received from the Government of
          Burundi concerning the situation in the communes of Ntega and 4arangara and
          the nature of the operations carried Out by the army. According to the note
          verbale, on 15 August 1988, one week after tension had been increased by
          elements who had infiLtrated the Local population and misled them to believe
          that an attack by the other hnic populatton ,as imminent, a group of rebels
          armed with spears, machetes, clubs and stones had attacked and killed the
          inhabitants of Nteqa and pr eeded to the comment of Marangara with similar
          intentions. It was also stated that, when the Government troops had arrived
          at Uteqa on 16 hugust 988, thousands of peopLe had already died or
          disappeared and hundreds or houses had been burned down, It was further
          stated that the government troops had intervened %n order to stop the carnage,
          but that a number of persons rot involved in the killings night have been hit
          by stray bullets fired by the government troops. According to the note
          verbale, in such a situation the security forces had no alternative but to use
          their arms, not against innoc,nt civilians, but against the rebels who were
          engaged in killing, raping and arson. It was stated that the victims included
          people from all ethnic backgrounds.
          Chad
          6 . On 28 July 1988, a letter was sent to the Government of Chad concerning
          the allegation that several persons had died in secret detention centres as a
          result of ill—treatment. The causes of death were alleged to have included
          lack of medical treatment, exsremety poor diet, lack of vater and Lack of
          ventilation in overcrowded ceils, in addition to beatings and other physical
          ill—treatment. One of the prisoners, named Guilou lassane, allegedly died on
          18 November 1987 in a secret detention centre in NDjamena. It was further
          alleged IIat no investigation Or inquest into these deaths had been carried
          out.
          66. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the above—mentioned
          allegation and, in particular on any investigation of the case, including an
          autopsy, and any measures taken by the authorities to bring those responsible
          to justice and prevent furthee occurrence of such deaths.
          67. At the time of preparation of the present report, no reply had been
          received frc.' the Government.
        
          
          B/CL 4/l 9 /25
          page 12
          China
          6 . On 10 June 1988, cable was sent to the Government of China concerning
          the alleged Umjp,ent execution of four persons named Lobsang Tensin, rsering
          Ohondup, Gyaltsen Chophel and Sonam Wanqdu, who were allegedly involved in the
          killing of a Chinese policeman during the demonstration on 5 March l9BB in
          Lhasa, Tib et Autonomous Region. Since the official announcement of their
          arrest a lr&gedly referred to them as the four principal crimina ls. fears were
          expressed to the Special Rapporteur that the four might not have been granted
          a fair and open trial and that they might be executed shortly after the trial.
          69. The Special Rapporteur, being concerned, in cases of capital punishment, .
          with any allegation of absence of the safeguards intended to ensure the basic
          rights of the defendant as provided for in article 14 of the International
          Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, requested information on the
          above—mentioned oases, in particular on the legal provisions and procedures
          under which the four might have been charged and tried.
          70. On 12 December 1958. another cable was sent concerning alleged cases of
          kifling of deilionstrators in the Tibet Autonomous Region. According to
          information received, on 10 December 1988 at least two persons, a Buddhist monk
          and a nun, were al].eqedly shot dead in Lhasa when the security forces fired at
          a crowd of demonstrators at clone range without warning. Rxpressions of
          concern were received by the Special Rapporteur that further deaths might occur
          in sirailar confrontations between the security forces and the local population.
          71. The Special apporteur appealed to the Government to take all necessary
          measures to ensure protection of the right to lire of the individual and
          requested information on the above—mentioned incident.
          72- On 20 July 1988, a letter was sent to the Government of China concerning
          allegations that, in the situation of ethnic unrest in the Tibet kutonomous
          Region, notably since September 1987, several deaths mostly of Tibetans, had
          allegedly occurred, including cases of shooting and beating to death of
          demonstrators by the Chinese police forces and execution of detainees after
          torture in prison. Several such alleged cases brought to the attention or the
          Special Rapporteur were described as follows:
          a) on 3 October 1907, two monks from Sera Monastery were shot dead when
          they tried to prevent the police fron entering the monasteryi
          b} During 1987, in Drabchi prison a number of persons were executed
          without trial after having been tortured;
          Cc) On 4 November 1987, Lobsang Wengchuk, aged 74, died shortly after
          his release trom detention due t 0 repeated torture and maltreatment during his
          imprisonment. However according to an official account he died of Liver
          cancer;
          (d) On 5 March 1988. during the demonstration in and around the Jokhang
          Temple in flhasa several persons, including monks and lay Tibetans, were shot
          or beaten to death by the police forces;
          e According to an official account, a Chinese policeman was killed by
          demonstrators during the above—mentioned demonstration.
        
          
          E/OI.4/1989/25
          page 13
          73. On 9 NOvember 1980, another letter was sent to the Government of China
          concerning the allegation that, in the tibet Autononous Region, several deaths
          were alleged to have occurred as a resuLt of assault by police or prison
          officers. Two examples of such alleged oases were described as follower
          a) On 10 Nay 1988, a IIampa from Xanze died in a Lhasa hospital as
          result of severe beatings in Cetsa Prison
          II ) On L2 June 1999. in r.hasa, Tsangpo, aged 35, died as a result or
          severe beatings after he had been arrested, together with two other men, by
          the Lhasa TengtOr, Chue branch security police.
          74. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the above—mentioned
          cases, and in particular on any investigation of the cases and 3ny measures
          taken by the authorities and/or the judiciary to estabLish the facts and bring
          those responsible to justice
          75. On 21 July 1988, the Special Rapporteur met the Permanent Representative
          of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and received a repLy from the
          Government to his cable of 10 June 1988. The reply stated that the riots
          which had occurred in Lhasa since Septe m ber 1997 were the work of a handful of
          Tibetan separatists encouraged by the Dalai Lama, and that the incident of
          latch USO was a case in point. It was further stated that, in order to
          safeguard national security and maintain social order, the local Tibetan
          authorities had been forced to take action to arrest the organizers of the
          riots as well as those participants who had committed serious crimes,
          incLuding those who had killed a police officer. This action, according to
          the reply, was fully justified and Chinese judicial organs would bring the
          criminals to trial strictly in keeping with the legal procedures and mete Out
          due punishment to them in accordance with the law. with regard to the
          judicial procedure concerning the death penalty, the reply referred to the
          Government's cou unication of 1.3 January 1989 to the Special Rapporteur which
          was described in his last report to the Commission on Human Rights
          E/c l. 4/1988/22, pares. 79—80) .
          76. On 29 November 1988. a reply was received from the Government of China to
          the Special Rapporteur' $ cable of 12 December 1989. According to the reply,
          on the s rning of 10 December 1988, leaflets advocating the independence of
          Tibet had been found in the streets and later about 30 lasas and nuns had
          gathered at the Ramoqe Temple and headed the Jokhang Temple square in Bargor
          Street. On the way, a few other people had joined in and some of thea had
          unfolded and waved the so—called national flag of the independent State of
          Tibet e It was said that, as the cro,.d grew unruly, policemen on duty tried
          to persuade the marchers to stop making trouble. but the latter had refused.
          They had even thrown stones and bottles at the policemen. It was also stated
          that after repeated unsuccessful admonitions, the policemen were forced to
          fire warning shots, that, in the ensuing chaos, One lana, not two persons as
          alLeged, was killed and 13 injured, all of whom, except two, had suffered only
          minor injuries sad that they had received timely treatment. It was further
          stated that, Since then, public order in Lhasa had returned to normal and no
          conftontatiorr of the kind mentioned by the Special Rapporteur had occurred.
        
          
          E/Q .4/1989/25
          page 14
          Colombia
          17. On 28 October 1900. , cable was eent to the Government of Colombia
          concerning alleged death threats to Nigela Toban Puertas, leader of IIe
          teachers union of the DepartJTent of ATltioqoia (ADIDA) .
          78. On 10 NoveiIIer 1988. another cable was sent concerning alleged death
          threats to Ft. Jorge Eduatdo Serrano Ord65ez, a parish priest of San Pie X.
          Cucuta, Department of torte de santander . made by a paraailit,ry group calling
          itself 9luerte a revolucionarior liaR).
          79. In both cables, the special Rapporteur expressed his concern for the life
          of the persons named and requested infonation on the measures taken to
          protect them.
          00. On 28 July 1988. a letter was sent to the Uovernment of Colombia
          concerning the allegation that dur ing the past year more than 1,000 persons
          had been killed by members or the security forces and by paramilitary groups.
          security forces units which were alleged to be responsible for such killings
          included the police intelligence unit of the National police, (F—2) , the
          army s intelligence division, (0-2) • the arrlys intelligence and
          counter—intelligence battalion ( sataLZ6n de Enteligencia V Contra—Inte ligencia
          (nI T)) • and regular army battalions and region l brigades. Evidence
          allegedly suggested that the paramilitary groups known as death scjtiads
          included police and military personnel and their civilian auxiliaries. It was
          alleged that, in many of the killings by the ‘death squads • military weapons
          and vehicles without number—plates were used and that those vehicles had been
          seen near army premises or police stations. It was further alleged that both
          civil and military authoritiws had failed to bring those responsible to
          justice. Many of the victims were trade—union leaders and activists, members
          of political parties, farm workers. human rights activists, lawyers, i dges
          and journalists- rasts of several hundred victims, including many members of
          the Central workers union of Colombia {CUT) and of the Uni 6 n Patriotica (UP).
          were received by the Special Rapporteur, who described by way of example
          16 incidents of killings which had allegedly cecurred during the period
          between ;ugust 1977 and Nay L988
          81. on 9 November 1988, another letter was sent to the Government of
          Colombia, transmitting further allegations that, according to several sources.
          between January and P.ugust l9SR, 50mm 400 persons, mostly peasants, were
          allegedly killed in 4 incidents of oeassacrer of five or more persons. The
          Special Rapporteur, having received, since August 1908, more than 150 names of
          victims of such killings, alleged to have occurred since the beginning of
          1988, described by way of exampLe 14 incidents which reportedly nccurred
          during the pertod between March and October 1908.
          02. In both letters, the Special Rapporteur requested information On the
          above—mentioned allegations and in particular on any investigation of the
          cases and any measures teken by the authorities and/or the judiciary to
          establish the facts and bring those responsible to justice.
          03. Letters were received fran the Government of Colc.iibia on 2!
          and 29 August, U October, 9 and 11 Iloventer 1900 and 9 January 1989,
          transmitting iricormation on a number of cases as followss
        
          
          /cN.4/l969/25
          page 15
          (a) With regard to the oases of Salvador Mince Martifitez,
          Nevardo Fern&ndez, Carlos Pass Lizcano arid Lija Stella Vargas, who were
          allegedly killed on 22 October 1987 by meiters of the police in the
          municipality of Bobo, Departrjent of Huila, it was stated that investigations
          were in a prelij,inary stage;
          (b) With relard to the case of the deaths of 21 peasants, members of the
          ricultural Workers Union {SmTAGROI on I March 1960 on the estates of
          La Negra and Honduras in the municipality of Currulao, Departrlent of
          Mtioquia it was stated that the dninistrative Security Oepartnent DAS) had
          conducted the preliminary inquiry and the prosecution was being prepared by
          the judge of the Second Court for Public Otder. T 4O persons, a civilian and a
          soldier, were stated to have been detained and 10 arrest warrants had been
          issued so far;
          0) With regard to the case of the killing of Alvaro Carc4s Parra,
          Mayor of Sabana de Tones, Department of Santander on 16 August 1985, charges
          were brought against two national army officers on 1 July 198B and the
          criminal investigation was being carried Out by the Eleventh Court of Criminal
          Investigation, sucaramanga. The proceedings were still in the pre—trial Stage
          end no one had yet been detained;
          (d} With regard to the case of the killing of E ctor Julio Mejia, Judge
          No. 13 of Nedell.in court of Criminal Investigation was conducting the
          prelininary investigation with a view to identifying the perpetrators of the
          offence;
          Ee l With regard to the case of Luis Mtonio Eoh6rquez, the Bucaramanga
          Court of Criminal Investigation was conducting a crii.inal investigation into
          the alleged disappearance of Eoh6rquez;
          (f) With regard to the case of Osvaldo Teher4n, the investigation was at
          the prelininary stage in the Fourth public Order Court in 8ogot ;
          (g) With regard to the case of Juan Diego Arango Morales, Judge No. 49
          of the Nedellin Court of Criminal Investigation Was investigating the casel
          (h) With regard to the killing of Car I es Nauro HOyOS, Fiscal
          General de l.a Naci6n (Attorney—Oeneral of the Nation) * and his two bodyguards.
          the Second Specialized court in Medellin was handling the pre—trial stage of
          proceedings. A detention order was issued for five persons implicated in the
          abduction and murder of the Attorney—General, three of then were detained and
          sw nses and arrest warrants were issued against three other persons
          (i i With regard to the death of Marco p tonio Sincher Castell6n
          preliainary proceedings were being held by the itinerant judge of the
          Eighth Court of Criminal Investigation, and on 26 October 1908 the court
          requested the local DAS and crfninal police officials to apprehend two persons
          for the murder. No disoiplinary proceedings had been initiated in the absence
          of evidence of the responsibility of the national police;
          (j I With regard to the cases of Honduras Farm and La 4egra Farm in
          Turbo, Urahi, on 4 March and that of Punta Coquitos in OErbo, Urab ,
          Antioquia, on 11 Ppril 1980, it was stated that, since they were connected, it
        
          
          H/CL 4/19R9/25
          page 16
          had been decided by a court order of 25 June .988 that there should be joint
          proceedings. The proceedings were currently with the Higher Public Order
          Tribunal ot Bogot awaiting a decision on the appeal. lodged by the persons
          under investigation, requesting cancellation of the detention orders and
          dismissal of the cases. With regard to disciplinary proceedings, the National
          Police Prosecutor decided to open a formal disciplinary investigation of a
          captain on 9 September 1988;
          t<) With regard to the case of La 4ejor Esquina in Buenavista, C6rdoba.
          on 3 April 1988, it was stated that the case was in the investigatory stage
          and that several persons had been sentenced by the Public Order Court to
          10 and 6 years imprisom 'ent. It was also stated that there was no evidence
          of any participation in these events by State security forces. It was further
          stated that a disciplinary investigation was being carried out into possible
          irregularities that the First, Sixth and Tenth Criminal Examining Magistrates
          of Nonterfa might have coni,itted in the trial concerning the Nejor Esquina
          oassacre, by releasing s e of the persons charged;
          1) with regard to the case of Llana Caliente . San Vicente de ChucurC
          Santander, on 29 May 1988, it was stated that the events had resulted from a
          violent armed confrontation between the forces of order and demonstrators in a
          peasant march. According to the investigation, a person named
          Luis Uribe Su rez, alias Com.andant Camilo, who had been amnestied and was
          collaborating with the army as an informant, was with the soldiers when the
          action occurred and he fired at and killed four army officers and soldiers.
          Wine civilians also lost their lives. It was stated that the investigation
          was almost completed;
          rn) With regard to the case of La Fortuna, Barrancabermeja, Santander,
          on 23 May 1989, it was stated that despite numerous statements and items of
          evidence collected in the case • it had not been possible to identify the
          individual perpetrators of or participants in the punishable offences;
          n j With regard to the case of San Rafael in Antioquia, on 24 June 1900
          it was stated that the case was still at the investigatory stage. It was also
          stated that a captain had been arrested and remanded in custody and that the
          accused had filed an appeal against the security measure,
          oj With regard to the death of Humberto Santana Tovar in Rivera, Huila,
          on 26 June 1988, it was stated that the case was still at the investigatory
          stage, the perpetrators of the crime being unidentified to datep
          (p) With regard to the death of huts Augusto onilla in Cumaral, Meta,
          on 3 August 1988, it was stated that the investigation had not been completed;
          (q) With regard to the case of Explanaci6n Settlement, varies, El Careen,
          Santander, on 20 July 1988, it was stated that the proceedings wece still at
          the investigatory stage, that it was not poesible to identify the perpetrators
          and that the Office of the Regional Prosecutor, Barrancabermeja, was continuing
          the investigation to establish whether State forces had been involved. It was
          further stated that the preliminary report submitted by the committee of
          inquiry concluded that the multiple homicide had been carried out at
          txplanacitn Settlement, by a group of criminals known as mIS, on members of the
          peasant cosinunity of the Tres Amigos, Explanaci6n and Los Olivos Settlements,
          for the purpose of dominating and controlling the areas in question;
        
