UNITED
NATIONS
Economic and Social
Council Distr.
GENERAL
E!CN. 412004194/Add. 3
23 March 2004
Original: ENGLISH / FRENCH!
SPANISH
COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Sixtieth session
Agenda item 17 (b) of the provisional agenda
PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
huMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS
Report submitted by Hina Jilani, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the
situation of human rights defenders
Addendum
Summary of cases transmitted to Governments and replies received**
* The present document is being circulated in the languages of submission only as it greatly
exceeds the page limitations currently imposed by the relevant General Assembly resolutions.
GE. 04-12269
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
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CONTENTS
Paragraphs Page
Introduction 1 —4 5
Afghanistan 5 — 6 5
Algeria 7 —14 6
Angola 15-16 8
Argentina 17—23 9
Armenia 24 —25 11
Azerbaijan 26 —40 12
Bangladesh 41 —42 15
Belarus 43 —54 16
Bolivia 55 —67 19
Bosnia and Herzegovina 68 — 69 23
Brazil 70—74 24
Bulgaria 75 —76 25
Burundi 77—78 26
Cambodia 79—80 26
Cameroon 81 —84 27
Chad 85 —88 28
Chile 89—90 30
China 91 —100 30
Colombia 101 — 125 33
Costa Rica 126 42
Cuba 127—138 42
Democratic Republic of the Congo 139—155 46
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Paragraphs Page
Dominican Republic 156— 157 50
Ecuador 158—160 51
Egypt 161—169 51
ElSalvador 170—174 54
Gambia 175—176 56
Georgia 177—179 56
Guatemala 180—229 57
Guinea- Bissau 230—232 69
Haiti 233—237 70
HolySee 238—240 71
Honduras 241 —253 72
India 254—258 77
Indonesia 259—273 79
Iran (Islamic Republic of) 274 — 277 84
Israel 278—288 86
Jordan 289—290 90
Kazakhstan 291—292 90
Kyrgyzstan 293—296 91
Lebanon 297—301 92
Liberia 302—304 94
Malaysia 305—311 95
Mauritania 312—314 97
Mexico 315—342 98
Morocco 343—349 109
Namibia 350—351 111
Nepal 352—355 112
Nigeria 356—359 113
Pakistan 360—365 114
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Paragraphs Page
Panama 366—368 116
Peru 369—372 117
Republic of Korea 373—374 118
Russian Federation 375—387 119
Saudi Arabia 388 123
Slovakia 389—391 123
SriLanka 392—396 125
Sudan 397—404 126
Switzerland 405 —407 129
Syrian Arab Republic 408 — 411 129
Thailand 412—418 131
Togo 419—420 133
Tunisia 421 —441 134
Turkey 442—463 140
Turkmenistan 464—468 147
Uganda 469—470 148
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 471 —473 149
United Republic of Tanzania 474—475 150
United States of America 476 —479 151
Uzbekistan 480—493 152
Venezuela 494—498 157
VietNam 499—505 159
Zimbabwe 506—530 160
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Introduction
1. The present document is submitted by the Special Representative of the Secretary
General on the situation of human rights defenders, Ms. Hina Jilani, to the Commission on
Human Rights pursuant to Commission resolution 2003/64. The document provides summaries
of the communications on specific cases addressed by the Special Representative to
Governments, as well as summaries of the replies by Governments that she has received and her
observations thereon.
2. In the past, such information had been included in an annex. Following up on a practice
adopted in her report to the Commission at its fifty-ninth session, the information on specific
cases raised by the Special Representative over the year is now published in an addendum to her
main report to the Commission at its sixtieth session (E/CN.4/2004/94). For technical reasons
the addendum has not been edited by the United Nations editors or translated by the United
Nations translation services. The document is thus published in the several languages used by the
Special Representative in her communications with Governments and may contain editing errors.
3. The cases raised by the Special Representative in this addendum relate to cases reported
to her between iDecember 2002 and 30 November 2003. In a very small number of instances,
some cases reported in early December 2003 have also been included in the report. The
addendum contains summaries of responses received from Governments and, where necessary,
translated up to and including 31 January 2004. Most of the responses by Governments refer to
cases raised by the Special Representative during the period December 2002 to November 2003;
however, some of the responses are to cases addressed by her in earlier reporting periods. While
the summaries of these responses are included in this report, the summaries of the cases to which
they refer will be found in the Special Representative's reports from preceding years (see
E/CN.4/2002/106 and E/CN.4/2003/104/Add.1, covering the previous two years).
4. For ease of reference, and as indicated in the table of contents, cases have been grouped
by country, with countries listed alphabetically according to their names in English.
Afghanistan
Communications sent
5. On 9 December 2003, the Special Representative sent a letter of allegation regarding the
reported killing of Bettina Goislard, a staff member of the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), who had been working for UNHCR in Afghanistan since
June 2002. According to the information received, on 16 November 2003, Bettina Goislard was
reportedly travelling in a clearly marked UNHCR vehicle through the centre of Ghazni city,
when two men riding a motorcycle allegedly shot at the vehicle, killing her and wounding her
driver. While the Special Representative welcomes the report that the alleged assailants have
been arrested, she notes that as result of the attack, on 17 November 2003, UNCHR temporarily
suspended its activities in the province, and confined all staff members to quarters and offices,
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and that road missions were suspended throughout the country. The Special Representative is
concerned that the alleged attacks may represent an emerging pattern of humanitarian workers
being killed in Afghanistan.
Observations
6. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of her report no
response to her communication had been received.
Algeria
Communications envoyees
7. Le 16 juillet 2003, la Representante speciale a envoye un appel urgent concernant
l'arrestation de plusieurs méres de disparus le 9juillet 2003 a Oran lors du rassemblement
hebdomadaire des familles de disparus devant le palais dejustice. Selon les informations reçues,
vers 10 h 45, Mme Boutaiba Setti, representante du Comite SOS disparus de la wilaya d'Oran,
aurait etc malmenee et emmenee de force dans une voiture par un officier en civil appartenant
aux services de securite, aprés avoir etc interviewee par unjournaliste du quotidien algerien <>. Mme Bouguetaya Yakout, epouse Acem, sa fille, Mme Boussekak Yamina, et trois
autres méres de disparus auraient egalement etc arretees et emmenees au commissariat du 2 e
arrondissement d'Oran puis transferees au commissariat central. Elles auraient etc relachees aux
alentours de 19 heures, et convoquces le l2juillet au commissariat central. Elles devraient être
presentees au parquet pour <>.
8. Le 2 octobre 2003, la Representante speciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special
sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et d'expression et le Rapporteur
special sur la torture et autres peines ou traitements cruels, inhumains ou degradants, a envoyc un
appel urgent concernant Salah-Eddine Sidhoum, chirurgien et defenseur des droits de l'homme.
Le docteur Sidhoum aurait etc arrete une premiere fois le 20 juin 1992 et detenu pendant dix
jours aprCs avoir denonce les supposees violations des franchises hospitali Cres par des
gendarmes. En septembre 1994, dans une lettre ouverte au President, il aurait publiquement
denonce de supposees pratiques de torture, d'executions extrajudiciaires et de disparitions
forcees. Par la suite, il aurait etc victime d'une campagne de diffamation l'accusant d'appartenir a
un reseau de soutien a des groupes terroristes. Le 18 decembre 1994, le lendemain de la diffusion
sur Canal Plus d'un documentaire de la BBC dans lequel le docteur Sidhoum aurait denonce de
graves violations des droits de l'homme par les autorites, trois hommes armes, supposement des
forces de securite, seraient arrives a son domicile d'El Mouradia et auraient questionne sa famille
sur ses mouvements. Les hommes auraient menace sa tante, Aktouf Sakina, ainsi que de revenir
tuer Sidhoum et de detruire sa maison. A la suite de ces evenements, le docteur Sidhoum aurait
decide de vivre dans la clandestinite. Le 10 mars 1997, il aurait etc condamne par contumace a
20 ans de reclusion pour activites terroristes selon l'article 87 du Code penal. Le 11 janvier 2002,
il aurait public un rapport sur des presumees violations des droits de l'homme par les autorites.
Le 15 decembre, deux hommes en civil se seraient presentes a son domicile avec un mandat
d'arrêt a son encontre et auraient exige qu'en son absence sa femme se presente a sa place au
commissariat d'El Madania, cc qu'elle aurait refuse de faire. Le 29 septembre 2003, le docteur
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Sidhoum aurait decide de sortir de la clandestinite et se serait presente au parquet d'Alger afin de
faire opposition aujugement de 1997. Aprés que le procureur lui aurait signifie qu'il serait de
nouveau entendu quelques semaines plus tard, le docteur Sidhoum aurait etc arête et conduit a la
prison de Serkadji, oü il estimerait que sa vie serait moms en danger que s'il etait reste en liberte
jusqu'au nouveau jugement. Ii aurait entame une gréve de la faim pour protester contre ses
conditions de detention et aurait etc place, par mesure disciplinaire, en isolement dans une cellule
de deux metres cube, dans laquelle la lumi Cre serait allumee en permanence.