          
          E/cN.4/1989 125
          page 17
          {r) With regard to the death of Ricardo Rios Serrano, in Sucaramanga,
          Santander, on 26 August 1968, it was stated that on 20 necember 1988, the
          Fifth Public Order Court of Bucaramanga declared itse].f incompetent to
          continue the investigation, since it took the view that there was no reason to
          suppose that the murder had been committed for terrorist purposes and ordered
          that the case be returned to the Rinth Court of CriNinal Investigationj
          Cs) With regard to the death of Le6n Cardona, Willie '. Antonio Arboleda
          and Sergio Ospina in Medellin, Antioquia, on 30 August 1988, it was stated
          that the cases were still at the investigatory stage, items of evidence having
          been collected without it being possible to identify the perpetrators,
          Ct) With regard to the case of Popay&n, Canalete, C6rdoba, on
          30 September 1900, It was stated that it was at the investigatory stage and
          that the authorities had not been successful to date in establishing the
          responsibility of specific persons or anti—social groups for the acts in
          question;
          Cu) With regard to the case of Nartin Calderdn in C cota, Marts de
          Santander . on 7 October 1988, it was stated that the case was still at the
          investigatory stage and that there was no indication that State security
          forces were involved,
          (U) With regard to the death of csar Castro Espeja, in Puerto EspaYla ,
          Caucasia, Mticquia, on 16 O ctober 1986, it was stated that the case was at
          the investigatory stage and that the investigation was encountering
          difficulties of collecting evidence due to the refusal of witnesses to come
          forward. It was further reported that there was Ie indication that State
          agents were invo1ved
          O ) With regard to the death of Alvaro Fajardo in Isnos, Huila, on
          1.4 October 1988, it was stated that on 24 October 1906, a warrant of arrest
          was issued for a second lieutenant and that on 23 fleceisber 1980 the
          investigation had ended and pre—trial proceedings had begun.
          84. Tn addition, the reply of 9 Januaty 1989 from the Government of Colombia
          stated that the allegations cosnonicated to the Governsent by the Special
          Rapporteur lacked toth truth and objectivity. he Government recognized the
          complexity of the situation experienced by the country and the difficulties
          encountered in preventing cri,.inals from escaping justice, but that did not
          indicate either its complicity or its acquiescence in the commission of
          atrocious crimes against the civilian population. It was further stated that
          the President, in order to deal with that problem, had suggested a number of
          policies, such as strengthening the Office of the Attorney—General Of the
          Natio4l, appointing civilian prosecutors for the armed forces and national
          police, establishing the Presidential Council for the Defence, Protection and
          Promotion of Human Rights, signing and ratifying the international instruments
          relating to the defence of fundanental rights and promoting the,, as an
          objective of the country with the participation of the ara,ed forces,
          establishing Public Order courts and Tribunals dedicated exclusively to this
          purpose and suspending the emergency military courts for the trial of
          civilians. The reply further stated that the Government was not unaware of
          the possibility that members of the State security forces, abusing the powers
          entrusted to them, might oomit illegal acts, for which they would be held
        
          
          E/CN.4/l989/25
          page 18
          criminally and administratively responsible, but that the allegation that the
          entire arited forces were compromised an institutional policy of violating
          human rights was contrary to all the evidence. According to its reply, the
          Government was using the institutional coercive machinery to put an end to new
          forms of violence and crinal activities of the extreme left and extreme
          right as well as drug traffickers.
          Czechoslovakia
          85. On 28 July 1988. a letter was sent to the Covernaent of Czechoslo vakia
          transmitting the allegation that on 26 April 1988 a person named Pavel Wonka,
          aged 35, had died in Nradec Krhlov4 prison after having been detained since
          April 1988. His family was allegedly not allowed to see his body and was
          given no explanation of his death. It was also alleged that during his
          previous detention which had lasted until 26 February 1988, his physical and
          psychological health had been affected by the physical abuse in Ninkovice
          prison.
          86. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the above—mentioned
          allegation and in particular on any investigation of the case, including an
          autopsy, and measures taken by the authorities to bring those responsible to
          justice and prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          81. on 20 October 1928, a reply was received from the Covernnent of
          Czechoslovakia, stating that in the course of his detention from 26 May 1986
          in prisons at firadec Xr lov and No. 1 in Prague, and during his prison terms
          at prisons No. 2 at Liberec and No. 2 in Prague and at Pizen from
          13 hugust 1987 to 26 February 198B, no violence had been used against
          Pavel Wonka nor had he been subjected to any degrading treatment. It was
          further stated that he had died on 26 April 1988 in the prison at
          uradec Kr lov4 and that the autopsy performed i.Tsllediately after his death had
          established that death had been caused by heart failure after a blood clot had
          penetrated the pulmonary artery. The source of the blood clot was said to be
          thrombosis in the veins around the prostate. rt was also stated that the
          representatives of Helsinki Watch, a non—governmental organization, had
          mentioned in their report of 4 May 1988 on the result of the autopsy on the
          deceased that they had not found any evidence of violence or mistreatment on
          the body.
          Delaooratic Yeeen
          88. On 9 November 1988, a letter was sent to the Government of Democratic
          Yemen transmitting the following allegations:
          (a) On 12 December 1987 Ifadi Ahmad tiasir and 34 other defendants were
          sentenced to death by the Supreme Court on charges of treason, terrorism and
          sabotage, in connection with the fighting which broke cut in the capital in
          January 1986. It was arleqed that the defendants were granted access to their
          defence counsels only shortly before the trial, following months of
          incommunicado detention, and that they were tortured in detention. It was
          further alleged that they were not allowed to appeal against the verdicts by
          the Supreme court. on 29 DeceiIIer 1987, Hadi Ahmad Nasir and four others
          sentenced to death were reportedly executed in al—Mansura Prison in Men?
        
          
          E/(2t.l/1989 125
          page 19
          (b) Detween May and July 1988, three lien, named Said ba IIuawLad
          he naruran, Alnad Barghash bin Daggar be narwan and Ali Sa • id al—A udi, who
          had allegedly been arrested on 23 January 1906, died in custody either at
          al—I4ukalla or al—Path Military Camp in Aden. Tt was alleged that although the
          authorities claimed that the detainees died as a result of a heart problem.
          their bodies had not been returned to their families.
          69. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the above—mentioned
          allegations and in particular on any investigation of the cases, including
          autopsies, and measures taken by the authorities to bring those responsible to
          justice and prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          90. At the tiNe of preparation of the present report, no reply had been
          received from the Government of Demooratic Yemen.
          El Salvador
          91. On 30 November 1986 a cable was sent to the Oovernment of El Salvador
          concerning the alleged killing of fot.r day labourers, nesters of the
          Asooiaci6a Nacio, al de Trabajadores Agropecuarios (N TA (Natioi al association
          of farm workers) from El Chile Piedra r.una, jurisdiction of Yamabal, MorazSn,
          on 12 November 1988 by members of the OEird Brigade, Infantry of San 1igael
          and Military Detachment No. 4 of San Francisco Gotera, MoraIIn, and the
          alleged threat to the life of Ren4 Eenftez Medrano, father of one of the
          four victims,
          92. The Special Rapporteur. expressing his concern for the life of
          Rena Benifie, Medrano and his family, appealed to the Coverrosent to take all
          necessary measures to protect the life of Rend Benitea Medrano and members of
          MITA who were allegedly arrested or threatened.
          93. On 20 July 1988, a letter was sent transmitting allegations that during
          the past year an increasing number of persons were allegedly killed either by
          emhers of the Salvadorian armed forces or by paramilitary groups, so—called
          death squads. The victims were said to have included peasants, workers,
          students, politicians and trade—unionists. Some of the victims were allegedly
          suspected of support for and collaboration with the guerrilla groups.
          According to the sources of the information, such killings were carried out in
          a suanary or arbitrary manner, although military authorities had claimed that
          some of the victisis had died in combat or had been the targets of guerrilla
          attacks. It was also alleged that, despite the authorities' clam that the
          death squads were independent extremist groups of the right and left which
          were beyond Covernment control, evidence suggested that members of such groups
          included police and military personnel acting in plain clothes, under the
          orders of superior officers. It was further alleged that inquiries into such
          killings were repeatedly hampered by intimidation, interference in the work of
          the judiciary and selective application of the rules governing evidence.
          Consequently it. was alleged that, with a few exceptions, no investigation of
          such deaths was carried out and that only a very few of those who had given
          the orders to kill were brought to justice.
          94. The Special Rapporteur described, Lv way of example, 13 incidents of
          killings which allegedly occurred during the period between Tune 1987 and
          April 1980.
        
          
          E/cN.4/ 1 989/25
          page 20
          95. n addition, the Special Rapporteur mentioned the alleged killing of
          three women in San Martin, in an attack by Frente Farabundo Marti de
          Liberaci6n Nacional (THrill guerrillas on a bus carrying textile workers.
          q . On 9 November 1988, another letter was sent transoeittin9 further
          alleqations of summary or arbitrary executions. The Special Rapporteur
          described by way of example seven alleged incidents of killing, including the
          al1e ed killing of 10 pessants on 21 September 1980 in the village of
          San Francisco. San Sebastiin. Departaent of San Vicente. by soldiers of the
          Jibes Battalion.
          91. ru both letters, the Special Rapporteur requested information on the
          sbove—mentloned allegations, and in particular on any investigations of the
          cases and measures taken by the authorities to briny those responsible to
          justice and prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          98. On 21 July 1908, a letter was received from the Government of
          El Salvador, concerning the killing of Herbert Ernesto Maya Sanabria on
          26 October 1907. which was mentioned by the Special Rapporteur in his last
          report (E/CN.4/l908/22, paras. 92—94). According to the letter,
          Herbert Ernesto & aya Sanabria. Co—ordinator of the non—governmental
          Human Rights Coirinission of El Salvador (COHESI was assassinated in an act of
          terrorist violence. It was stated that on 28 October 1987 the office
          of the Government Attorney had appointed two special investigators
          to Icok into V ie case and that, on 4 January 1988, a person named
          Jorge Alberto Miranda Ar4valo, a suspect implicated in the killing of
          Maya Sanabria, was handed over to the First Criminal Court. It was further
          stated that the accused confirmed before the judge his confession concerning
          his participation in the killing, as a result of which an order was issued for
          his detention. It was also stated that the President of the Special Criminal
          Investigation Cenission and Minister of Justice had indicated that evidence
          revealed that Maya Sanahria had been executed by the Peopl&s Revolutionary
          Arily ERPI.
          Equatorial Guinea
          99. On 20 October 1988, a cable was sent to the Government of Equatorial
          Guinea concerning the case of Joaguin Elena Borengue. former member of the
          military police, and Francisco Benifacio Mba Nquej.a, sub—lieutenant of the
          armed forces, who re alle ed1y sentenced to death by the Military Court
          ( conselo de guerra ) on charges which were net made public. It was alleged
          that a group of 19. including the a ve— .entioned two, arrested in the first
          week of September 1980. were tortured during their detention and that the
          trial by the Military Court was of a sumary nature, without guarantees of the
          rights of the accused as provided for in article 14 of the International
          covenant on Civil and political Rights.
          100. OEe Special Rapporteut requested information on the abeve—mentioned cases
          and in particular on the proceedings of the Ililitary Court as a result of
          which the two persons were sentenced to death.
          101. At the time of preparation of the present report no reply had been
          received from the Government of Equatorial Guinea.
        
          
          z/al.4/1s89/2s
          page 21
          Eth ic9ia
          102. On 9 November 1900. a letter was sent to the Government of thio?ia
          transmitting the following allegations.
          1.03. During IIe eviction of the inhabitants of iihlarb and Bet—Sehehaghe
          villages in Ertra (Eritrea) in ifiugust/Septe'sber 1988, Said Osman Ramm and
          Mobamed Ker—Keblan were allegedly shot dead by soldiers of the government
          forces when they resisted eviction.
          104. In another incident on 24 October 19S 1, in the village of NM Harast.
          Caret District, Akeleguzai, Li persons were allegedly killed by government
          soldiers when they shot indiscriwinately at the villagers to enforce eviction.
          105. The Special napporteur requested information on the above—mentioned
          allegations, arid in particular on any investigation of the cases and measures
          taken by the authorities to bring those responsibl, to justice and prevent
          further occurrence of such deaths.
          106. At the time of preparation or the present report reply had been
          received frcfl, the Government of Ethiopia.
          Cuateiua la
          107. On 7 July 1988, a cable was sent to the Covernoeent of Cuateaala
          concerning the al l egation of death threats by government agents or individuals
          acting with the Oovernnent's acquiescence against officers and members of the
          Electrical workers union SPI) DE) in El Pet&n and their families.
          LO S. tn vie', of a number of allegations of killings or trade—,,nionists, the
          Special Rapporteur, expressing his concern for the life and security of the
          above—mentioned persons, appealed to the Government to take every possible
          measure to protect their lives and requested information on those cases, in
          particular on any investigations thereof, by the appropriate authorities and
          steps taken to ensure the safety of the persons concerned.
          109. On 20 September 1908, another cable was sent concerning the case of
          Pr. kndr s Gir6n a priest and leader or the Asociaci6n ?Iacional de Carapesinos
          pro—Tierra (ABC} National association of peasants for land) • who was attacked
          on 11 September 1988 near Tiquisate, Escointla, by a group of armed men.
          Rodolfo de Le6n VeUsquez who was accoupanying Pr. Gir6n was allegedly shot
          dead. It was alleged that Pr. Gir6n had repeatedly received death threats roe
          his role in f t c, frora paramilitary groups such as OEe E$rcito Secreto
          Anti—Cojaunista (ESA ) Secret anti—Co'anunjst arIs }, whose members reportedly
          included certain ailitary and security force personnel acting under superior
          orders.
          110. In view or a number or allegations that several persons were killed by
          paramilitary groups after receiving similar threats, the Special Rapporteur
          expressed his concern for Fr. Girdn's lire and requested information on the
          measures taken to protect it and that of others receiving similar threats and
          on the appropriate authorities' investigation of the aurder of
          Rodolfo de Le6n vel squez.
        
          
          E/O .4f1989/25
          page 22
          ill. On 30 September 1908, a third cable was sent concerning alleged death
          threats against members of the Grupo de Apoyo Nutuo por ci Aparecimiento con
          vida de Nuestros Familiares (GAll) (Kutual sapport group for the return of
          missing relatives alive) in the village of Pachoj, Department of El Quich .
          It was alleged that Juan Ajanel Pixcar and Sebastiana R,3lIos, in particular,
          were acc' sed and threatens at a coitmunity aeeting by the Coilmander of the
          Patrullas de Autodefensa Civil (PAC) (Civil Defence Patrols) of the region.
          112. the Specia' Rapporteur, expressing his concern for the life of the
          above—mentioned members of CAM, requested inforniation on the measures taken to
          protect the lives of the persons receiving death threats.
          113. Oji 20 July 1908, a letter was sent transmitting the allegation that,
          during the past year a large number of persons were alleged to have been
          killed in various parts of the country by groups of unidentified armed aen in
          sone instances said to be members of the security forces. ccording to one
          source, a total of 420 persons were kilLed in a swwlary or arbitrary manner
          during 1997.
          LL4. Aaong those killed, a number of persons were allegedly victIIs of
          military operations. The Special Rapporteur described by way of example the
          following incidents:
          (a) On LO April 1987. in the village of Xecnup. Joyabaj. l QuiCh4.
          12 farmers were killed when they attempted to return to their village frofli
          which they had been e,cpelled five years earlier,
          (b) On 26 september 1987 in Tisujual, Nebaj • 01 Qt.ich , two persons were
          kiLled by army shelling, bombing and strafing by planes and helicopters;
          (ci On 27 September 1987, in Xeucalbitz. Nebaj, l Quich4. 13 persOns
          were killed in a ailitary operation, including a 3—year—old girl.
          115. In addition, a number of persons were allegedly abducted by groups of
          unidentified armed men arid later found dead on roads or by the wayside, often
          wiII signs of torture. !t was alleged that these paramilitary groups used
          particular kinds of vehicles normally used by the security forces and acted
          with total impunity. The Special Rapporteur described by way of exanpie.
          four incidents of such killings which allegedly occurred during January arid
          February 1908.
          1.16. On 9 November 1988, another letter was sent transmitting allegations or
          killings by groups of unidentified men in various parts of the country. The
          Special Rapportelir described, by way of example, 50 such incidents which
          allegedly occurred during the period between February and September 1988
          117. In both letters, the Special Rapporteur requested information on the
          alleged cases and in particular On any investigations made and any measures
          taken by the authorities and/or the judiciary to establish the facts and to
          bring those responsible to justice.
          118. At the time of preparation of the present report no reply had been
          received from the Government of Guatemala.
        
          
          .4/1989/25
          page 23
          ha iti
          119. On 7 Jnly 1988, a cable was sent to the Government or haiti concerning
          the alleged death threats made by local government and security officials and
          others against several members of lay Catholic organizations, including
          nt Misaii in the Jean Rabel area.
          120. In view of several similar incidents during the past year when a number
          of persons were allegedly killed or seriously wounded L v members of the
          security forces or groups of armed civilians, the Special Rapporteur expressed
          his concern for the life and security of the above—mentioned persons, appealed
          to IIe Government to take the necessary measures to protect their Lives and
          requested information on the above—mentioned cases
          121. O 14 September 1988, another cable was sent concerning the incident
          which occurred on 11 September 1988 at St. Jean Bosco Catholic Church in
          port—au—Prince where a group of armed men allegedly attacked the congregation
          during mass in the presence of ‘embers of the security forces and killed
          five persons.
          122. As in his previous cable, the Special Rapporteur expressed his concern,
          appealed to the Government on purely humanitarian grounds to take the
          necessary measures to protect the lives of the persons concerned and requested
          information on the above—mentioned incident, in particular on the
          investigation made or Measures taken to guarantee the right to life of these
          persons. .
          123. On 9 Noventer 1988, a letter was sent concerning allegations that during
          the pest year a number of persons were killed by nembers of the security
          forces or armed individuals allegedly acting with the connivance of the
          security forces or government officials. he victims were said to include
          nembers of Catholic lay organizations, human rights organizations and trade
          unions. In scae cases the victims had reportedly been attacked or threatened
          before being nirdered. The Special Rapporteur described, by way of example.
          three alleged incidents oE such killings, incluMng the killing of
          Joseph Lafontant, one of the founders of the Ligue 9a tienne des droits
          humains (Haitian human rights league) and Executive Director of the Centre de
          promotion des droits humains (Centre for the promotion of human rights), on
          the night of 10/11 July 1988.
          124. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the allegations and in
          particular on any investigations of those cases, including autopsies, and any
          measures taken by the authorities to bring those responsible II justice and
          prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          125. On .23 December 1988, a letter was received from the Government of Haiti
          transmitting information on the measures taken by the military Government of
          Haiti concerning human rights and stating that the military Government. in its
          determination to consolidate the process of establishing a representative
          democracy, had issued four dacrees confirming hait i's adherence to the
          International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International
          Covenant on Economic. Social and Political Rights, arid the Convention iainst
          Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its
          ratification of the Inter—American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture.
        