9. Le 8 octobre 2003, la Representante speciale a envoye un appel urgent concernant Larbi
Tahar, President de la section dEl Abiodh Sidi Cheikh de la Ligue algerienne des droits de
l'homme LADH), pour lequel le Rapporteur Special sur le droit a la liberte d'opinion et
d'expression avait envoye une lettre d'allegation le 26 juillet 2002. Le 4 octobre 2003, Larbi
Tahar aurait reçu une convocation de la part d'unjuge d'instruction lui signifiant qu'il serait
accuse << d'attroupement arme et de desobeissance civile >>. Le 5 octobre, aprCs qu'il se serait
presente a cette convocation, Larbi Tahar aurait etc arête et conduit a la prison dEl Abiodh Sidi
Cheikh. Les accusations fondant l'arrestation de Larbi Tahar feraient suite a sa participation, le
29 septembre 2003, a un rassemblement pacifique de soutien aux membres du Syndicat national
autonome des personnels d'administration publique (SNAPAP, syndicat non reconnu) en grCve
de la faim devant l'hopital dEl Abiodh Sidi Cheikh. Des craintes ont etc exprimees que cette
arrestation pourrait viser a faire obstruction aux activites de defenseur des droits de l'homme de
Larbi Tahar.
Communications re cues
10. Par lettre en date du 29 septembre 2003, le Gouvernement algerien a repondu ala
communication envoyee par la Representante speciale le 16 juillet 2003. Le Gouvernement
algerien a informe la Representante speciale que le rassemblement en question entravait la
circulation et troublait l'ordre public. Le Gouvernement a indique que les forces de l'ordre
avaient de cc fait invite les personnes rassemblees a evacuer la voie publique et que sept d'entre
elles avaient refuse d'obtemperer. Face a cc reths, les services de police se sont vus dans
l'obligation de proceder a leur interpellation et de les deferer le l2juillet devant le procureur
d'Oran. Elles ont etc relachees aprCs leur audition. Le Gouvernement a informe la Representante
speciale que ces personnes ont etc inculpees pour encombrement de lieux destines a la
circulation en contravention a l'article 442 bis du Code penal et convoquees devant le tribunal de
police d'Oran. Elles encourraient une amende de ioo a iooo dinars et seraient passibles sous
certaines conditions d'une peine maximum de dix jours.
11. Par deux lettres datees du 14 et 21 octobre 2003, le Gouvernement a informe la
Representante speciale que Salah-Eddine Sidhoum avait fait l'objet d'une information
judiciaire dans le cadre d'une affaire de terrorisme. Le 23 juillet 1996, la Cour d'Alger a rendu
un arrêt de misc en accusation, des chefs d'appartenance a une organisation terroriste, ainsi
qu'apologie et encouragement d'actes terroristes. Le 10 mars 1997, le tribunal criminel d'Alger a
rendu un jugement par contumace, par lequel Salah-Eddine Sidhoum a etc condamne a 20 ans de
reclusion. A partir du 29 septembre 2003, date a laquelle il s'est livre aux autorites judiciaires, il
a etc place en detention provisoire, en l'attente d'un nouveau jugement. Le 16 octobre 2003, le
tribunal criminel d'Alger a prononce son acquittement et Salah-Eddine Sidhoum a etc mis en
liberte. Durant sa detention et suite a la decision d'entamer une grCve de la faim, il avait etc place
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a l'infirmerie oü, d'aprês le Gouvernement, ii aurait bénéficié d'un suivi medical special et de la
visite quotidienne de sa famille et de ses avocats. Ii aurait fait une grêve de la faim suite au refus
de l'administration pénitentiaire de ne pas le placer au régime général de detention tel que Salah-
Eddine Sidhoum l'avait demandé en alléguant un statut de détenu d'opinion.
12. Par lettre datée du 6 novembre 2003, le Gouvernement a informé la Représentante
spéciale que le 30 septembre 2003 a El Abiodh Sidi Cheikh, un groupe d'une vingtaine de
personnes s'est formé sur la voie publique devant l'hôpital de la ville exigeant du directeur de
l'établissement une annulation d'une mesure disciplinaire qu'il venait de prendre contre quatre
employés et menaçant de destruction les beaux. Le Gouvernement a indiqué que les services de
police étaient intervenus pour demander au groupe de se disperser ce qu'il a refuse de faire. Face
a ce refus, la police a interpellé certains des membres du groupe qui ont été trouvés en possession
d'armes blanches. L'enquête menée a permis de conclure que Larbi Tahar avait été l'instigateur
de l'opération. Ce denier a, de ce fait, fait l'objet d'une information judiciaire au cours de
laquelle il a été inculpé au chef d'attroupement armé selon l'article 97 et suivants du Code penal.
L'information judiciaire est en cours.
Réponses reçues sur des cas soulevés par la Représentante spéciale dans les années précédentes
13. Par lettre datée du 4 décembre 2002 le Gouvernement a répondu it l'appel urgent envoyé
le 12 septembre 2002 concernant M. Ahmed All Khelili. Le Gouvenement a informe la
Représentante spéciale qu'il est dans l'impossibilité de verifier les dires énoncés dans l'appel
urgent, dans la mesure oü M. Ahmed Ali Khelili n'a pas alerté les services du parquet
territorialement competent sur les menaces dont il aurait éte victime, ni depose une plainte
quelconque devant lajustice. Le Gouvernement a également indiqué que selon la legislation
algérienne, une personne qui s ‘estime être victime d'agissements contraires a la loi, a la faculté
de déposer une plainte devant le Procureur de la République ou le Doyen des juges d'instruction.
Dans ce denier cas, la victime contribue directement a la mise en mouvement de l'action
publique. En l'absence de plainte déposée par celui-ci, la justice ne pouvait procéder a une
enquéte et dire, dans le cas d'espèce, si les allegations de M. Ahmed Ali Khelili sont fondées ou
non.
Observations
14. La Représentante speciale remercie le Gouvernement algerien pour ses réponses. Elle se
félicite de l'acquitternent et la liberation du docteur Sidhoum. Elle demeure néanmoins
préoccupée par les restrictions apparentes imposées par les autorités a la liberte de reunion et de
manifestation des defenseurs des droits de l'homme. La Représentante spéciale invite le
Gouvernement a prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour garantir be respect des droits
énoncés par la Declaration sur le droit et la responsabilite des individus, groupes et organes de la
societe de promouvoir et proteger les droits de l'homme et les libertes universelbement reconnus.
Angola
Communications sent
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15. 0116 November 2003, the Special Representative transmitted a letter of allegation
regarding the arrest of José Rasgadinho and of Francisco Luis dos Santos, respectively,
coordinator and member of the Boavista Ward United Residents' Commission, an organization
working on housing rights, in particular on evictions and provision of alternative housing for
evictees. On 3 July 2001, José Rasgadinho was allegedly arrested at his home along with seven
other residents, including Francisco Luls dos Santos. They were reportedly accused of organizing
violence and possessing firearms, and were released after interrogation on 4 July 2003 for lack
of evidence. On 15 September 2001, José Rasgadinho was allegedly arrested again for
“aggression”, a crime reportedly not specified as such in the Penal Code. He was allegedly
released for a second time a few days later after interrogation for lack of evidence. Furthermore,
on 11 September 2003, José Rasgadinho was allegedly arrested again outside the Viana
Municipal court in Luanda. His arrest warrant reportedly stated that he was suspected of arson.
On 12 September 2003, the prosecutor reportedly ordered his release after interrogation. He was
allegedly not released from the National Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DirecçAo
Nacional de JnvestigaçAo Criminal, DNIC) until 15 September 2003. During his detention, the
police allegedly refhsed to allow him to receive his medication for hypertension. Concern was
expressed that José Rasgadinho and Francisco Luls dos Santos may have been targeted because
of their work with Boavista Ward United Residents' Commission.
Observations
16. The Special Representative notes that the Government contacted her with respect to this
case and welcomes its willingness to cooperate. The Government has pledged to provide her
with information on the case, which she hopes to receive shortly. The Special Representative
also wishes to thank the Government for extending an invitation to conduct an official visit to
Angola.
Argentina
Comunicaciones enviadas
17. El 4 de febrero de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente en
relacion con la situaciôn de Eduardo Mondino, Defensor del Pueblo de la Argentina y
Presidente de la Federacion Iberoamericana del Ombudsman. Segün la informacion recibida, el
Sr. Mondino habrIa sido vIctima de amenazas e intimidaciones anônimas desde octubre de 2002.
HabrIa recibido diversas llamadas con amenazas a su teléfono particular y su teléfono movil, asI
como diversas cartas con palabras recortadas de diarios y revistas amenazandolo de muerte. El
Sr. Mondito habrIa denunciado estas amenazas ante la autoridad judicial.
18. El 6 de noviembre de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre las ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias y
el Relator Especial sobre la cuestiôn de la tortura en relacion con las nuevas amenazas de muerte
que Maria Dolores Gómez, defensora oficial en el Departamento judicial de San Isidro,
provincia de Buenos Aires, seguirla recibiendo, situaciôn ya llevada a la atenciôn del Gobierno
en una carta de fecha 11 de septiembre de 2002, a la cual el Gobierno respondio por carta de
fecha 4 de octubre de 2002. El 26 de octubre de 2003 el Juzgado de San Isidro habrIa sido
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evacuado tras una arnenaza de bomba efectuada a través de una liarnada anônirna. En dicha
liarnada se habria hecho rnenciôn a Maria Dolores Gôrnez y Fernando Maroto, un Juez que
habria sido igualmente arnenazado por sus denuncias de abusos contra personas privadas de
libertad. Las autoridades penitenciarias habrian atribuido la llarnada telefonica a un preso que
tarnbién habria denunciado varias veces violaciones de los derechos hurnanos de los detenidos.