          
          E/CN.4/1989/25
          page 24
          Ho nd ur as
          126. C i 28 July 1988, a letter was sent to the Governsent of Honduras
          transmitting alleqations of killings by members of the security forces Or by
          unidentified men. The Special Rapporteur described, by way of exaiiple, the
          fo1lo iing cases:
          (a) On 6 october 1987, in the port of Tela, Department of At1 ntida,
          Gilberto Isau].a Requeno and Narciso Ortiz Leiva were killed allegedly by
          agents of the Direccidn tiacional. ic Investigaciones IDNI) (Criminal
          investigation service ). It was alleged IIat after having been questioned at
          the D?41 office, agents accompanied Isaula nequsno to his house where they shot
          him 1
          (bi On 7 September 1987, in Caaayagtia, Jos Luis flrez Ochoa, aged five.
          was beaten by members of the security forces when he allegedly tried to Stop
          them from mistreating his parents. OEe child died in the Tegucigalpa hospital
          on 11 October 1907. According to the police the child died of pneumonia,
          (C) On S January 1988, in Tegucigalpa. os Isafas Vilorio, a former
          sergeant and alleged member of a Meath squad . was shot dead by
          four unidentified qurusen. On i i January 1900. in San Pedro Su].a.
          Miguel Angel Pav6n Salazar, regional head of the Honduran Human Rights
          Coseissic,,, and Moises Landaverde were shot dead by a gunman. Isafas Vilorio
          and Pav6n Salazar were two of tl e witnesses in the cases of disappearance of
          four persons in Honduras before the Inter -American Court of Hunsn Rightap
          (d l On 7 April 1988 in Tegticigalpa, five students were allegedly killed
          when security forces shot at the cro.a during a demonstration in front of the
          American Entassy.
          127. c m 9 Noven er 1988. a, ther letter was sent to the Coverrnent of Honduras
          transmitting the following allegatioflS
          (a) On 27 September 1977 in San Pedro Sula, Juan Caballero Sanchez and
          Roberto Ortiz L6pez were alleged ly shot dead by eight ONI agents after their
          car was stopped and they were forced out of it. One of the victims was
          reportedly the ccn,on—law husband of a leader of the Pederaci6n Unitaria
          de Trabajadores de Honduras n$14) (United Federation of Workers of Honduras )
          wI had taken part in a hunger_strike in support of claims being made by the
          textile workera union SITPATE,dIalSA (Sindicato de Trabajadore . de Textiles
          de Honduras S.A.),
          (b) On 27 July 1900 . in the Mesa Grande refugee camp, JoII Maria Leiva
          was allegedly arrested by members of the army and later executed.
          120. In both letters, the Special Rapporteur reguested information on the
          alleged cases and, in particular. on any investigations made and any measures
          taken by the authorities and/or the judiciary to establish the facts and bring
          those responsible to justice.
          129. On 19 May 1988, an official comsonication was received frce the
          Permanent Mission of Honduras tO the United Nations Office at Geneva,
          transmitting a report by the Interinstitutional Commission of Human Rights of
        
          
          t/CTI.4/ 1989/25
          page 25
          Honduras {CIOH) referring, inter alia . to the cases of jos4 Isatas Vilorio,
          Miguel Imgel Pav6n Salazar and Noises Landaverde. Regarding the death of
          JoII Isajas Vilorio. it was reported that a group called FLz Cinchonero had
          claijied responsibinty for the killing. Regarding the deaths of
          Miguel Angel pav 6 n and Noises Landaverde. a report On the preli ,inary
          investigation, including testisony by a forensic expert, was attached.
          India
          130. on 28 July 1980. a letter was sent to the Goverrp,,ent of India concerning
          the allegation that, on 19 April 1986 In Arwal, SO nar State, 21 persons were
          allegedly shot dead by the police during a peaceful gathering in connection
          flth a land dispute. Several persona were said to have died, on the way to
          hospital, of injuries sustained in the police shooting. Sharat Sao was
          allegedly found dead after hating been taken alive to the police station. It
          was alleged that the police opened fire, without a prior warning, at the
          gathering crowd, which included women, children and elderly persons.
          131. OEe Special Rapporteur requested inforsiation on the alleged deaths and in
          particular on any investigations of those cases. including autopsies, and any
          measures taken by the authorities to bring those responsible to justice and
          prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          132. on 13 September 1980, a reply was received frci. the Governaent of India
          concerning the alleged deaIIs at the end of May 1907, during coniunal violence
          in and around Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, which the Special Rapporteur referred to
          in his latest report fE/ON. 4/1988/22, paras. 106—108 ). A Ccording to the
          reply, the state Government of Ottar pradesh was carrying out investigations
          and the final outcome wan awaited. It was also stated that, meanwhile, the
          State Covernmerrt had activated a scheme for providing financial relief to the
          families of persons who had lost their lives in the course of the riot. .
          133. On 30 November 1988, a reply was received fr a u the Governaent of India
          concerning the alleged incident of shooting of 21. persons by police on
          19 April 1988 in Arwal, Sihar State, in connection with a dispute over a piece
          of land in the village. According to the reply, on 19 April 1988, so ,e
          600 or 700 personn gathered on the land in question disobeying the orders
          prooeulqated under section 144 of the Criminal Procedural Code and indulged in
          violence. It was stated that, after the police had arrested four persons and
          withdrawn to the police station, the police station was surroonded by a
          violent oeob, de*andinq the release of the arrested persons. It was also
          stated that shots were fired at the police station, police barracks and the
          family quarters nearby. Under the orders of the Sub—Divisional Officer and
          the niaqistrate, shots were fired by the police, resulting in 11 deaths. It
          was further stated that the injured persons ere given first aid and taken to
          the Patua Medical Colleqe Hospital where 10 of the l, subsequently died, thus
          bringing the total number of deaths to 21.
          124. On 13 January 1989, the Special Rapporteur met the Representative of the
          Government of India.
        
          
          E/CN.4/1fl9/25
          page 26
          Indonesia
          135. On 7 November 1988, a cable was sent concerning alleged oases of imminent
          execution. According to the information received, two prisoners named Jayari
          and Sukarjo, sentenced to death for their alleged involvement in the 1965 couP
          attempt were executed during the n ight of 15 /16 October 1988. Fears were
          eapressed to the Special Rapporteur that other prisoners sentenced to deaII on
          similar charges might be facing jiuminent execution. The names of 11 prisoners
          were mentioned.
          136. The Special Rapporteur, recalling his previous appeal made on 3 June 1965
          for the life of those sentenced to death in connection with the
          above—mentioned coup attempt, requested information on the present status of
          legal proceedings concerning the prisoners mentioned above.
          137. On 28 July 1900. a letter was sent transmitting the allegation that,
          during the past several years, a number of persons had been kiLled in
          East Timor by Indonesian military personnel. Thirteen alleged cases of such
          killings 10 in 1986 and 3 in 1987) were described by way of examples. In
          addition, the letter transmitted the allegation that during 1906 and 1967
          several persons had died in police or military custody. The following
          seven cases were described by way of example:
          (a) Leman bin Idris died following a disturbance in Salemba prison in
          1906 during which he was allegedly kicked and beaten. In August 1987,
          two prison officials were convicted by the East Jakarta District Court of
          causing slight injuries to the prisoner and were sentenced to suspended
          sentences of 3 years and 18 ‘ nths ioeprisonaent
          (b) Ferdinand Tarigan died in Sintlangun police station on
          November 1906. His body was said to have borne marks of torture, but the
          police was reported to have announced that he hanged himself in the police
          station lavatory. Although the arrest of the Chief of the Simulangun police
          station and three other police officers was ordered, no charges had been filed
          by April 19873
          (0) Joni Silvester Ioban, from Cengkaren, West Jakarta, died in hospital.
          on 12 April 1987 after having been arrested on 1. April 1987 by the local
          military district command Koramil) and released on the following day, lie was
          alleged to have died as a result of injuries following ill—treatnent in the
          Eoramil
          (d) qasehat bin Slamet died on 8 July 1987 allegedly on the way to
          hospital fros, the police station in South Jakarta after having been arrested
          on 7 July 1987. flis body was said to have borne marks of torture;
          (e) G ina ! Mar iuki from ilar in Rarang Asing, Cikajang, West Jaws (Java),
          died on 9 September 1987 on the way to hospital from the Rekasi main police
          station, after having been arrested on 7 September 1987. The police were
          reported to have stated that he had been attacked by other prisonersi
          f) Saipin bin Pu b w a found dead Qn the night of 21/22 Oot br in the
          Citarue River after having been arrested on 19 October 1987 and taken to the
          ara Gembong police station. The police subsequently denied that Saipin had
          ever been detained,
        
          
          E/a.4/lgB g/25
          . page 27
          (g) paijan, alias Buang, died on 2 December 19S7 in the police station
          in Tanal, Jawa, after having been arrested On November 1987 by the
          Tanah Jawa Koraitil and taken to the district office in Afdeling 1, whore he
          had allegedly been tortured.
          130. OEe Special Rapporteur requested information on the above—mentioned
          allegations and in particular on any investigations of those cases, including
          autopsies, and any measures taken by the authorities to bring those
          responsible to justice and prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          139. On 4 January 1989. a reply was received from the Government of Indonesia
          stating that, with regard to the prisoners involved in the 1965 attempted
          coiw . the sentences of those convicted of treason were carried out in total
          conformity with the due process of the law and in accordance with Indonesian
          criminal law an 4 procedures. rt was also stated that, throughout the trials
          of the defendants who were involved in the abortive coup , the courts had
          adhered to and implemented, inter a].ia , the principles of presumption of
          innocence, rule of law. open and public trial, fair composition of the court,
          and guarantee of the rights of the defendant to legal counsel and to appeal
          for clemency. It was further stated that the trials were indeed fair and open
          to the public and IIe press, that those convicted had had the right to appeal
          for clemency to the ?resident of the Republic and that their appeals had been
          rejected on the grounds of the gravity of the crimes, as they had been
          directly involved in instigating and carrying out the a rtive coup which had
          resulted in considerable loss of life and inflicted much suffering on the
          Indonesian people. According to the reply, the seemingly long delay in
          carrying out IIe executions was due to the time needed by the judiciary and
          the executive to ascertain that justice was really upheld. It was also stated
          that the magnitude of the crimes, which involved several thousand persons,
          required a considerable time for trial and clemency proceedings. and that. i i,
          fact, the defendants were afforded every legal avenue, It was further stated
          that the sentences were carried out only after all lelal recourse had been
          coIT letely e, hausted and after those convicted were given the opportunity of
          meeting their families and relatives and that their burials were carried out
          in accordance with their religious beliefs. In conclusion, it was stated that
          the Oovernment firely believed that there was no question of sunhlary or
          arbitrary execution.
          140. On the same day, another reply was received with regard to the situation
          in Bast Timor, stating that the true situation prevailing there was as shown
          by the findings of humanitarian organisations, such as the International
          Committee of the Red Cross ICRCI . The reply also mentioned the findings of
          the Chief Minister of the australian Northern Territory who had led a
          delegetion of officials, journalists and Timorese to the province of
          East Pii.or fro 9 to 11 November 1900. It was stated that the party had found
          no repression, no starvation and no restrictions on freedc' of movement and
          religion. Ibe reply also referred to the United States State Departeest's
          categoric rejection of the allegations by a number of United States
          Coifigres en and Senators of akises of human rights in East TimOC • It was
          also stated that the province had been officially opened as of 1 January 1969
          and thus East Timorese residents were free to travel without restriction and
          entry restrictions for outsiders had been lifted.
          141. Oi l 13 January 1989, the Special Rapporteur met the Permanent
          Representative of Indonesia to the United lations Office at Ceneva.
        
          
          E/cX.4/1989/ 25
          page aS
          Iran (Isla.ic Republic of )
          142. Cables were sent to the Goveritment of the Islaeic Republic of Iran
          on 26 August, 14 September, 1.1 and 15 November , 1, 0, 9, 20 and
          23 December 1988 concerning allegations that since July 1900 a large number of
          prisoners, said to be members or supporters of groups or organizations
          opposing the Government, had been executed and several others were facing
          i.ieinent execution in various parts of the country. According to information
          received, a number of prisoners had their sentences of imprisonment changed to
          the death sentence or were executed even though their terms of imprisonment
          had been complete& OEe Special Rapporteur. mentioning a total of some
          150 cases of prisoners whose nanes had bee n received, appealed to the
          Government on purely humanitarian grosnds to ensure that the right to Life of
          those persons was protected and requested information on the aforementioned
          cases.
          143. On 13 January 1989, a cable was sent concerning 302 persons who might be
          facing imminent execution. According to the information, these persons, as in
          the cases congnunicated to the Government by the previous cables, had already
          served or were currently ssrving sentences of imprisonment. It was alleged
          that many of the persons in question were tortured and deprived of visits from
          their families.
          LII. In view of persistent reports received that several thousand persons had
          been executed without tria l or with a trial of a summary nature, the
          Special Rapporteur appealed to the Government to ensure that the right to life
          of the above—mentioned persons was protected as provided for in the
          International Covenant on Civil and Political. Rights. He also requested
          information on the above-mentioned eases as well as any information on the
          fate of the persons mentioned in his previous cables, as followsr cable of
          26 August concerning 12 persons, cable of 1 November concerning
          5)4 Akbar Shalgoolney and Mel Talebi. cable of IL November concerning
          Fereidoun Faroughi, cable of 15 NOvember concerning 24 persOns, cable of
          uecenber concerning 55 persons, cable of 8 December concerning
          Soraya A u Nohaimeadi, cable of 9 December concerning 4onireh Rajavi, cable of
          20 December concerning a l. persons and cable of 23 December 1908 concerning
          43 persons.
          145. On the same day, the List of 302 persons was coiunicated to the
          Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office
          at Geneva.
          146. On No vember 19S0, a Letter was sent to the Government transmitting the
          allegation that, since July 1988, a large number of prisoners had been
          executed in various parts of the country, without trial or with a trial of a
          sulmitary nature. The victims allegedly included members and supporters of
          organizatIons and groups opposing the Government, and also Kurdish prisoners.
          The Special Rapporteur described by way of example the fol1owin allegations,
          (a) On 10 July 1988, 10 persons accused of being counter—
          revolutionaries and Iraqi spieC were executed;
          b) On 20 July 1988 about 20 persons belonging to political opposition
          groups were executed in Evin prison. The victims included three members of
          the Tudeh Party and a member of the PeOple s Fedaiyan Organintioe Of Iran
          (majority).
        
          
          K /cR .4/1909/25
          page 29
          (c i AlLeged collaborators with the neeters of the People s Mujahedin
          organization of Iran (wOfl were publicly executed in Kangavar • Rakhtaran and
          Islaaabad—e—Oharb. Aecording to the official account. 15 Pt401 supporters were
          executed on about 5 August 1900. They included seven persons executed on
          I AGgust 1988 in Oakhtaran and one person on 3 August 1900 in 11am
          (4) On 28 July 1908, 200 prIsoners said to be Ff01 syn sthizers, were
          executed in Evin Prison. In Machad, 50 Other PFI sympathizers were executed,
          e l On 14, 15 and 16 August 1900, 060 corpses were transferred from Evin
          prison to the Behecht tahra cenentery
          {f) rt was further alleged that on the night of .5/16 nay 1980 a large
          number of Iraqi prisoners of war were found killed, their feet bound with
          ropes, in the Mawat reqion in northern Iraq.
          147. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the alleged cocurrence of
          sulnary or arbitrary executions and in particular the legal proceedings
          foLlo ir'g which the alleged executions might have been carried Out.
          148. At the time of preparation of the present report, no reply had been
          received from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
          Ira q
          149. 0., 6 April 1980, a cable was sent to the Government of Iraq concerning
          the allegation that, on 16 March 1988 in the towns of Halabja , Serwan , Ehormal
          and the surrounding villages in northern Iraq, more than 2,000 civilians.
          mostly women and children, were killed during the air—raids carried out by the
          Iraqi Air Force using chemical and incendiary weapon .. Further loss of
          civilian lives in the above—mentioned areas was feared.
          150. 0.i 5 September 1908. another cable was sent to the Government of Iraq
          concerning the allegation that, at IIe end of August 1988, in the Dahok area.
          a large number of civilians, including women and children. were killed in
          operations carried out by the governnent forces using chemical weapons.
          Further loss of civilian lives was feared.
          151. In both cables, the Special Rapporteur appealed to the Government on
          purely huinnitarian grounds to ensure that the right II life of civilians in
          the affected areas was protected in every possible manner, and requested
          information concerning the above—mentioned cases.
          152. On 11 August 1988, a cable was sent to the Goverru ent of Iraq cofficerning
          the allegation that three Iraqi nationals residing in Egypt. Abdul A ir Azhab
          fl Ruba • ay. Sadi Salel Mahd i and Mmad t4ohamed Mad i Said • who were said to
          have been sentenced to death in 1782, were detained by the Egyptian
          authorities and handed over to the Iraqi authorities on 5 August 1988. It was
          alleged that their death sentences might be carried out.
          153. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the ahove—nentioried
          cases, in particular on the charges, trial and procedures leading to their
          conviction and sentencing.
        