En repetidas ocasiones, algunos presos se habrian quejado de haberse visto obligados, bajo
chantaje, a proferir arnenazas contra Maria Dolores Gôrnez. La Cornisiôn Interarnericana de
Derechos Hurnanos (CIDH) habria solicitado al Gobierno de la Argentina medidas cautelares
para proteger la vida e integridad de Maria Dolores Gôrnez. La solicitud de medidas cautelares se
habria extendido hastajulio de 2003. Se alego que a pesar de que se han tornado algunas rnedidas
de seguridad, no se han llevado a cabo investigaciones adecuadas. Otra peticiôn habria sido
recienternente presentada forrnalrnente ante la CIDH.
Alegaciones
19. La Representante Especial enviô una carta de alegacion sobre la situaciôn de Estela de
Carlotto, Presidenta de la Asociación de las Abuelas de Ia Plaza de Mayo y de la Comisión
Provincial por Ia Memoria de Buenos Aires. Segün inforrnaciones proporcionadas el 20 de
septiernbre de 2002 a las 03.00, unos desconocidos habrian baleado la casa de Estela de
Carlotto, causando daflos en la fachada e interior de la vivienda. El presunto atentado habria
ocurrido algunos dias después de que Elena Carlotto hubiera presentado a la Corte Suprerna un
docurnento donde denunciaba presuntos abusos y prácticas de terror utilizados por algunos
policias bonarenses.
20. La Representante Especial y la Relatora Especial sobre las ejecuciones extrajudiciales,
surnarias o arbitrarias fueron inforrnadas sobre la presunta ejecuciôn de dos Jôvenes activistas
sociales el 26 dejunio de 2002 en las cercanias del puente Pueyrredon, que separa la ciudad de
Avellanada de la Capital Federal. Darlo Santillán, de 21 aflos, y Maximiliano Kosteki, de 25
aflos, habrian estado participando en una rnarcha convocada y dirigida por un grupo de
organizaciones de trabajadores desocupados que se habrian organizado para reclarnar el respeto
de sus derechos econôrnicos y sociales. Segün las inforrnaciones proporcionadas, arnbos
activistas rnurieron porque agentes de las fuerzas policiales les habrian disparado.
Organizaciones de derechos hurnanos habrian docurnentado los eventos que condujeron a la
rnuerte de arnbos activistas a través de filrnaciones realizadas el dia de los acontecirnientos.
Segün la inforrnacion recibida, las investigaciones Judiciales de la ejecuciôn de los activistas se
realizarian en un clirna de intirnidacion y arnenazas a testigos, abogados y organizaciones que
actüan en defensa de las victirnas. En particular se informo de que Claudio Pandolfi, abogado
de la Coordinadora contra Ia Represión Policial e Institucional, y uno de los fotografos
independientes que habria logrado obtener irnágenes del asesinato de Dario Santillan habrian
recibido arnenazas para que abandonen el proceso, situaciôn por la que la Representante Especial
enviô un llarnarniento urgente Juntarnente con otros expertos independientes el 4 de Julio de
2002. Se alega que algunas de las llarnadas anônirnas realizadas para arnenazar a estas dos
personas habrian ernanado de la Direcciôn de Seguridad de la provincia de Buenos Aires.
Cornunicaciones recibidas
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21. El 17 de diciembre de 2002, el Gobierno de la Argentina entregô una comunicaciôn ala
Representante Especial, respondiendo al llamamiento urgente que ésta habla enviado el 24 de
septiembre de 2002 en relacion con las agresiones sufridas por Estela Carlotto. El Gobierno
informo de que al tomar conocimiento de las agresiones, el Ministro de la Seguridad de la
provincia de Buenos Aires, Juan Pablo Cafiero, junto con personal de su Ministerio, se hizo
presente en el domicilio de la Sra. Carlotto, por expreso pedido de la vIctima. Constituidos en el
lugar, dieron inmediato aviso a la Fiscal de turno, Virginia Bravo, quien procedio a instruir la
correspondiente investigaciôn penal, con el auxilio de la policla cientIfica y otros expertos en la
materia. Asimismo, en relacion con presente caso, la Cancillerla argentina emitiô un comunicado
de prensa en el que expresa que ha dispuesto de inmediato la puesta en marcha de los
mecanismos de protecciôn establecidos en el ambito interno, de conformidad con los
procedimientos establecidos en la normativa internacional relativa a la defensa y promociôn de
los derechos humanos. En tal sentido, la Cancillerla ha solicitado a las autoridades competentes
informacion sobre los procedimientos adaptados y toda medida que se haya dispuesto para
proteger la integridad de la Presidenta de la Asociaciôn de las Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo.
Seguimiento de comunicaciones transmitidas previamente :
22. Por carta fechada el 17 de diciembre de 2002, el Gobierno proporcionô informacion sobre
el llamamiento urgente enviado por la Representante Especial junto con la Relatora Especial
sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias el 24 de septiembre de 2002 en relacion
con el caso de Estela Carlotto. El Gobierno informo de que se adelanta una investigaciôn penal,
la cual se encontrarla en etapa de instrucciôn. Asimismo informo sobre la activaciôn de los
mecanismos de protecciôn de conformidad con los procedimientos establecidos en la normativa
internacional relativa a la defensa y promociôn de los derechos humanos.
Observaciones
23. La Representante Especial quisiera agradecer al Gobierno la respuesta facilitada y la
acciôn tomada por las autoridades. Lamenta no haber recibido respuestas a las otras tres
comunicaciones transmitidas este aflo.
Armenia
Communication sent
24. On 17 March 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, transmitted an
urgent appeal concerning the organization Helsinki Citizens Assembly and its coordinator in
Vanadzor, Mr. Arthur Sakunts. In the early morning of Friday, 14 March 2003, the premises of
the Vanadzor office of the “Helsinki Citizens' Assembly” (HCAV) were allegedly set on fire. It
is alleged that unknown individuals broke a window of the front door and destroyed the main
part of the office with firebombs. This attack is said to be linked to the organization's role as
active protestors at irregularities in the recent presidential elections in Armenia. It is reported that
Mr. Arthur Sakunts was allegedly arrested on 15 March 2003, after the mayor of Vanadzor
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allegedly denied HCAV permission to hold a meeting outside its offices to inform the population
of the alleged irregularities that it had monitored during the electoral process.
Observations
25. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of this report, the
Government had not transmitted a reply to her communication.
Azerbaijan
Communications sent
26. On 28 April 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal concerning
Eldar Zeynalov, Chief of the Human Rights Centre of Azerbaijan and Leyla Yunus, Director
of the Institute of Peace and Democracy, who have reportedly been the victims of attacks
resulting from an alleged defamation campaign. According to the information received, on 22
April 2003 a former public official of Baku City and current member of the leadership of the
Musavat party, whose name is known to the Special Representative, allegedly made a statement
that was aired on the State-controlled television channel ANS, calling for action against Eldar
Zeynalov and Leyla Yunus describing them as “enemies” of the people. On 23 April 2003, a
group of 30 young men allegedly attacked the office of the Human Rights Centre. It has been
suggested that this attack might be the first result of a campaign of defamation reportedly being
communicated through State-controlled television and which allegedly targets human rights
defenders.
27. On 2 May 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, transmitted a follow-up urgent appeal concerning
the same men. According to the information received, on the above-mentioned TV programme
Eldar Zeynalov's private home phone number was allegedly made public on 22 April while the
audience was allegedly called on to pressure them to leave Azerbaijan. According to the
information received, the following day, a group of 30 men allegedly attacked the HRCA offices
with eggs and garbage and issued a written statement demanding that criminal proceedings be
opened against Mr. Zeynalov on charges of “treason to the Motherland”. Further, it is reported
that on 24 April 2003, a bigger group made of members of a political party returned to the
HRCA offices. Protestors allegedly burnt a photograph of Eldar Zeylanov and attacked the
premises with chemicals. The police, who were reportedly present at both incidents, allegedly
failed to take any action. It has been reported that, on 25 April 2003, a similar attack against the
HRCA premises took place when activists from the ruling Party New Azerbaijan (YAP) accused
Zeynalov of being Armenian and demanded his exile. Furthermore, according to the information
received, on 28 April, Mr. Zeynalov's father- in -law, Isakh Tahirov, and his sister- in- law,
Zemfira Yusif-Zade, were assaulted by neighbours, who allegedly told them to leave Azerbaijan.
On the same day, the office of the Institute of Peace and Democracy, led by Leyla Yunus, was
allegedly attacked. It is reported that on 29 April 2003, security guards from a private firm, who
had been hired by HRCA on 25 of April to protect the organization's premises, allegedly failed to
take their shift. When asked, the firm allegedly explained that the Ministry of the Interior and the
Ministry of National Security had strongly advised them to terminate this service.
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28. On 7 July 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on the
question of torture and the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, transmitted an
allegation letter concerning a number of women, including the singer Flora Kerimova,
chairperson of the Dilara Aliyeva Society to Protect Women's Rights. These women were
reportedly assaulted by men in civil clothing on 20 June 2001, while conducting a silent sit-down
demonstration against police violence in a square near the State Philharmonic building in Baku.
Police officers had earlier allegedly attempted to prevent the demonstration from taking place. A
group of men allegedly appeared in the square and tried violently to seize and destroy the
protestors' placards, reportedly twisting some of the women activists' arms in the process. Some
of the women were reportedly injured. A large group of police officers reportedly stood nearby
and watched the incident. The head of Sabail District Police Department who was present at the
demonstration is reported to have stated that the women had provoked the incident themselves.