          
          E/QI.4/l909/2
          par 30
          154. On 28 July 1989. a letter was sent to the Governnent of Iraq transaitting
          the allegation that hundreds of persons were executed without trial or after
          trials of a suI ary nature by the Revolutionary court or ad hoc special courts
          following procedures without the safequards for a fair trial, notably without
          the right of the defendant to appeal to a higher tribunal. Aitong the victb•s
          were civilian nee ers of the Rurdisti ethnic minority, including woaen.
          children and elderly people and opponents of the Governaent.
          155. OEe Special Rapporteur described by way of example acne aneged cases as
          follows;
          (a) Thirty—one urds, including five persons under 18. were executed
          after having been sentenced to death by a military court foflowing su!.ltary
          proceedings, nine of the, on 10 November and eight on LG December 1987 in
          Fa ideh Garrison . and 14 on 28 December 1907 in Mosul Training Camp;
          (b) On 12 May 1987, in Sulaymaniyaheight Kurds were publicly executed
          without trial.
          (C ) On U August 1987, two members of the T
          
          E/cN.4/1989/25
          page 31
          158. OEe Special Rapporteur requested information on the cases, and in
          particular on any investigations made and any measures taken by the
          authorities and/or the judiciary to establish the facts and bring those
          responsible to justice.
          159. on 5 September 1900, a note was received from the Government of Iraq.
          trans*,ittinq an official statement issued on 2 September 1988 in Baghdad which
          strongly denied the use of chemical weapons in the north of Iraq.
          160. On 10 September 1908 * information was made available by the Permanent
          Mission of Iraq to IIe United ? ations Office at Geneva concerning the alleged
          use of chemical weapons by Iraq. According to the information, a Turkish
          Foreign Ministry spokes an had announced that. in the light of the tests and
          examinations conducted, there was no proof of the use of chemical weapons by
          Iraq .
          161. On 14 September 1988 . a note was received from the Government of Iraq
          transmitting two decisions promulgated by the Iraqi Revolutionary Coiwuand
          Council on 6 and 8 September 1988, concerning the granting of a general
          alimesty to fugitive and convicted Kinds and political prisoners.
          162. On 28 December 1988 . a reply was received from the Government of Irsq to
          the Special Rapporteur s letter of 9 November 1988 se. pan. 157) • requesting
          him to furnish the najues of victims so that the Government could provide a
          reply.
          163. On 11 January 1909. the Special Rapporteur met the Representative of the
          Government of Iraq.
          164. on 12 January 1909. a reply was received from the Government of Iraq.
          stating that, with regard to the cases of three Iraqi nationals said to be
          under sentence of death, and handed over to the Iraqi authorities by the
          Egyptian authorities see pars. 152) • Sadik Mahdi and ?.haad Mohammed Mahdi
          were currently in Iraq, residing under the same conditions as any other Iraqi
          citizen and no legaz action had been taken against them. As for the third
          person. Abdul Amir Azhab Al—Rubaay, it was stated that he had been outside
          the country since 1981 of his own free will for medical reasons concerning his
          wife and had not returned, With regard to the allegation coununicated to the
          Goverineent by the Special Rapporteur on 9 November 1988, the reply, referring
          to the Government' s reply of 25 December 1980, stated that it was lot possible
          for the competent authorities to give answers about unknown people and
          requested Uie Special Rapporteur to provide the Government with accurate
          information so that the authorities could provide an answer.
          Israel
          US. On 28 July 1988, a letter was sent to the Government of Israel
          transmitting the following allegations.
          166. Since 9 December 1987, over 160 Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza and
          East Jerusalem, inc luding women and children, had been killed by members of
          the Israel Defence Force (ID ?). Many of them were reportedly shot daring
          confrontations between ID and Palestinian protesters. Some others, however,
        
          
          2/CN.4/1989/25
          page 32
          had reportedly not been engaged in violent demonstrations when they were
          killed. Others allegedly died an a result of severe blown received from
          soldiers. A list of 166 victims was received by the Special Rapporteur. It
          was alleged that live aiTmunition was used excessively despite strict
          guidelines on the rules of engagement. Since the guidelines on the use of
          live aiTmunition had beer' changed, in March 1980, permitting soldiers to shoot
          directly at Palestinians who attacked them with petrol bombs, the incidence of
          fatalities had markedly increased. It was also alleged that few cases of such
          deaths were adequately investigated and that those found responsible received
          only light punishment. It was further alleged that, since December 1981, at
          least 17 Palestinians had been shot dead by Israeli settlers and two Israelis
          had been killed, one army reservist by a Palestinian and a 15—year—old girl
          accidentally by a settler during a confrontation between settlers and
          Palestinian villagers. in addition, it was alleged that tear—gas was nisused
          by members of ID? and had consequently caused or contributed to the death of
          more than IC Palestinians. Victian were said to be those who were especially
          vulnerable to tear—gas inhalation, such as babies and elderly as well as sick
          persons. The Special Rapporteur described seven cases of victims among those
          who had allegedly died after having been heavily exposed to tear—gas.
          167. On 9 November 1988, another letter was sent to the Government of Israel
          concerning the allegation that, from the beginning of the uprising in the
          occupied territories in December 1987 to the beginning of September 1989, same
          250 Palestinians had died as a result of the action taken by IDF. The
          majority of the victims were said to have been shot dead during confrontations
          between IDP and Palestinians. Others had allegedly died as a result of
          suffocation from tear —las and beating. In addition, during July and
          August 1999 several more Palestinians allegedly died while in the custody of
          the Israeli authorities. The Special Rapporteur described four such cases
          which had allegedly occurred in July and August 1988.
          168. In both letters, the Special Rapporteur, requested information On the
          alleled occurrence of suhlnaty or arbitrary executions and, in particular, on
          any investigations of these cases, including autopsies, and any measures taken
          by the authorities to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further
          occurrence of such deaths.
          169. on 10 January 1909, a cable was Rent to the Covernment concerning
          Soha Bechara who was allegedly arrested on Lebanese territory and accused of
          having made an attelwt on the life of Antoine Lahad, •General of the
          South Lebanese Arg . Expressions of concern were received by the
          Special Rapporteur that she might be handed over to the scoth Lebanese Army
          which wouLd alleqedly mean that her life was in danger.
          17 G. The special Rapporteur appealed to the Government of Israel on a p urely
          husanitarian basis to ensure that the right to life of the above—mentioned
          person was protected and requested infarmatinn On the case.
          171. At the time of preparation of the present report no reply had been
          received from the Government of Israel.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1989/25
          page 33
          Jams ica
          172. II 15 November 1988, a cable was sent to the Government of Jamaica
          concerning three cases of imminent execution of three priso, ers named
          Rudolph Walker, Ezekiel Pryce and Lenford 9aailton. It was alleged that the
          three could not file an application for leave to appeal to the Judicial
          cci,mittee of the privy council in London as legal counsel was not available to
          prepare such appeals and represent them. It was also alleged that the Court
          of ppeal of Ja maica had rejected appeals in the cases of Lenford Hamilton and
          Rudolph Walker, without giving any written reasons for its decisions In the
          case of Ezekiel Pryce, existence of a written judgement was allegedly not
          confirmed by the relevant authorities.
          .73. OEe Special Rapporteur appealed to the Government on purely humanitarian
          grounds to stay their execution for the time being and to ensure that the
          rights of the above—mentioned persons were protected throughout the leqal
          proceedings, and requested information on the legal proceedings concerning the
          above—mentioned cases.
          174. subsequently, the Special Rapporteur learned that the three had been
          granted a stay of execution.
          175. At the time of preparation of the present report no reply had been
          received from the rjovernment of Jamaica.
          Jordan .
          176. on 29 June 1988, a cable was sent to the Goveranent o Jordan concerning
          four cases of death sentence. o rding to information received, Fa'eq Saleh
          ‘Add Al—Azis Al—Salti, Taye l ‘Abd Al—Halirt Nahtsad Al..Salti • Faisal Ui
          Mustafa Al—salti and Muhamead Atnoad itustafa Al—Salti were sentenced to death
          on 21 June 1988 by the Military Court.
          177. OEe Special Rapporteur referred to a note dated 25 April 1988 from the
          Government of Jordan concerning tile cases of three persons sentenced to death
          by the Military Court, mentioned in his last report (5/01.4/1988/22
          paras. 46—47). and stated that it confirmed that there was no right of appeal
          against verdicts of the Military court. Stating that it still remained a
          matter of serious concern that the Military court did not grant the right to
          appeal to a higher tribunal, IIe Special Eapporteur requested that the latter
          be looked into and that the right to life of the four persons be protected, in
          accordance with the International Covenant on Civil, and Political Rights and
          tconoaic and Social Council resolution 1984/50.
          ly e. 17 october 1988. a reply was received frca the Government of Jordan.
          stating that the trials of the four persons had been conducted in accordance
          with the j icial procedures and the legislation in force. It also stated
          that the courts were presided over by highly qi alified professional judges and
          that the proceedings before those courts did not differ frou, those in other
          civil courts with regard to the guarantee of the rights of the accused. It
          further stated that death sentences passed by the Military Court were executed
          only after they had yone through a nimber of stages in which they were
          carefully scrutinized as a safeguard for the convicted persons and that such
          sentences required ratification by the Prime Minister and the King.
        
          
          E/at .4/1989/25
          page 34
          179. Subsequently, the Special Rapporteur learned that three of the foor
          persons had been executed on 19 July 198 5 and the tourth, Muhamuad fl iiad
          Mustafa Al—Salti had had his sentence commuted.
          Maur itani a
          100. On 23 Nove mber 1988. a cable was sent to the flocerneent of Mauritania
          concerning a certain number of prisoners, including Thrahim Sarr wha, detained
          for political reasons at Oualata. were alleged to be gravely ill due to
          inadequate prison conditions. in particular unavailability of medical care.
          It was alleged that three other prisoners, tens Toussouf Goeye. Chief warrant
          Officer Ba Alassane Oumar and Lieutenant Abdul GhoudOuss Ba. died of illness
          in the recent past in sisilar conditions.
          151. OEe Special Rapporteur appealed to the Government on purely humanitarian
          grounds to take the necessary measures to protect the prisoners detained at
          Dualata and requested informstion on the above—mentioned cases and in
          particular on any investigation carried out or measure taken to guarantee the
          welfare of those persons.
          102. On 28 July 1908, a letter was sent to the Government of Mauritania
          transmitting the allegation that on 6 December 1987 three officers of the
          Rauritanian armed forces, Lieutenants Saidy Ba, Amsdou Sarr and Saidou Sy,
          were allegedly executed after having been sentenced to death on
          3 Deceilter 1987 by the Cour sp Oiale de justice (Special. court of justice) on
          charges of plotting to overthrow the Government. tt bfl5 alleged that there
          was no right to appeal to a higher tribunal.
          183. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the alleged cases of
          summary or arbitrary executions and in particular on the legal proceedings
          following which the aL l eged executions might have been carried out.
          la4. At the tiste of preparation of the present report no reply had been
          received fran the Qovernnent of Mauritania.
          Rex ico
          185. On 13 September 1988, a reply was received from the Government of Mexico
          concerning the alleged kiLling of 10 peaSants from Ilamatl n . Veracruz. on
          27 April 1987. which was mentioned i i i the Special Rapporteur's last report
          (E/O4. 4/1988/22. paras. 128—130). According to the reply, the
          Secretary— eneral of the veracruz State Government reported that the incidents
          had originated in disputes between the eewbers of two local fajitilies and no
          politicaL conflict was involved. It was stated that nine persons died as a
          result of the incident. Criminal proceedings were instituted in the Court of
          First Instance of Mixed Jurisdiction, which issued a detention order against
          five persons, and an arrest warrant against 34 fugitives. It was further
          stated that on LB ApriL 1988 the five prisoners were sentenced to 20 years'
          innprison ent and a fine of 40,000 pesos in cash and that the convicted man had
          sought Leave to appeal, which was granted. The case was currently pending at
          the Higher Court of Justice.
        
          
          E/CN.a/l%q/25
          page 35
          Nicara na
          186. On 28 July OE80, a letter was sent to the Cavernrpent Of Nicaragua
          concerning alleged killings ef civilians by the security forces in the
          continuing armed conflict between the government forces and the Contra
          rebels. The Special Rapporteur described the following incidents:
          (a) In May 1987, eight farmers from the cb district, near the Tna
          River, Oepartoeent of Zelaya, were allegedly killed by soldiers from a unit in
          the to-rn of Matigu s, Department of Matagalpa. On 16 September 1987,
          Pablo Antonio Manzanares L6pez, aged 12, from the same village was allegedly
          S lled by soldiers from the same unit. Furthermore, on 1 October 1987,
          tieriberto L6pez and Funio M4ndez S nchez, from the same village, were
          allegedly killed by soldiers from the same unit. A boy named Abelino Escorcia
          arcia was killed when he stepped on mine allegedly planted by the soldiers;
          b} On 4 September 1987. in the district of La Cailpana, Department of
          Chontales, Maria Eufrasia Le6n Estrada was killed in her house by government
          forces who ere allegedly looking for anti—goverw ent forces in the victims
          house,
          (C) on 1 and 2 November 1987, in El Carril and El 1oj6n, Department of
          Jinote 1 a. Marvin uern ndez, a farmer from El Carril, and Inooeneio Ot z lez
          Rodriguez, a farmer from El 40j6n, were allegedly arrested and killed by
          soldiers of the Swift Hunter Oscar Trucios Battalion;
          (d l On 9 February 198S, in the l ality kr wn as Cal o de gua5 in the
          Copalar district of Rio BSanco. Departaent of Matagalpa, Paula Rui Ruiz was
          killed, allegedly by a member of the government forces;
          e l On 16 February 1908, in a place known as •La Cuesta del COyol .
          Deparulent of Matagualpa, Walter Antonio Silva, was allegedly killed by an
          officer of the government forces;
          fl On 17 March 1988. in a place known as La MicC. in the El Silencio
          district. Department of Chontales, Jorge Alejandro Rojas Urbina was found
          dead. It was alleqed that Rojas, a former Contra rebel, was killed by four
          agents of the State Security after he had refused to continue collaborating
          with them in identitying other Contra rebels.
          @ 1 On 16 March 1985, in La Frescura district, Departlient of
          Rio San Juan, Jo 5 4 F6li Lago Soto, was killed by members of the
          Pedro Altallirano Sattalion
          {h) On 19 March 1988. in the Arilnas district of the Acoyapa
          jurisdiction, Departaent of Chontajes, Fidel Mastasio Garcia Sevilla was
          killed, allegedly by members of the Caspar Garcia Laviana Battalion.
          107. In aGdition to the foregoing, a considerable number of civilians.
          including children. were allegedly killed by the Contra rebels when they
          attacked co—operative farms, buses and private houses. The Special Rapporteur
          received information concerning such incidents, including the names of the
          vic tims.
        
          
          g/CL 4/fl8 /2
          page 35
          198. On 9 November 999, another letter was sent to the Government or
          Nicaragua transaitting aLLeged cases of kiLling by government forces which
          were said to have occurred since the beginning 0f ]SBB:
          (a) On 17 January 1988, in the village of El Chile , jurisdiction of
          San Ram6n, Department of Netagalpa, four members of the Crus Mairena family
          were allegedly shot dead by members of the Sandinista Heraanos S nchez
          co—operative.
          (b) On 27 January 1988, in the Matigu s region, P4lix Manuel Riza, was
          allegedly detained by a group of government soldiers. A week later his
          mutilated body was found near his house;
          (C ) On 14 March 1928, Cruz Castillo, was allegedly detained by troops
          from the La patriota army base near Apantillo. His bo j was reportedly found
          a week later with stab wounds and marks of torture;
          Cd ) On 21 March 1308. Mateo Lansas, Vicente Lanzas, Juan Iglesia,
          Norvin Mrez and Mastasio Martinez were allegedly arrested by soldiers from
          the La Patriota base. Nejt day their bodies were found with stab wo4IndSl
          Ce) On 26 March 1388, three kiloraetres from the El Coral village.
          Department of Chontales, Cruz Teodolinda Segueira Urbina, Abraham S nchez, and
          his father Pedro Sanchez, were allegedly killed by two soldiers
          (f) On 26 April 1988, the mother of Edy Mois6s Barrera Norales, aged 23,
          was allegedly informed of his death in a confrontation with police after
          having attacked a taxi at k m 15 on the Le6n—San Isidro highway. His body was
          said to have been battered and decapitated;
          (9) On 6 May 1988, ira Managua, Francisco jo4 Ldpe2 Hern ndez was found
          dead in a Street with a bullet nund; security forces were suspected of the
          killing. No investigation was alleged to have been carried out so far;
          h) on 20 Nay 198$, it was announced that Carlas Ilools Downs. from
          Bluefields, Zelaya, had been killed at the B].uefields Coim,and of the
          government forces. It was alleged that his body showed signs of torture and a
          bullet wound in the pelvis
          Ci) On 23 May 1988, Roger Francisco poveda Osorio allegedly died at the
          military base in Sumubila, Tasba pc i , Puerto Cabezas, Zona Especial I, Zelaya
          Norte. Although his death was reportedly explained as suicide, his body
          allegedly bore marks of torture;
          C i ) On 24 August 1908, in P uerto La Esperanza, Valeriano Torres 6tiez, a
          ‘ember of the municipal council of valle de Wapi in the El Rama jurisdiction,
          was allegedly shot dead by Sandinista supporters.
          189. In addition to the foregoing, a considerable number of civilians.
          including children, were killed by Contra rebels. Among cases of such aLleged
          killings received by the Special Rapporteur was an incident on 16 April 1988
          in Cerro Colorado, Matigu s, Department of Matagalpa in which a group of
          3u Contras belonging to the September 15 regional command attacked a house and
          killed Rigoberto Ldpez Ramos, aged 1, arid Reina IsabeL Ldpez, aged 10.
        
          
          /CN.4/l P89 /25
          page 37
          190. In both letters, the Special RapporteLir requested infornation on the
          above—mentioned cases, and in particular on any investigations made arid any
          measures taken by the authorities and/or judiciary to establish the facts and
          bring those responsible to justice.
          191. on 7 November 1908, a note was received from the Governeent of Nicaragua
          transeitting information concerning the case of Fredy Eduardo Garcfa Tar tea
          which had been communicated to the Governi,ent by Letter dated
          6 November 1987. According to the inforaation, the investigation carried out
          on the case established that Garcia Torres, had been arrested on 1.7 May 907
          and that his health had deteriorated in prison without the competent
          authorities taking the requisite steps to provide him with the medical
          assistance he required ha result there was criminal liability which fell
          within the jurisdiction of the military court. On 20 April 1980 . the Court of
          First rnstance of the ,tnagua regional circuit found two me,IIers of the armed
          forces guilty of homicide. The defendants were sentenced to one years
          deprivation of liberty and the accessory per,alities of civil interdiction and
          suspension of their civil rights.
          Nepal
          192. On 9 November 1988, a letter was sent to the Government of Nepal
          concerning the allegation that on 13 December 1987 on the left bank of the
          River Rankai near Surung village, Jhafa district, Laxmi Panday, a sti,dent,
          aged 19, was shot dead by the police. rt was allerd that. arter a lawful and
          peaceful meeting on the bank of the River ankai where about 500 people had
          gathered, the police were confronted with a group of seven persons and One
          police officer fired point—blank at Panday without warning. No official
          investigation was reported to have been held into Panday s death.
          193. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the alleqed case of death
          and in particular on any investigation of the cast, including an autopsy, and
          any aeasures taken by the authorities to bring those responsible to justice
          and prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          194. At the time of preparation of the present report no reply had been
          received from the Government of Nepal.
          Nigeria
          195. On 28 July 1988, a letter was sent to the Government Of Nigeria
          transmitting the allegation that during the past several years a nw,ber of
          persons had been executed after having been sentenced to death by Robbery and
          Firearms Tribunals, under whose procedure the defendant had no right of appeal
          to a higher tribunal. It was further alleged that at least 145 persons were
          had been executed after having been convicted of armed robbery in 1987 and
          that during the first three months of 1908, 27 persons were executed,
          including 12 persons in January 1988 at Benin City prison in Sendel State.
          A number of others were said to be still facing execution.
          196. On 9 November 1988, a' ther letter was sent transmitting the allegation
          that, between January and August 1988, at least 29 persons had been executed
          after having been sentenced to death by Robbery and Firearms Tribunals.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1969/25
          page 30
          19'. It was further alleged that several others, sentenced to death by Robbery
          and Pirearms Tribunals, were facing execution. The Special Rapporteur
          described ec e examples of such cases as fol lows
          (a) In June 1988. 13 persons aged between 16 and 16 were sentenced to
          death by the Robbery and Firearas Tribunal in Ikeja. Lagos State. It was
          alleged that although Robbery and Pireariss Tribunals were special courts
          outside the ordinary court system, they folLowed ordinary criminal procedure
          except where specifically apcwered to do otherwise and that there was no
          specific provision allowing Robbery and Firearms Tribunals to sentence
          juveniles to death. It was said that under ordinary criminal law, no juvenile
          under the age of 17 might be sentenced to death;
          Ia On 10 June 1986. Danda Baloqun, a labourer, was sentenced to death
          by the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal in Oyo State ;
          (C) In late June 1968, Frank Sregory Osang and Joseph Otuba were
          sentenced to death by the Robbery and FUearms Trib4inal in ogoja, Cross River
          Statei
          (4) In early July 1966, London Uwajeya, a student, Samuel Utuedor, a
          driver • and Ambrose Ogbanefe, an electrician, were sentenced to death by the
          Robbery and Firearms ribuna1s in Warn, Bendel State.
          98. The Special Rapporteur requested in orIRation on the above—mentioned
          cases, and in particular on the legal proceedings following which the alleged
          executions might have been carried nut.
          199. On 13 January 1989, the Special Rapporteur met a representative of the
          Government of Nigeria and received a reply to the effect that death sentences
          were passed only in proven and established cases of wmmission of the heinous
          crime of armed robbery. Armed Robbery and Firearms Tribunals had been set up
          to try inter alia cases of armed robbery, and at their inception, had been
          presided over by military officers. lowever, the Tribunals were currently
          presided over by High Court judges and their procedure was the Sante 55 that of
          the ordinary courts. All accused persons were entitled to defence counsel
          and, if the accused was found guilty and sentenced to death by the Tribunal.
          the sentences were normally reviewed before their implementation and Were
          either confirmed or commuted to terms of ieprisoment. In the case of
          Ganiyu Ibrahim in Kwara State, the death sentence was commuted to five years
          imprisonnent. Wigenia never executed juveniles. The representative of the
          Government added ta the reply by stati!w that all cases coeniunicated to the
          GoverTment by the Specia' Rapporteur were under review.
          Pakistan
          200. on November 1988. a letter was sent to the Government of Pakistan
          transmitting the allegation that on 27 December 1987, AJTeer Mi, from
          Ghangro Mon village, Sind province, was found dead outside a house near
          flyderabad, after having been arrested on 20 December 1q87 with two other men,
          Gulab and Niaz Machal. and detained at Kosri police station. Although the
          police reportedly claimed that Ameer Alt died of natural causes, the two men
          detained together with him allegedly witnessed Moeer Mi being beaten by
          police officers at the police station. Subsequently, on 25 January 1908, the
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1989/23
          page 39
          two aen, the alleged witnesses of the beatinq of Ameer M i, were killed
          together with Mashar Maohhi and MOhaT ad A u, when police and army personnel
          raided Shangro Mon village and shot at people on a boat Tt Was reported
          that on 17 February 1988 a judicial inquiry into the incident of 25 January
          was ordered by the Sind Coverneent.
          201. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the alleged deaths, and
          in particular on any investigations of those cases, including autopsies, and
          any measures taken by the authorities to bring those responsible to justice
          and prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          202. At the t% e of preparation of the present report, no reDLy had been
          received from the Government of Pakistan.
          Per u
          203. On 13 July 1q88, a cable was sent to the Governaerrt of Peru concerning
          the alleged abduction of 12 persons, said to be Witnesses Ot Killings in
          Cayera on 14 May 1485 (see para. 310). The 12 were allegedly abducted by a
          group of ilitanv patro lMen on 30 June and 3 July .950 Sn Cayara. Department
          of Ayaciicho. . .
          204. In view of the circuestances of the ahove—aentioned incidents, and in
          particular the alleged killings in Cayata on L I May 1985, the Special
          Aapporte'sr expressed his concern for the life and security of the 12 persons,
          appealed to the Goverjoeent to take every possible measure to ensure the safety
          of the persons concerned and requested information on the cases, in particular
          on any investigation carried wt by the appropriate authorities.
          205. an 14 October 1900, another cable was seat concerning the alleges death
          threats Sn September 1980 in Ayacucho against Angela Mendora de A.carsa.
          President of IIe Aaociaci&n Nacioaal de Pasiliares de SecUe5tra ,5 V
          Detenidos—Desaparecidos en las Zonas Declaradas en stado de ,erqencia del
          Peru (ASVASEP) I tiona1 association of relatives of abducted per1 s and
          disappeared detainees in the woes under a state of emergency in Per. ' and
          Mario Cavalcanti Gamboa, a member of the College of Lawyers.
          206. On Nove.ter 1988, a cable was sent to the Government of Peru concerning
          the death threats to the families of Lois Miguel Pasache and S crates Porta
          Solano who were found dead in nqust 1988 in the s c ot t. of Liaa. The two
          persons were allegedly killed by a paranilitary group called Rodriqo Franoo.
          207. In boII cables, the Special Rapporter requested information on the
          messures taken by the Government to protect the Lives of those who had been
          threatened.
          208. On 4 January 1989, a cable was sent to the Government of Peru concerning
          IIe alleged killing of the witnesses of the Cayara incidents and death threats
          directed against Carlos Escobar Pineda. ccording to information received, on
          14 Oece.r 1985, two cceounity officials of Cayara, Justiniano Tinco Garcia
          and Fernandina palomino guispe. were killed together With Antonio Pdlix
          Garcia Uipe. the driver of a truck carrying passengers, including the
          anove—ijentioned two, by troops wearing black ski masks • The three Were
          allegedly the nost recent victims among at least eight persons who were killed
          or disapsiesred after detention because of their testimony to civilian legal
        
          
          /23
          page 4C
          officials investigating the deaths in Cayara on 14 and iS Nay 1988, or because
          of their relationship with the eyewitnesses. In that connection, expressions
          of concern were received by the Special Rapporteur for the life of
          Carlos Escobar Pineda who, as Special Commissioner, investigated the killings
          in Cayara and subnitted a report. It was alleged that Escobar had been the
          object of harrassment and death threats. Furthermore, fear was expressed to
          the Special Rapporteur for the life of Benedicta Maria Valenzuela Ocayo, the
          wife of Justiniano Tinco Garcia.
          209. The Special Rapporteor appealed to the Government to take every possible
          measure to ensure the riqht to lire and security of the above—mentioned
          persons and requested information on the above—mentioned deaths, and in
          particular on investigation of those cases.
          210. on 22 July 1908, a letter was sent to the Government of Peru transmitting
          the allegation that, on 14 May 1908, in the village of Cayara, Distriot of
          Huancapi, Province of victor Fajardo, Departsent of Ayacucho, at least
          29 persons were allegedly killed by members of the military forces. According
          to reports, the killings took place in the course of a counter—insurgency
          operatiofi ordered by the military coanander of the regiont following an
          incident on 12 May 1988, in which several military personnel had been killed
          in an as ush in the locality of Erusco believed to have been set by members of
          the Sendero Luminoso (shining path) guerrilla group. OEe victims allegedly
          included schoolchildren, the headmaster of the local school and members of the
          local council. Sone of the victims were allegedly tortured before being
          killed. The approximately 300 troops participating in the operation were said
          to be from the nilitary bases of Kua].].a, Canaria, Colca, Panpa Cangallo,
          Cangallo, luancapi and Huanca Sancos. Lists with names of alleged victims of
          the killings were given to the Special Rapporteur.
          211. It was further alleged that, during January and February 1988, in the
          localities of Chaihuanca Pichirhun—Abancay) , Taquebamba and San Miguel
          (Tintay—Ayanares) , a nuater of persons were killed by members of the military
          forces. During that period, the mutilated hodien of three women, one of whom
          was decapitated, were found in the area.
          212. In addition to the foregoing, the Special Rapporteur described three
          incidents alleged to have taken place in January 1928.
          213. on 9 November 1988, another letter was sent to the Government of Peru
          transmitting the allegation that, during the past year, incidents of killings
          by both the government forces and armed rebel groups, such as Sendero Luminoso
          and the Movimiento Revolucionario Tupac Aesru (M TA) (Tupac Maru
          Revolutionary Movement), allegedly continued, especially in the areas under a
          state of emergency and administered by political—military commands. The
          majority of the victims were said to be local villagers in those areas, who
          were allegedly suspected by the security forces of support for the guerrillas,
          but a number of villagers were said to have been killed also by the rebel
          groups for their refusal to co—operate with them.
          214. According to the Peruvian Senate's official statistics, during the period
          from June to the middLe of October 1958. 6,4 politically—motivated killings
          occurred.
          215. The Special Rapporteur de scribed by way of example nine cases.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1989/25
          page 41
          216. In both letters, the Special Rapporteur requested inror!rntion on the
          alleged cases of su,mtary or arbitrary executions and in particular on any
          investigations at those cases, including autopsies, and any measures taken by
          the authorities to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further
          occurrence of such deaths.
          217 • On iS December 1988, a letter was sent to the Government of Peru
          concerning the proceedings of the Supreme Council of Military Justice in
          regard to the reported killing of 13 peasants, including two minors, on 22 and
          23 October 1986. in Pomatambo and Pan000 Alto, Province of VilcashuajMn.
          Department of hyacuoho, by members of the Peruvian arn t. According to
          reports, the Supreme Council. of Military Justice dropped the charges against a
          number of military personnel in the case and terminated the penal proceedin
          on 22 June 1988. It was also alleged that, in spite of appeals by the
          families of the victims. they were not represented in the proceedings.
          According to the Sa n reports, the Joint Coimnand had stated earlier that the
          investigation of the incident “established that acts occurred which constitute
          infringements of the applicable regulations pertaining to the operations of
          the law entoroei.ent authorities.
          218. The Special Rapporteur requested information on the leqal proceedings of
          the Supreme Council of Military Justice concerning the above—mentioned case,
          in particular on its decision to acquit the Qilitary personnel originally
          charged with the killings.
          219. At the time of preparation of the present report no reply had been
          received frci the Governfljent of Peru.
          Philippines
          220. On 28 July 1988, a letter was sent to the Government of the Philippines
          transmitting the allegation that during the past year unarmed civilians were
          killed either by meTmbers of security forces, the Integrated Civilian Ho.T
          Defence Forces {ICWDF) or sc—called “vigilante groups, said to be acting with
          Covernaent support. ? st of the victfl.s were said t 0 have been suspected
          supporters of the New People's Army NPA) or members of conimunity or church
          organizations, It as alleged that official investigations rarely led to
          prosecution due to such reasons as fear or intimidation of witnesses, lack of
          co—operation from the military and lack of impartiality by military courts
          which have jurisdiction over cases involving soldiers and the police. In
          addition, it was alleged that tipA was responsible for a number of killings of
          soldiers, policemen and others, including the killing of Secretary of Local
          Coverynent Zlaine Ferrer in July 1987. Furthermore, during the local elections
          held in the beginning of 1988 a number of persons, including election
          candidates. were killed.
          221. The Special Rapporteur described by way of example 28 incidents of
          killings during the period between February 1987 and January 1985, for which
          the security forces and paramilitary qroups were allegedly responsible.
          222. Or, 9 Novemher 1988, artother letter was sent II the Government of
          the Philippines concerning the allegation that, during the previous several
          months. killtngs in a su.saary or arbitrary manner by members of the ar.ed
          forces. paramilitary vigilantes groups and unidentified armed men had
          continued.
        
          
          page 47
          223. OEe Speciai Rapportetit described by way of example nine incidents of such
          killings which allegedly occurred during the period between December lfl7 and
          July 1988. including the cases of three human rights 1a ers killed in
          June and July 1988.
          224. In both letters, the Specia l Rapporteur requested information on the
          above-mentioned allegations and in particular on any investigations of the
          cases, including autopsies, and any measures taker' by the authorities II bring
          those responsible to justice and prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          225. On 20 December 1988, a letter was received from the Coverrnent of the
          Philippines transmitting the following documents prepared by the Philippine
          Copsaission on Human Rightsi
          (a) Primer On the Philippine commission on Human Rights 1
          b) Statement on human rights issued by the Philippine Commission on
          Human Rights and Guidelines on Visitation and the Conduct of Investigation,
          Arrest. Detention and Related Operations;
          (C) Manual of Services and Programmes of the Philippine Commission on
          Human Rights
          (d) Consolidated monthly accomplishment reports for January—April 1988.
          226. Oii 21 December 1988, a reply was received from the Government
          transmitting case reports prepared by IIe Philippine Commission on Human
          Rights on a number of alleged killings, as follows:
          a) According to a Commission on Human Rights CHR} case report of
          17 August 1988 concerning the alleged killing of Andr s Rio and Manuel Dotollo
          on 30 3anuary 1988 at Farangay Himacugo, Hindang, Leyte, by a Philippine arm?
          patrol a team of CHR investigators was sent to investigate the killings.
          While the affidavit of the witness interviewed by the a iR team was sutficient
          to establish that the circumstances immediately prior to the killing of Rio
          and totollo were not in the nature of an armed encounter, as stated in the
          official army report, it was not sufficient to indict the members of the army
          patrol IIo had arrested and taken away the two persons CER was endeavouring
          to obtain sworn statements from persons who were reportedly eyewitnesses of
          the killing, but were hiding in fear of their lives;
          (b) According to a Off case report of 12 August 1988, the alleged
          killing of Pr. Carl Schmits on 7 April 1988 at the Parish Convent of Baranqay
          Bolol, Koronadal, South Cotabato, the Investigating Officer of the
          45Sth Philippine Constabulary (PC) stationed at Koronadal conducted an
          on—IIe-spot investigation of the case and reported that witnesses saw an ICHOF
          member shoot Pr. Sahmitz to death- Based on eyewitness testimonies, the
          Commanding officer of the South Cotabato PC Command filed a criminal case
          against the ECKOF member with the 11th Regional Trial Court, Branch 24, on
          8 April 1988 for murder. Subsequently, a commitment order was issued on 11
          April 1989 for his detention at the provincial gaol. It Wes established by
          the investigation that the killing of Fr. Schoeitz arose from a personal grudge
          and was without any political n tivation;
        