29. On 6 October 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,
transmitted an urgent appeal regarding the alleged expulsion from Nakhchivan of a team of
election monitors and youth activists from Serbia, sponsored by the Open Society Institute (OSI),
an organization which supports democratic initiatives, and the alleged attacks against Novella
Jafaroglu and Sadagat Pashaeva, respectively chairperson and member of the Association for
the Protection of Women's Rights, Saadat Benaniarly, head of the Azerbaijan Chapter of the
International Society for Human Rights, and Me lhat Nassibova, director of the Nakhchivan
Human Rights Resource Centre. According to information received, Novella Jafaroglu, Saadat
Benaniarly and Sadagat Pashaeva went to Nakhchivan on 25 September to open “Bizim
Nakhchivan”, the first independent newspaper in the region. It is reported that in parallel, the
three women and Melhat Nassibova organized publicity, accommodation and venues for a series
of OSI sponsored workshop on voting rights and election monitoring to be held on 28 September
2003 in Nakhchivan, in preparation for the upcoming presidential elections on 15 October 2003.
On 27 September 2003, a few hours before the election-training team was reportedly due to
arrive in Nakhchivan, the four women were allegedly beaten and had tomatoes thrown at them
by a group of some 50 women in front of the Nakhchivan Human Rights Resource Centre. The
police, who allegedly arrived an hour later, allegedly advised the four women to leave
Nakhchivan as they reportedly claimed not to be able to guarantee their safety. On the same day,
the police reportedly arrived at the Centre and allegedly asked the workshop participants to
leave, before forcibly placing the election-training team on a flight to Baku. Police also allegedly
ordered a second team of Serbian election educators on their way to Ordubat to turn around.
Concern was expressed that the attacks against Novella Jafaroglu, Saadat Benaniarly, Sadagat
Pashaeva and Melhat Nassibova may be related to their human rights work, in particular with
regard to their work on elections.
30. On 30 October the Special Representative transmitted a letter of allegation regarding the
following cases expressing concern that the individuals below may have been targeted because
of their activities as human rights defenders, in the context of the presidential election of 15
October 2003.
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31. Azer ilasret, Secretary- General of the Azerbaijan Journalists Confederation, was
allegedly beaten by the police on 16 October 2003 as he was reportedly monitoring a forbidden
meeting in Baku protesting the result of the presidential election.
32. Azer Mammedov and Ramil Djarchiyev, members of the Qazakh Human Rights
Resource Centre, a project of the Association for the Protection of Women's Right, were
allegedly arrested in Qazakh on 17 October 2003 and were reportedly still in detention.
33. Azad Nazimanoglu and NajafAllahverdiyev, members of the Centre for the Protection
of Conscience and Religious Freedoms (DEVAMM), a non-governmental organization that
works to protect religious rights, were allegedly arrested on 17 October 2003.
34. Azer Ramizoglu and l lqar Ibrahimoglu, respectively chairman and chief coordinator of
DEVAIVIM. On 17 October 2003, the police allegedly arrived at the Cuma Mescid Mosque,
Baku, seeking to arrest both men. From 17 to 19 October 2003, Ilqar Ibrahimoglu reportedly
took refuge in the Norwegian Embassy.
35. l lqar Altay, director of the Committee of Protection of Rights, an ad hoc committee
established after the arrest of the leader of the Umid Party on 17 October 2003, was allegedly
arrested on 18 October 2003 and served with a seven-day administrative detention sentence. His
whereabouts were allegedly unknown.
36. Mehdi Mehdiyevn the director of the Human Rights Resources Centre in Baku, a project
of 11 human rights NGOs aimed at providing resources to local human rights activists, was
allegedly summoned to present himself to the police on 18 and 19 October 2003. On 20 October
2003, he allegedly received a night visit by policemen in plain clothes. The police allegedly tried
to break his door and allegedly threatened him with arrest and torture in order to pressure him to
make public statements against opposition leaders claiming they had committed criminal acts.
Communications received
37. By letter dated 23 September 2003, the Government replied to the communication sent
regarding the Dilyara Alieva Society for the Protection of Women's Rights. The Government
informed the Special Representative that an inquiry had been conducted by the Ministry of
Internal Affairs which concluded that no illegal actions had been used by police officers in
preventing the unauthorized picket arranged by the Society and that no force had been used
against Flora Kerimova and further that no complaints had been lodged by her regarding this
matter.
38. By letter dated 14 November 2003, the Government replied to the communication sent
regarding the situation of Novella Jafaroglu and Sadagat Pashaeva. The Government
informed the Special Representative that a complaint had been lodged by the women on 2
October 2003 and that an official inquiry was undertaken by the Department of Internal
Investigations at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The investigation confirmed that the police had
in fact neglected their duties in failing to prevent the violence inflicted on Novella Jafaroglu and
Sadagat Pashaeva both in the town and at the airport of Nakhchivan. On 3 October and 1
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November disciplinary penalties in the form of reprimands and warnings were imposed on the
members of the police force in question.