          
          E/CN.4/1909/25
          page 43
          (ci According to a CUR case report of 25 July 1988, the alleged killing
          of Alfonso A. Surigao, a human rights lawyer, on 24 June 1988 at his home in
          Tabucanal. Part, Cebi City, the National Bureau of Investigation NUt) as
          well, as cUR carried out an investigation which resulted in the arrest of a
          persom. who, after having been apprised of his constitutional rights, among
          others, the right to remain silent and to be assisted by counsel, willingly
          and freely aduitted under oath that he had killed Surigao under the
          instructions given by a major of the PC Regional Security Unit in Cebu. The
          PC major was subsequently placed under technical arrest by the ni iitary
          authorities and confined to barracks. A charge of murder was filed with the
          Cebu City Fiscal 5 Office against the defendant and his two companions and the
          PC JGdge Mvocate—General was to initiate a preliminary investigation of the
          charge of murder against the PC major. A petition was filed with the
          president to waive the court martial jurisdiction over the major and to have
          him tried simultaneously with the defendant in a civil court. b waiver had
          been issued at the tine of preparation of the CUR case report. The other two
          companions of the defendant were still at largep
          (d} According to a CUR case report of 11 August 1980. concerning the
          alleged case of killing of Vicente Mirabueflo, a human rights lawyer, on
          6 February 1988 by two gunmen at the public market in General Saritos City, the
          police authorities of General Santos City arrested one of the two alleged
          gulsuen on 7 March 1988 and the suspect was charged in court on the same day
          and detained at ‘the city gaol. Us companion was still at large. The CUR
          investigation reached the conclusion that Mirahaeno's killing did not result
          frcoe his activities as a huoean rights lawyer. The CUR regional office was
          directed to monitor the case and to report any significant developaent to Read
          Office;
          (e) According to a CUR case report of 11 & 090 t 1908. concerning the
          alleged case of killing of Ramos Cura, a lawyer, on 18 June 1908 in Pampanga
          by two unidentified armed men, a OIR team was sent to investigate the case,
          but the victims widow refused to say anything out of fear for her safety and
          that of her family. The victim's father and nephew, who had reportedly
          witnessed the killing, had left their residence and their whereabouts were not
          known. The physician to whom Cure was brought after being shot was also
          killed. CUR was keeping the investigation openi
          f l According to a CUR case report of 9 August 1980, concerning the case
          of Rodiger de log Santos, who was allegedly abducted on 21 February 1988 by
          members of the Integrated Special Operations Group of the Pasay Police in
          Nalibay, pasay City, and was found on 29 March 1988 in Valley Golf Club in
          Aatipojo, Rizal, and died in hospital on 23 April 1988, the CUR team
          interviewed the only eyewitness to the abduction, who refused to give a
          written affidavit and also said that he would refuse to testify in court out
          of fear for his life and that of his family;
          gi According to a CUR case report of 26 July 1988, concerning the
          killing of Reynaldo 0. Francisco and, the attempted killing of
          Uilario I i. austamante, in March 1998, MDI and CUR bad conducted the
          investigation in April 1fl8. The two nen were abducted by unidentified armed
          men on 19 March 1900 in Malate, Manila and found on 21. March 1988 in Caloccan
          City. Eustamante told the investigators that he and Francisco had beer,
          tortured by their abductors in fatigue uniforms, who had introduced themselves
        
          
          E/CN.4/l9o9/ 2
          page 44
          as members of the PC Capital Regional Coi.oearrd (CAPCa) • and that they were
          then brought to Caloccan City by a blue CA1 CaI car and thrown out of the car.
          CaR considered that the case needed further investigation, since Bustamante
          had not fully recovered nor had he been able to identify any of his abductors.
          Sosa 11 a
          227. On 9 February 1988, a cable was sent to the Government of Somalia
          concerning the death sentences U,posed by the National Security Court on
          7 February 198g. According to information received, the defendants, including
          eight persons sentenced to death, had been detained incoessunicado since their
          arrest in June 19B2 and nose of t ie, had beer ' tortured during detention. It
          was also alleged that the National. Security Court had been coi,posed or one
          government Minister and two military officers, that the prosecution had
          depended mainly on the confessions of the defendants which were said not to
          hav, been submitted as written statements to the court, and that the
          allegation of torture had not been examined by the court. It was further
          reported that the right or appeal to a higher tribunal was not possible under
          the procedure.
          228. OEe Special Rapporteur requested the Government to provide information on
          the above—mentioned cases, in particular the proceedings of the National
          Security Court, as a result of which the eight persons were sentenced to death.
          229. IIm 23 November 1988, another cable was Sent to the Government of Somalia
          concerning IIe cases of five cadets who had allegedly been forcibly returned
          from Egypt to Somalia. According to informetion received, one of the five had
          died as a result of torture. Expressions of concern were received by the
          Special Rapporteur about the remaining four who were allegedly detained
          incommunicado without charge or trial. and whose whereabouts were said to be
          .nknown.
          230. OEe Special Rapporteur appealed to the Government of Somalia to ensure
          that the right to life of the above—mentioned four persons wan protected in
          every possible manner and requested information on the alleged death in
          detention of one of the five cadets, in particular on any investigation
          carried out by the appropriate authorities and on the current situation of the
          remaining four.
          231. On 13 January 1989, a cable was sent to the Government of Somalia
          concerning alleged indiscriminate bombing raids, possibly including the use of
          chemical weapons, carried out by the government forces on the three northern
          towns of largeisa, Berbera and Burao. reportedly causing some 20.000 deaths.
          According to the information, the internal armed conflict in the northern part
          of the country had intensified and a large number of civilians belonging to
          the Issag clan had allegedly been killed by government forces in a suamary or
          arbitrary manner.
          232. The Special Rapporteur, expressing his concern for the life and safety of
          the civilian population in the affected areas, appealed to the Government to
          take all necessary measures to ensure that the right to life of every citizen
          was protected. In addition, he requested infonsation on the above—mentioned
          allegation, and in particular on any investigation of the incidents in
          question as well as any measures taken II bring those responsible to justice
          and prevent further occurrence of sUch deaths.
        
          
          /CN.4/l909/25
          page 45
          233. On 9 November 1988, a letter was sent to the Government of Somalia
          transmitting the allegation that, during the pant year in the internal armed
          conflict in the northern part of the country, a large number of civilians had
          allegedly been killed in indiscriminate bombardments by the government forces
          or executed without trial or after a trial of a susnary nature. The
          Special Papporteur described by way of example the following alleged incidentsi
          Ca) On 12 March 1908 in eli1eh, foLlowing attacks by the Somali
          National t4ovement (SlIM) in the area. 16 men, mostly farmers and nomads, were
          summarily tried and executed shortly after being sentenced to death. t
          22 March 1988, six others were tried and executed in a sinilar •annerj
          b) On 31 May and 1 June 1985. in Hargeisa after the SIM attack on
          31 May, 21 persons were executed in three separate incidents. The total
          nuuter of persons executed was alleged II be very high.
          234. Subsequently the Special Rapporteur learned that on 11 February 1988 the
          president had conted the death sentences i.posed on the eight persons by the
          National Security Court on 7 February 1980 (see para. 227) • Two of the eight
          persons were transferred to house arrest and the other six were given prison
          teri of 24 years.
          235. At the tine of preparation of the present report no reply had been
          received from the CoverMient of Somalia.
          South Africa
          236. On 1 Febr Uary 1988, a cable was sent to the Government of South Africa
          concerning IIe alleged iminent execution of the so—called SharpevIlle six,
          who were arrested In November 1904 in connection with IIe unrest and murder
          which occurred on 4 September 1904 in Sharpevil].e and Sebokeng and sentenced
          to death on 13 December 1985 by the Pretoria Supreme Court. It was alleged
          that the defendants had been tortured during detention, that statements
          t,ctracted under torture had been admitted by the court as evidence against
          then, that many of the findings of the Court had been based on the evidence of
          a single State witness and that most of the evidence given by the defendants
          had been rejected by the Court.
          237. OEe Special Rapportelfl, requesting information on the cases, in
          particular on the proceedings of the trials as a result of which the six
          persons were sentenced to death, appealed to the Government On a purely
          humanitarian basis to stay their execution.
          230. On 16 March 1980, another cable was sent to the Government of
          SouII Africa, again concerning the Sharpeville six, further information having
          been received to the effect that IIe six were scheduled to be executed on
          18 March 1998.
          239. The Special kapporteur reiterated his sppeal to stay the execution of the
          six.
          240. Subsequently, Urn Special Rapporteur learned that on 23 November 1999 the
          State President had connuted the death sentences imposed on the Shnrpevtlle
          sic to terms of iwrisorwent varying from 18 to 25 years. At the same LII.
          he conuted the death sentences i.posad on six other people, including four
          white police officers.
        
          
          E,Cl. 4 /1989/fl
          page 46
          241. On 10 August 1900. a cable was sent to the GoverniTbent concerning
          Nelson Mandela who, according to reports, was gravely ill. During the
          hearings conducted jointly by tbe Special Rapporteur and the Ad HOC Working
          Group of Experts on southern Africa in August 1900. fears were expressed to
          the Special Rapporteur that Nelson landela might not be receiving adequate
          medical attention and that his life might he in jeopardy.
          242. OEe Special Rapporteur. expressing his concern, appealed to the
          Soutb African Government, on a purely husanitarlan basis, to ensure that
          Mandela's right to life was protected and that steps were taker' to provide him
          with every possible medical care and attention.
          243. On 20 July 1988. a letter was sent to the Government of South Africa
          transmitting the allegation that during the past year a large number of
          persons had been killed in violence in various parts of the country, and in
          particular as a result of continuing conflicts between the Inkatha movement
          and the supporters of the United fleoeocratic Front tm ?) in Natal- According
          to one source, approxisately 500 persons had been killed between the beginning
          of 1987 and May 1988. Tn January 1988 alone, a total of 108 persons were said
          to have been killed, and, according to s e reports, the police had tailed to
          intervene to prevent killings during violent incidents. It was also alleged
          that several persons, said to be anti—apartheid aotivi .ts, were killed by
          unidentified men. The Special Bapporteur described, by way of example, the
          following cases:
          (a) On 26 Januar y 1988 in Soweto, Godfrey Sioe1 o Dlo.,o was foond shot
          dead six days after he had been questioned at the police headquarters in
          Johannesburg ahout a television intervie4g in which he reportedly described how
          he had been tortured by the police in detention
          (h) On 29 January 1988 in Helmoed near Welcojie, Orange Free State.
          Linda Brakvis was killed by unidentified men three days after his release fCO
          6 weeks' detention without charge.
          244. In addttLon, several, persons, said to be members of OEe African National
          Congress of SouII Africa (Air) were allegedly killed outside the country by
          unidentified men al1e ed to be under the control of the Governi,ent of
          South Africa. The following cases were given as examples:
          a l In January 1988 in Nantini, Swaziland, Sipho Ngema was shot dead by
          a black gut an in a restaurant;
          b} On 23 March 1988, in Maseru. ?4azizi Magekeza was shot dead in a
          hospital bed by a gursian who fired through the window,
          (C) On 29 March 1988 in Paris, Dulcie Septeiter was shot dead by
          unidentified guniten.
          245. Furtherrore. on 28 March 1908. in the suburbs of Gaborone, four person!.
          three of whorm were said to be nationals of Botswana and one a refugee frooe
          South Africa, were allegedly killed in a raid by menibers of the South African
          Defence Forces.
        
          
          E/CX.4/1989/25
          Page 47
          246. On 9 I ovember 1988, another letter was sent transmitting the allegation
          that the death penalty was extensively used against those convicted of
          politically related murders of policemen, black township councillors and
          suspected police inforners. Official statistics allegedly showed that the
          death sentence was disproportionately imposed on the black population by an
          alj ost entirely white judiciary. AS of February 1988. 267 persons were said
          to be under the sentence of death and by 11 June 1988 at least 71 of theis had
          reportedly been executed. Furthermore, in the case of the conviction of the
          Sharpeville six, the Appeal Court judgellent, upholding the trial court's
          decisioq , reportedly introduced an interpretation of tbe legal principle of
          col lon purpose which potentially could spread the net of criminal liability to
          all participants fri a demonstration or riot. tt was also alleged that several
          persons were killed in violence in various parts o the country, in particular
          in Natal, as a result 0 f continuing conflicts between rival groups in black
          tovnships. In a nuiaber of incidents. members and supporters of UOF. the
          congress of South African Trade Uniats CO TU) and the Natal Organization of
          Wo..en (N q) were allegedly selected as targets for assault. It was further
          alleged that several persons were killed by members of the police. OEe
          Special Rapporteur described such case, as follows:
          al on 26 November 1987 in Ilamafubedo toMnahip near Petrus Steyn in the
          Orange Free State Josias Tlaki, aged 15 . was shot dead at his home by
          police. It was alleged that he was killed while police were ordering his
          family to vacate the house;
          b) On 23 August 1907 in Bononi, East Rand, Caiphus Nyoki, a student and
          UDF member, was shot dead by policemen who raided his house l
          (C ) In early Acgust 1986 in Soweto, Clement Gwiji, a 14—year—old high
          school student, was shot dead by the municipal police. According to the
          police statement, the shooting was to disperse the pupils who were throwing
          stones at a delivery truck escorted by the police. Eyewitnesses. honver,
          contested tile police statement;
          (d) On 12 January 1906. Sithestele Zokwe wan shot dead by the Transkei
          Security Police in sutterworth shortly after having been detained.
          Subsequently, two members of the Transkei Security Police were reportedly
          arrested and charged with murder,
          e l On 2 March 1980, in Ceorge, Southern Cape, And Re tobe. from
          Sandkraal, died of head injuries caused by severe beatings by police.
          247. In hoth letters, the Special Rapporteur requested information on the
          above—oeentioned allegations, and in particular on any investigations of the
          cases, including autopsies, and any measures ta?en by the authorities to bring
          those responsible to justice and prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          240. On 30 Deceatjer 1908, a reply was received from the Covernment of
          South Africa to the effect that
          (a The conflict between Inkatha and on? continued to be a cause of much
          unrest and tragedy in Natal. Since the middle of 1907. this conflict, which
          mainly concerned the question of superiority and effective control in a area
          which is traditionally a u1u stronghold, had severely escalated. OEe area
        
          
          E/QL4/1969/2 5
          page 48
          baa always been one with a high crille rate. In the circulistances, the
          South ififrican police, already stretched by the prevailing emergency situation,
          did their best to defuse and stabilize the situation;
          (b) Godfrey Sicelo Dlcino was arrested on 12 June 1986 with six other
          youths on the campus of the Coauercial College in Soweto. following an
          investigation into attempted murder and arson. All six were charged but were
          acquitted on 6 January 1987. Dlomo again came under attention after the
          broadcasting of a CBS documentary in which a certain ‘Goafrey made some
          sensational accusetions concerning the detention of children. Godfrey was
          identified as Godfrey Dlciao and on 20 January .988, he was questioned On his
          involvement in the documentary. He said that he had been invited to tea by
          the Detainees parents Support Comittee (DPSC} where a man had asked him to
          relate events surrounding his detention for videotaping. kccording to Dlcec,
          he was instructed to say that he had been assaulted. Godfrey Dlomo then told
          police that he was afraid of certain members attached to the Azanian People's
          Organization AZAFO) and since his life might be in danger, requested that he
          be taken to Zhotso House, where the offices of the South African Council of
          Churches were located. He was not seen again. On 23 January 1988, his body
          was found in Soweta. It had three bullet wounds. investigations were still
          continuing,
          Ic ) Gordon Linda Brakvis, aged 76, was detained between 12 June and
          17 September 1987 on suspicion of inciting youths to arson and violence. He
          was - also sought for armed robbery in which he had allegedly been involved
          during November 1986. He was chargnd but found not guilty of robbery on
          3 September and released on 17 September l987 His body was found on
          29 January 1988. It was alleged by witnesses that Erairvis and a friend had
          been attacked by three unknown men, resulting in Brakvis' death.
          Investigations were still continuing. Since 1SS3, tr. arakvis had been
          sentenced for various criminal offences and had served an la-month term for
          rc bery between December .985 and June 1986,
          (d l With regard to the other cases, the South African Government
          repeatedly denied involvement in the eli.,ination of people abroad. 8T I said
          that no evidence linking those incidents with the Government• had been found.
          Sri Lanka
          249. On 28 July 1988, a letter was sent to the Government of Sri Lanka
          trans.itting the allegation that, although the rndo—Sri Lankan agreement had
          been concluded on Z9 July 1987 to establish peace and a return to noreaLcy in
          Sri Lanka, killing of unarmed civilians continued in the context Of internal
          armed conflicts. The Special Rapporteur described, by way of exaisple, cases
          of such killings attributed to the Indian Peace—Xeeping Forces (IPX ?) and the
          Sri Lankan police as follows ,
          (a) On 21 October 1987 at the Jaffna teaching lospital, so.e 100 persons
          were allegedly killed by IPXF soldiers It was alleged that the victims
          included three doctors, a number of medical Interns, 10 nurses and patients,
          (b) On 22 October 1987 at kraLithurai Jetti, 35 persons were allegedly
          killed when an IPX? helicopter attacked a group of people with rocket mrtars
        
          
          g/cN.4/l909/25
          page 49
          (C) On 24 October 1907 in Sallguppitti, two women were allegedly killed
          by IPKY soldiers after havinq been raped,
          (dl On 27 October 1987 at Chavakachcheri market, 60 PersonS Wttt
          allegedly killed when art IflF helicopter attacked a large crowd of shoppers,
          Ce) on 30 October 1907 at the gindu Women 's Co lLege, three children were
          allegedly killed in an IP X ? artillery attack on a refugee Callpj
          Cr) or' 16 NoveI,ber 1987 in Valyettiturai, seven persons, all young
          males. were detained by IPKF soLdiers and taken to the IflP camp at
          Valvettit'arai. On 17 November 1907 . one of the seven, named Paramanathan, son
          of Paramasamy. died aLlegedly as a result of tOrture. On 19 Noventer 1907
          another. named Baburaj, son of Munusamy, was allegedLy shot dead in the grave
          which h had been forced to dig at Vallai—VelLi along the road fro
          Valvettiturai to JaCfrra
          Cg) On 12 December 1981 at Alaveddy Rorth, Jaffna, three brothers named
          Pathsanathan Kiritharan, aged 31, Pathmanathan 4ura1itharan, aged 21, and
          Pathmanatlian Balenthiran were detained by IPX? soldiers and tortured.
          Pathjaanathan Kiritharan was allegedly killed by oi l . of the soldiers with a
          bayonet,
          (h I On 29 December 1987, Kanagalingam Natban was detained by tPK? at the
          IPX? caw in Inuvil. Ois dead body, which was handed over to his rasily On
          16 January 1988. allegedly bore marks of tortl lre. The death certificate
          issued by IPX? stated that Xanagalinga Nathan. said to be a Liberation Tigers
          of Tail zeta (LIfl) militant, died on 16 January 1988 probably due to
          sudden cardio—respiratory arrest;
          (i i On 27 December 1987 in 3atticaloa. at least 25 persons were killed
          in a crowded market, allegedly in indiscriminate shooting by local policemen
          and IPX? soldiers, after an attack by Tail rebels on three policemen in which
          one policeman was killed.
          250. In addition, a considerable number of civilians were allegedly killed by
          a Tail araed opposition group. The following are some of such cases:
          Ca) On 1. xarch 1900 in Itorawewa , in Trinconalee district, 17 persOns, 16
          of whom were said to be Sinhalese, were allegedly shot dead in an attack by
          Tajail rebels
          I I) On 5 March 1980 at Sittaru, in trincoirialee district, 26 civilians on
          a truck were killed when the truck hit a land—mine allegedly set by Tail
          rebels
          Cc ) On 17 flarch 1988, near the town of Digawapi in Amparai district,
          15 Sinhatese villagers were killed by Talail rebels.
          251. Furthermore, since July 1987 more than 250 government officials and
          supporters of the United National Party, the ruling political party, including
          its chairman, had allegedly been killed by a group named Janatha Vimukthi
          Peramuna (JvP) , which was said to be opposed to the tndo—Sri Lankar, agreement
          of 31117 1907.
        
          
          S7CN.4/ 1909/25
          page 50
          2 2. On 9 November 1900, another letter WAS sent to the Government of
          Sri Lanka transmitting the allegation that a number of persons were killed by
          the Special. Task Force (STF} of the Sri !ankan army before the Indo—Sri Lankan
          agreement in July 1997 and by IPX? after the agreement. The victims of such
          killings were said to be Tamil villagers. OEe Special Rapporteur described,
          by way of exaspie, seven alleged incidents of such kiLlings. In addition, the
          Gpecial Rapporteur transmitted allegations that, during the past several
          months, indiscriminate killings had been carried cut by the TamiL rebels. One
          incident of such killings was reported to have occurred — 9 October 1998 in
          the village of Ulukulama , where 47 Sinhalese villagers, including 13 women and
          18 children, were alle9edly killed by Tamil rebels.
          253. In both letters, the Special Rapporteur requested information on the
          aLLegations, and in particuLar on any investigations of those cases, incLuding
          autopsies, and any measures taken by the authorities to bring those
          responsible to justice and prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          254. c . U January L989, the Special Rappocteur met the Permanent
          Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office at Geneva and
          egplained that the situation or continuing violence in the area where
          incidents oE suo.ary or arbitrary executions had been alleged had hampered
          investigations of the incidents. The vioLence, particularly On the part of
          LTTE made systematic judicial investigations of specific allegations
          impracticable currently. However, investigations into the Lahugala
          (Udumankulam) incident in &mparai district on 19 February 1906 had been
          compLeted by the Inspector—General of PoLice who had submitted his report On
          the alLeged incident to the Righ Court which had issued sujNaonses and the
          judicial inquiry was due to commence on 18 January 999. The Permanent
          Representative listed a number of positive developments aich gave hope that
          some of the conditions Which had Led to the emergence of those reports would
          change for the better. The developments were stated to be as follows,
          (a) rirting or the emergency with effect frce midnight on
          12 January 1989. rn deciding to Lift the e'.ergency, the President had taken
          into account the improving security situation, which in his opinion is due to
          the confidence the masses of this country have placed in themselves'. As a
          resuLt, 6G0 persons had immediately been released and others were expected to
          be reLeased in the near future
          (b) The Government had declared that it would he ready to discuss the
          repeal of the prevention of Terrorism Act as security conditions continued to
          improve. A final decision, however, would have to await the election of the
          new Parliament after the general elections
          (C) Holding of Provincial Council elections in all parts of the island
          was completed on 19 November 1989 and had led to a substantial measure of
          administrative devolutiot,. In the temporarily merged Northern and Eastern
          Provinces. members of former militant groups have become members of the
          provincial administration, eschewing violence
          (d) General elections were scheduled for 15 February l9S9 and would
          provide further opportunities for political participation by all militant
          groups which had resorted to violence in the past. OEe Tamil United
          Liberation Front, a TaaliL democratic parliamentary party, had formed a
          coalition with the militant groups to contest the general elections,
        
          
          E/O .4/1989/25
          page 51
          Ce) OEe proscription on JVP which had been opposing the IPX? presence in
          Sri Lanka had been lifted affording it an opportunity to participate
          democratically in the countrys political life.
          255. The Permanent Representative hoped that, as and when the security
          situation iniproved, lore infoniation on the incidents qoula be forthcoming and
          in particular that it ..ould be possible to conduct proper investigations.
          Sudan
          256. On 20 July 1908. a letter was sent to the Government of Sudan,
          transmitting the allegation that, during the past year, in the internal armed
          conflict in the southern part of Sudan . a large number of civilians. mainly
          members of the Dinka ethnic group, had been killed by government forces or
          militias recruited by those forces. The following three incidents were given
          as examples of alleged killings:
          (a) On 27/20 march 1987 in Diem, Darfur Province. more than
          1 .000 civilians were allegedly killed by the Rizeigat militias;
          II) On 1]. and 12 August 1987 in qsu, at least 600. possibly
          2,000 civilians • were allegedly killed by the security forces,
          Cc) t the beginning of September 1907 in the to ..n of Suk 3ou. hundreds
          of civilians were allegedly killed by the security forces and militia nembers.
          257. OEe Special Rapporteur requested information on the alleged occurrence of
          swimary or arbitrary executions, and in partioular on any investigations of
          those cases and the measures taken by the authorities to bring those
          responsible to justice and prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          258. At the time of preparation of the present report no reply had been
          received from the Government of Sudan.
          Surinane
          259. On 15 Deoember 1900. a cable was sent to the Government of Burmese
          concerning IIe arrest and detention of Stanley Rensob, whoa the
          Special Rapporteur had met daring his visit to BurinaiTte in August 1987.
          according to information received, Stanley Rensch was arrested on
          10 December 1900 by the Military Police on his return to Suriname from abroad.
          260. The Special Rapporteur, e cpressing his ooncern about the arrest and
          req iesting information in particular on the charges brought against Stanley
          Renach, appealed to the Government to ensure that all legal guarantees and
          human rights, including the right to life. were respected in his came.
          261. Subsequently the Special Rapporteur learned that Stanley Renach had been
          released on 21 osoester 1988.
          262. At th, time of preparation of the present report no reply had been
          received from the Government of Surinan.
        
          
          E/0L4/ 1999/25
          page 52
          Syrian Arab Republic
          263. On 20 July 1988, a letter was sent to the Government of the Syrian Arab
          Republic, transmitting allegations of deaths in detention. OEe Special
          Rapporteur described, by way of example, IIree such oases as follows i
          a) On 14 November 1907 in Saidnaya prison near Diaashg (Damascus).
          Ibsan mo was said to h.ve died as a result of torture and denial of tedical
          treatment,
          b) In late December 1907 or earLy January L980 at Fara' Falastin in
          D amascus, 4LJhaflasad al—'Arraj died in circumstances similar to those described
          above
          0) Between 20 and 22 ApriL 1980 at Para al—Tahjiq al—'Askari in Disiashq
          (Damascus ), Aba aL—Raszaq Abaaid also died as a result of torture during
          interrogation.
          264. OEe Special Rapporteur requested infornatiom o , the above—aentioned
          allegation, and in particular on any investigations of those cases, incLuding
          autopsies, and any measures taken by the authorities to bring those
          responsibLe to justice and prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          265. On 9 November 1988, another letter was sent to the Government of the
          Syrian Arab Republic concerning the allegation that, during the past several
          years. in Tadmur (Palmyra) prison. A number of prisoners had been executed
          immediately after a su'aary trial, in which the accused were not given the
          right to legal derence nor the right to appeal. Twenty—nine names oE
          prisoners allegedly eaetuted in Tadmur prison were given.
          266- OEe Special Rapporteur requested information on those cases.
          267. On 7 September 1988, a repLy was received from the Government of the
          Syrian Arab Republic concerning an alleged incident of killing of civilians in
          Tripoli, Lebanon, on 20 December 1986, by Syrian troops and an alleged death
          in custody on ] . May 985, which were described in the Special Rapporteur
          last report (E/cN.4/l988/22, para, 165). With regard to the incident in
          Tripoli. the reply stated that the Syrian presence had been established at the
          request of the legitimate Lebanese authorities, with a view to halting the
          internecine fighting, helping the Legitimate authorities to re—establish
          security and stability throughout the country and endeavouring to achieve
          national reconciliation among the Lebanese in order to protect Lebanon's
          unity, independence and sovereignty, with regard to the alleged death in
          custody, it was stated that the claim that a person had died in lay 986 as a
          result or torture was totaLly unrounded.
          768. On 2]. December 1908, a reply was received from the Government to the
          Special Rapporteur's letters of 20 July and 9 OElovember L988, referring to its
          note of 16 December 1908 to the Centre for Human Rights and attacheents
          thereto. The note stated that the documents transmitted to the Government
          from the Centre for Human Rights contained various allegations concerning the
          human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic and the methods empLoyed by
          its security agencies, as well as a list 0 f detainees. OEe note was
          accompanied by eight annexes Listing the acts of terrorism, sabotage and
        
          
          E/CL4/ 1989/25
          page 53
          assassinstion perpetrated by the persons named in the above—mentioned
          documents and it was stated that those annexes also showed the errors and
          fallacious allegations contained in thoee documents as well as the terrorist
          and criminal nature of the detainees, It was further stated that the
          infornation contained in the documents was totally unfounded and was
          propagated by terrorist or extremist groups and social outcasts.
          Thai laid
          269. On 9 November 1998. a letter was sent to the Government of Thailand
          transmitting the allegation that, during the period from July to October 1907,
          five Xampvohean refugees had allegedly been killed in a su cy or arbitrary
          manner by members of Thai military or paramilitary forces operating along the
          Thai—Kampuohean border. OEe Special napporteur described four alleged
          incidents as follows;
          (a) In July 1987, two Eampuchean nationals, a pregnant b man and her
          handicapped husband, were taken into custody and killed by a soldier of the
          OEai Arsw• s Task Force 80. as punishment for collecting firewood outside
          site 2 refugee encampment in Prachin uri Province;
          (b) On 6 August 1907, a Kampuohean was shot dead after having been
          arrested 2 ha from the Site B border camp in Surin Province, near Ban Khot
          village;
          (C) On 9 August 1987. a Ranpoohean as arrested by militia foroes 5 km
          from Site 5 and near Ben Cham village and was shot dead after severe beatings
          Cd) On 18 October 1987, a 
          
          B/CN.4/1fl9/25
          page 54
          274. Subsequently, inforriation was received in connection with the
          above—mentioned all. jetion to the effect that the Major—Ceneral, commanding
          the National. Resistance ray NRA) had reportedly announced the establishaent
          of an inquiry into reports of NRA killings of civilians in the course of
          counter—iTisurgency operations in northern Uganda.
          275. The Special Rapporteur ackno *ledges that since his letter was Sent to the
          Government on 15 December 1988, it might not have had enough tiwie to reply
          before preparation of the present report.
          United Kingdom of Great ritain and Northern Ireland
          276. On 28 July 1988. a letter was Rent to the Government of the
          nite4 Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Irelsnd concerning the allegation
          that, on 6 !Iarch 1988 in Gibraltar, three persons said to be meabers of the
          Irish Republican Army (IRA), 4airead Farrell. Daniel Mccann and Stan Savage.
          were shot dead by jeenters of the Special Air Service (SM). It was reported
          that, according to eye—witnesses, the three persons were shot while having
          offered no resistance when confronted by members of SM, and that they were
          repeatedly shot when lying wounded.
          2 7. OEe Special Rapporteur requested information on the above—mentioned
          allegation, and in partitular on any investigations of those cases, including
          autopsies, and any measures taken by the authorities to bring those
          responsible to justice and prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          278. On 9 November 1988, a reply was received from the Government of the
          United Kingdom, stating that the inquest in Gibraltar into the deaths of the
          three IRA members had been opened on 6 septe m ber and concluded on
          30 september 1985. Under the direction of the Gibraltar Coroner,
          Felix Pi2zarello. the Il—man jury had considered evidence from Rome
          68 witnesses and had decided, by a 9 to 2 majority Sn each case, that the
          three had been killed lawfully. The two appropriate prosecutional
          authorities, the Gibraltar Atto ney-Qeneral and the Director of Army Legal
          services, had received statements taking during the police investigations and,
          following reports of the inquest from their representatives who had been
          present throughout, they had each separately and independently concluaed that
          there Were no grounds for prosecution. It was also stated that the Gibraltar
          judiciary was totally independent of, and separate from, the administration.
          United States of Merica
          279. On 30 March 1988, a cable was sent to the Government of the United States
          of Ajiterica concerning a case of imminent execution. According to information
          received a person named John Selvage, who was convicted of murder and
          sentenced to death in February 1980. was scheduled to be executed in Texas on
          30 Narch 1988. It was alieged that the jury at this trial had not been
          intormed of the fact that Selvage had a history of mental illness dating back
          to 1970 and that he was later evaluated as being ‘psychotic.
          280. The Special Rapporteur, requesting information on the above—mentioned
          case, in particular on his mental state as examined by a psychiatrist.
          appealed to the Government, on purely humanitarian grounds, for a stay of
          execution until the a1le ations mentioned above had been clarified.
        
          
          R/a . 4/1909/25
          page SS
          261. D i i 16 Kay 1988, a reply was received from the Government of the
          United States of America, stating that John Selvages execution, scliedu]ed for
          30 March 1988, had been postponed by the United States Supreme court pending
          consideration of a writ of certiorari . 74ocordirrg to the reply, John Selvage,
          who was convicted in 1979 for capital murder and aggravated robbery, was
          sentenced to death in 1980 and his sentence was confirmed in 1904 by the
          Texas court of Appeal. In 1965, the District Court of the Southern District
          of Texas, after initially ordering a stay of execution, had denied
          Mr. Selvage's first petition for habeas corpus to overturn his sentence and
          the United States Fifth Circuit Court had confirmed that decision in 1967. On
          3 March 1988, the District court had temporariLy granted a second writ for a
          stay of execution, but the Fifth Circuit Court had reversed that decision on
          28 March 388 on the ground that the case on which the District court had -
          relied in granting the stay had been dismissed. As stated above, on
          29 Match 1988, the United States Supreme Court had granted a stay of execution
          pending its decision on whether to accept Mr. Salvage a case on appeal.
          282. ncording to the reply, at the tine of his arrest, Selvage was not being
          treated for any psychological disorder and his attorneys, after conducting
          investigations into Selvage's psychological condition, had not put forward
          any defence based on his psychological state or challenged his competence to
          stand trial. Mevertheless, in Pebruary 1988, after selvage had for the first
          time sought a stay of execution based in part on the issue of his mental
          competence, the 230th District court of Karris County, Texas, had ordered a
          psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist to conduct thorough psychological
          examinations of Selvage and their reports had both concluded that, despite
          some evidence of psychosis, Selvage was competent to be executed under
          the standards established by the United States Supreme Court in
          yord V. tainwright , 477 US 399 91 L.ED.2D 335 106 S.Ct. 2593 19861.
          283. Together with the reply, the Special Rapporteur received copies of the
          decision by the United States court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on
          28 March 1969, the decision by the united States Supreme Court in
          Ford v. Waiiwright and the reports by Dr. Jo hn I). Nottinghaa, Jr.. a
          psychiatrist and Dr. Jerome B. Brown, a clinical psychologist.
          Viet 11am
          284. On 18 October 1988, a cable was sent to the Government of viet Nail
          concerning the alleged iiainent execution of two Buddhist monks and a lay an.
          According to information received, Pham Van Thuong, also known as ThiCh Tue By
          and Le Manhi OEat, also• known as Thich Tn Sieu, were reportedly sentenced to
          death on 8 October 1908 and Tran Van Luong on 22 September 1938 by the
          people 's Tribunal in Ho Clii Minh City. It was alleged that the three.
          arrested in April 1984 and detained at Phar. pang Lull prison. had suffered
          ill—treatment and torture and that the trial as a result of which the three
          were sentenced to death had not guaranteed the safeguards designed to protect
          the rights of the defendant, including the right to have legal assistance.
          205. Tte Special Rappoxteur, expressing his concern at IIe allegation of the
          absence of safeguards intended to ensure the basic rights of the defendant,
          reqoested infonation on the above—mentioned cases, in particular on the legal
          provisions and procedures under which the three eight have been charged arid
          tried.
        
          
          E/CN.4/1989/25
          page 56
          296. On 5 January 1989, a reply was received from the Governnent of Ytet 11am
          stating that Phait Van OEuong, one of the leaders of an anti—State organization
          called the rree flet 11am Force and having close ties with another anti—state
          organization, had participated In subversive activities with a view to
          overthrowing the Government and that Le Manh That had also participated in the
          subversive activities of the same anti—State organuations. Mcording to the
          reply, the two accused were sentenced to death on 30 September 1988 by the
          Court of First Instence in jo Clii Minh City for their attempt to overthrow the
          Government, in accordance with article 73 of the Vietnamese Penal Code
          Subsequent ly, by a decision of the court of Appeals in jo CbS t4Jnh City on
          15 Noveirher 1988, the death Sentences were coesouted to 20 years'
          ijoprisorment. With regard to Tran Van buong, it was further stated that,
          being one of the leaders of anti—State organizations called the Truong Son
          Division 5 and the ‘Popular Front for the Restoration of the Romeland, and
          being also Presidente and prime Minister' of the Volunteer Forces for the
          Restoration of the Romeland in the Interior of the Country' and the ‘National
          League of Resistance for the Restoration of the Homeland of Viet Nan', he had
          participated in subversive activities in order to overthrow the Goverraent.
          After his arrest on Decejaher 190S and his trial on 23 September l 88 by the
          Court of First Instance, he had been sentenced to death in accordance with
          article 73 of the Penal Code. lfis case would be reviewed by the Court of
          lippeals in no Chi Minh City in due course.
          Yemen
          287. On 9 November 1980, a letter was sent to the Government of Yemen
          transmitting an allegation that, during the past several years, some
          aSo persons had allegedly been assassinated.
          288. The Special Rapporteur described two examples of such alleged
          assassinations as follows:
          a) On 28 December 1987, Abdo Saleh ehanem, Mi Sen Mis Shurbani and
          Aimed Ben Aimed Chouthabi, said to have been involved with the National
          Opposition Front, were assassinated by agents of the security services;
          (b) Zn January 1980, Sheikh Mrned Nasser Al—Thahab of the Qaifa region
          was assassinated.
          209. The Special Rapporteur requested inforeation on the above_nentioned
          al leqatioi's and in particular on any investigations of those cases and any
          measures taken by the authorities to bring those responsible to justice and
          prevent further occurrence of such deaths.
          290. At the time of preparation Of the present report no reply had been
          received from the Government of Yemen.
        
          
          E/CM.4/ 1989/25
          page 57
          Zaire
          291. On 28 July 1988, a letter was sent to the Government of Zaire
          transmitting the allegation, that on 13 Noveiter 1907, in Beni, three persons,
          arrested on their return from a visit to Uganda. were allegedly executed at
          Kibwe on the road from Easemire to KaguIT a. The three 4ere said to be
          Eita.uriko from Karorona village, Muhindo from Museya village and Viahoereho
          from Kilindera village.
          292. OEe Special Rapporteur requested information on the alleged 000urrenoe of
          summary or arbitrary executions and in particular on any investigations of
          those cases. including autopsies, and any measures taken by IIe authorities to
          bring those responsible to justice and prevent further occurrence of such
          deaths.
          293. At the time of preparation of the present report no reply had been
          received from the Covernment of Zaire.
        
          
          Z/ I.4Jl989/25
          page 58
          III. ANALYSIS OF TUE PUENC4W I
          A. Remedial and /or pre ventive neasures for the protection -
          of the right to Life: international standards
          294. In his last report (B/al. 4/1908/22) the Special Rapporteur described the
          background and deve].opoeent of the idea of establishing international standards
          designed to prevent the occurrence of suntary or arbitrary executions and to
          ensure proper investigations of a ll deaths in suspicious circumstances. Be
          also described the efforts and co—operation of various organizations and
          groups. He now considers that it has been clearly understood and widely
          accepted that there is an urgent need to develop such standards.
          295. At its tenth session held in Vienna froe 22 to 31 Aogunt 1988. the
          Committee on Crise Prevention and Control, based on Keonomic and Social
          Council resoution 19 56/16. section VI. decided to recojinend to the Economic
          and Social Council the adoption of draft resolution X, entitled •Effective
          prevention and investigat ion of extra—legal arbitrary and suR tary
          executions. The text of the draft resolution is found in the report of the
          ColTinittee on Crime Prevention and Control (B/flaB/L I; B/AC. 57/1900/17).
          296. During the process of preparation for the Connittee's tenth session, the
          Special Rapporteur was consulted and close co—operation was maintained between
          the Centre for Human Rights and the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
          Branch of the Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs.
          297. The annex to the draft resolution, which sets out 20 draft principles on
          the effective prevention and investigation of extra—legal, arbitrary and
          summary executions, consists of three parts on prevention, investigation and
          legal proceedings. In the part on prevention, the prohibition of all
          extra—Legal, arbitrary and sulemary executions is elaborated in eight
          principles, prescribing legal, administrative and organizational measures to
          be taken by Covernments. In the part on investigation, nine principles deal
          with various elements of a thorough, prompt and impartial investigation.
          including an adequate autopsy, as well as related elements, such as the
          protection of compLainants, witnesses, investigators and their families and
          the publication of the findinqa. OEe remaining three principles, in the part
          on legal proceedings are devoted to the bringing to justice of those
          identified as having been involved Sn extra—legal, arbitrary and sutnary
          executions, the fact that a superior's order nay not be invoked to justify
          participation in extra—legal, arbitrary or sunnary executions, the prohibition
          of blanket immunity from prosecution for any person allegedly involved in
          extra—leqal. arbitrary or sunnary executions, and fair and adequate
          compensation to the families and dependants of victims.
          2%. The Special Bapporteur was gratified by the outcome of the concerted
          efforts made by various organs of the United Nations and other international
          organizations. tie is also pleased to see, in the annex to the above—mentioned
          draft resolution, all the elements to which he referred in his last report
          (E/CN.4/l980/22, para. 194) as a minimum in international standards concerning
          summary or arbitrary executions. The principles embodying these elements and
          elaborated in the annex to the draft resolution are explained in Sufficient
          detail and clarity. The Special Papporteur hopes that the draft resolution
          win be unanimously adopted in the forthcoming session of the Economic and
          Social Council.
        
          
          g,'c.. 4/1 989/25
          page 59
          S. Co-ordination and co—operation of machanisi.s
          299. In the preceding paragraphs, the Special Rapporteur referred to the
          co—ordinatad efforts and effective co-operation with regard to the
          establishment of standards for the prevention of swmaary or atbitrarv
          esecutions and for proper investigations into deaths in auspicious
          circu.stanees. similar co-ordination and co-operation are yet to be explored
          is the followinq IIree areas.
          1. Thematic Special Raprorteurs
          300. The Special Ilarvorteur has examined the reports subittad: to IIe
          Coirnission on lunar Rights in past years by the Special Rapporteur on the
          question of torture arid the Worki. Group on Enforced or involuntary
          Disappearances and has noted IIst Certain parts of the mandates of the
          IIem tic Special Eap orteurs and IIe Working Group overlap, in fact, a
          considerable n(nber of cases were concurrently brought II the attention of the
          Special Rapporteurs and the Working Group. since they contained elements which
          were relevant to all IIree mandates. &, exai le of such cases would he one in
          which a person is abducted, tortured in detention and IIen fo's.d dead. IIe
          three IIencaena namely, enforced or involuntary disaptearance . torture and
          swmaary or arbitrary esecutic.,. being present in one Case.
          301. The Special. Rapoorteur would amply like to state at the present stage
          that he is willing to explore the possibility of co—operation among the three
          thematic mandates. reaching beyond a Sinple e*nhange of information on alleged
          cases relevant to the mandates concerned. In this respect • he would welcome
          arty Suggestions or proposal..
          2. Methods of ilejientatloo
          302. As described in chapter I . IIe mandate of the Special Raptorteur has been
          irplemented by the tollo.'ing action:
          (a) Inquiries concerning allegations of stesmary or arbitrary executions,
          which are comni ,icated to the vernaents concerned • requesting inforrration,
          in particular on official investigations, trial proceedings, praseoution and
          p' ishment of those responsible and measure, taken to prevent sumeary or
          arbitrary executions;
          (hi Urgent ap ea1s to the vernsents concerned regarding alleged cases
          of Ininer't or threatened execution which appear prima facie relevant to his
          mandate, appealing to the Government to ensure that the right to life of the
          individual is protected and requesting information an the alleged cases and in
          certain cases, appealing, on humanitarian grounds, for a Stay of execution,
          (C) On—site visits to the ooimtries concerned upon the invitation of the
          Government, enabling the Special Rapporteur to inform himself of particular
          situations. cases or relevant background material;
          (d) Meetings with Government representatives for consultation in.
          connection with the alleged sUmmary or arbitrary executions in their country.
        
          
          E/O4. 4/1989/23
          p,qe 60
          303. It ts clear that, tn all four types of action ta*en by the Special
          Rapporteur. co—operation by the vernoeents concerned is fltal for the
          effective impleuentatton of the Special Ra rteflr 5 mandate • To that sad,
          the Eoonoaic and Social Council, in paragraph 12 of resolution ]98a/30,
          Ur es all oo',ernoents. in particular those that have consistently
          not respoaded to cc.numications transmitted to the n, by the Special
          Rapporteur, and all oIIers concerned, to CO—Operate with and assist the
          Special Rapporteur SO that he hay carry it his Isandate efeectively .
          304. in this connection, an examination of the Special. Repporteur seven
          reports to the Canaission on Human Rights ives Soh indication of the
          aituation . The following table shows the ninber of Covernoents to which
          aU.egations of sinmary or arbitrary executions were addressed and fra u which
          replies were received eros ' 1982 to 1989.
          Wu ber of Governoeents to whkch allegations were addressed
          and fros' which reoLies were received
          1982<19 89
          ; ; T Nuaber of Replies
          Covernhents received Goveranents received
          to whicti letters r to which
          cotltain ulbg appeals were
          allegations Sent
          were sent
          E ICN.4/ 1983/13 40 13
          5 / .4/lfl4/ 29 10 a' s 9 9
          E/CN4/198W 17 24 W 6 2
          E/o .4/L9S6 / 7l
          Concerning 1984
          allegations 16 11
          Concerni 1985 .
          allegations 16 12 14 .
          E ICN.4/l987/20 21 13 11 3
          EfOl. 4/198 5/22 25 10 11 4
          E/C 1.4/1989/23 36 15 23 S
          a' Governments not named in IIe report.
          b/ Of whiob 21 Covernj ents were not named in the report.
        
          
          . l/l'a9/2 5
          page 61
          305. FurIIermore, the Special appottsur, reviewing his past activities, Would
          like to focus on the following two points in order to enhance the effective
          implementation of his nandatei
          (a pb s possibility of l re on—sits visits should be expLored,
          especially to th, countries where serious alLegations of suI ary at arbitrary
          executions have been tRade, in order that the Special Rapporteur may better
          inform himself of the situation or incidents so as to be better placed to m ae
          reco *endst ions;
          (b} The possibility of greater co—operation with other international
          organizations, whether governmental or non—governmental, should be considered,
          for exasple, with a view to making a team of forensic medical experts
          available to acc pany and assist the Special Rapporteur during his visits to
          countries i x, order to examine allegations of summary or arbitrary executions.
          a. visit in situ, advisory services and technical assistance
          906. OEe Coimissica on uqimall Rights, in its resolution 1998/54* entitled
          a4visory services in the field of his.an rights, requested its special
          rapporteurs and representatives, as well as the Working Group on Enforced or
          Involuntary Disappearances. to include in their reconuendations, whenever
          appropriate, proTtsals for specific projects to be realized under the
          programme of advisory servicer pars. 9} .
          307. Of those recommendations and proposals which the Special Rapporteur on
          summary or arbitrary executions made in his past reports, two are relevant to
          the programme of advisory services.
          308- II e concerns the Special Rapporteur a proposal of a general nature. In
          his last report 1E/CN. 4/1983/22, para. 207 (a) I he recoanended that as a
          matter of urgency, training prograsmes shau].d be organized with a view to
          training or educating law enforcement officers in hunan rights issues
          connected with their Work'. For this purpose he proposed that regional
          seminars and workshops should be organized. He has since learned that such
          seminars and wrkshops are organized by regional inatitutes in co—operation
          with the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Hrarieh of the Centre for Social
          Development and Itumanitar ian Affairs.
          309. OEe other concerns specific countries, namely Uganda (E/CN.4/1987/20,
          annex IL) and Surinase (E/CN.4/1988/22, armex) . In both cases, the Special
          Rapporteur, after having visited the countries within the context of his
          mandate arid infored himself in situ of the situations concerned, identified
          the questions and issues involved. The recommendations and proposals lade for
          these co zntries were the outcase of his visit in situ .
          310. In order to iu 1ement these proposals, co—operation and co—Ordination
          between Governments and United Nations offices would be indispensable. The
          Special Rap?orteur considers that in certain cases hi . experience in the
          specific coentry sight be of s ke help in formulating a project in or for the
          country concerned .
        
          
          E/CN.4/1989/2 5
          page 62
          TV. CtN USIONS A O SEC lEND TIONS
          311. As mentioned in previous reports. hundreds of thousands of people have
          died in situations of international and fnteoeal armed conflicts. In 198R,
          however, a number of positive initiatives were taken in various international
          conflicts leading to the creation of an atmosphere in which situations
          conducive to summary or arbitrary executions can be reduced. It is Very much
          hoped that these ettorts will give rise to definitive solutions so that
          international peace and security can be achieved. It is only in an atmosphere
          of peace that human rights, and in particular the right to life, can be
          guaranteed and that the national institutions established to protect human
          rights and enable persons to enjoy IIem can be strengthened and operate
          effectively. Therefore the efforts under way to resolve these conflicts are
          to be welcomed.
          312. unfortunately, the Initiatives ta]cen in dealing with international
          conflict areas have not so far been matched by similar initiatives to resolve
          Internal armed conflicts or tensicas. Consequently, thousands of lives still
          continue to be lost by civilians in such conflicts. In the period under
          review, there has been a lot of indiscriminate killing of unarmed civilians on
          the part of governMental forces. OEe groups opposing Governments have also
          been guilty or this practice. In fact, in some situations where Governnents
          have genuinely tried to address the grievances giving rise to such groups and
          have tried to involve all persons in the democratic pr ess, such groups have
          tried to sabotage those efforts and in so doing have wantonly killed people.
          313. It is a matter of regret that. in some areas where peace negotiations
          have ended international armed conflict, reports are emerging which indicate
          that the qovernmental instruments of power have turned from the enemy across
          the border to civilians within the country, with the result that there has
          been a very noticeable increase in summary or arbitrary executions by the
          Governments concerned of their own civiLians. In some Cases, according to the
          allegations made, persons who had already been tried, without the proper
          procedural safeguards, and sentenced to a term of imprisonment have been
          ececuted without further due prucess of the law or trial.
          314. In the period under review, the Special I apporteur has received more
          reports than at any time during the period of his mandate, alleging increased
          use of chemical weapons, In at least three areas, there were allegations that
          chemical weapons had been used and that they had resulted in thousande of
          deaths. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur welcomes the determination of
          the international community as reflected in the Final Declaration of the
          representatives of States participating in the Conference on the Prohibition
          of Chemical Weapons ich Met in Par is from 7 to 11 January 1989 when they
          resolved to prevent any recourse to chemical weapons by completely eliminating
          them, and solemnly affirmed their commitment not to use chemical weapons and
          condemned such use.
          315. disturbing feature of the period under review is the increasing number
          of allegations which the Special Rapporteur has received to the effect that
          thousands of people have lost their lives at the hands of police or other law
          enforcement officials in demonstrations. It would appear that the law
          enforcement officials did not act with the restraint required in such cases
        
          
          /CN.4/l9O9/2S
          page 63
          according to the Code of Conduct for Law nforceiient Officials. The Special
          Rapporteur would therefore stronq2y reitnate the recoister,dation he oeade in
          his last report that the rinited Nations Ceuitre for Roman Rights should
          organhte seminars or workshops for law enforcement officials to train them and
          inculcate in them the principle that they should carry m it their work with due
          respect for the homen rights of the individual, and to familiarize them with
          vazfous international human rights iflstrunents which are directly related to
          their work. Tbere is also rooOE for bilateral and aultilateral techijical
          assistance in thin regard.
          316. One of IIe prcblematic issues that has faced the Special Rapporteur is
          how to determine whether a deaII sqoad or an extre.e right— or left—wing
          group which is responsibl.e for killing people is acting independently or with
          the support, tolerance, connivance or encouragei.ent of the Governaent. In
          some cotkntr in it is alleged tiiat, although such groups are ostensibly
          independent, they are sponsored by the Government or the Gover.wsent tolerates
          them or in fact they include police and ailitary personnel in plain clothes
          and under orders Iron their superiors. The Governments have said that such
          groups act independentLy of them. The Special Rapporteur would welco.e the
          Counission' s views on how to deal with this problem. Whatever the position,
          it is the primary duty and responsibility of the Government to ensure that the
          right to life is 9uaranteed and protected fro,u anyone who attempts to violate
          it -
        

Download Attachments:

Exit mobile version