39. By letter dated 26 December 2003, the Government replied to the communication sent by
the Special Representative on 30 October 2003. The Government informed the Special
Representative that no coercive measures of a procedural nature had been taken against Azer
ilasrat, Nushaba Mamedova, Mekhtiev Mekhti Kazym or any of the other persons detained.
It confirmed that Ilgar A u had been sentenced by a court order on 18 October 2003 to seven
days administrative detention for failure to obey the lawful instructions of police officers
engaged in the preservation of public order and stated that he had been granted early release on
24 October 2003. It also confirmed that Azer Mamedov had been sentenced on 19 October 2003
to 15 days' administrative detention for anti-social behavior and stated that he had been granted
early release on 25 October 2003. It also stated that a person with the same name and surname
as Mr. Mekhtiev, one Mekhtieve Mekhti Kazym ogly, had been sentenced by a court order on 20
October 2003 to 10 days' administrative detention for failure to obey the lawful instructions of
police officers engaged in the preservation of public order. He was released two days later.
Finally the Government informed that among the staff of the Qazakh Human Rights Resources
Centre only one individual - identified in the letter as Djarchiev (Djarchyly Ramil Firdovsi ogly)
- was detained by order of the court for participating in the mass disturbances of 16 October
2003. In the course of the investigation he was charged with an offence under article 220,
paragraph 1, and article 315, paragraph 2, of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Observations
40. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its responses. She welcomes the
action taken by the Government in the Jafaroglu and Pashaeva case, in particular the carrying out
of an investigation and the sanction being imposed on perpetrators. She regrets that the OSI
workshop was reportedly not allowed to take place and that election trainers were prevented
from carrying out their duty. She hopes that she will soon receive responses to her other
communications. She expresses deep concern about allegations of defamation campaigns against
defenders and the lack of response from law enforcement officials in cases of violence
perpetrated by non- State actors against defenders. She is equally deeply concerned about
allegations of arrests and harassment perpetrated against defenders in the context of the
presidential election.
Bangladesh
Communications sent
41. On 4 December 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the
Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, sent an urgent appeal
regarding reports of the arrest in Dakha on 29 November 2003 of Salah Uddin Shoaib
Choudhury, editor of the magazine Blitz and head of the Bangladeshi branch of the International
Forum for the Literature and Culture of Peace (IFLAC) - an organization of writers who
campaign for peace. Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury was reportedly arrested, as he was about to
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Page 16
leave for Israel to take part in a symposium organized by the Hebrew Writers Association. He is
reportedly accused of spying for Israel on the basis of the text of a speech he was to have given
on the media's role in the dialogue between Muslims and Jews, and that he could be charged with
“sedition”, a crime punishable by death. Mr. Choudhury was reportedly detained by police at
Dakha Airport as he was about to board a flight to Tel Aviv via Bangkok, and a judge has
reportedly granted the police permission to detain him for seven days. He was reportedly being
held in Dhaka's Cantonment police station, where secret service officers were said to be
interrogating him. The secret services reportedly claim that documents found in Choudhury's
briefcase - especially the text of his speech and reports on the human rights situation in
Bangladesh - are evidence of his spying on behalf of Israel. Reports indicate that a few hours
after his arrest, police seized all the computer equipment, including printers and CD-ROMs, at
the offices of his magazine and his home. It is reported that in his speech, Mr. Choudhury
stressed the key role that the news media in Muslim countries have to play in constructing peace
in the Middle East.
Observations
42. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of her report no
reply had been received to her communication.
Belarus
Communications sent
43. On 30 September 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,
transmitted an urgent appeal on the alleged request to shut down Viasna, a human rights
organization working on the defence of constitutional rights. On 2 September 2003, the Ministry
of Justice allegedly lodged a complaint with the Supreme Court against Viasna reportedly on the
basis of the alleged violation of electoral laws in its monitoring of the last presidential election
and in disseminating information on the alleged observed violations. The complaint reportedly
also mentioned alleged violations of management rules and the number of members in the
organization. On 23 September 2003, a pre-trial hearing reportedly took place. Fears have been
expressed that these proceedings may be aimed at closing down the organization in order to
prevent it from conducting its human rights activities.
44. On 1 October 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal concerning the
alleged threat to close down the women's rights group, Women's Response. On 13 August 2003,
the Ministry of Justice allegedly filed a suit with the Supreme Court against Women's Response
on the ground that the organization's address was different from that officially registered and that
the number of its members was below that required for it to be registered. The first hearing on
the case was reportedly scheduled to take place on 7 October. Concern has been expressed that
the primary motivation for these proceedings may be to close the organization in an attempt to
prevent it from canying out its human rights activities.
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45. On 1 October 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal concerning the
situation of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee (BHC), the Belarus branch of the International
Helsinki Federation, which monitors human rights violations. On 19 August 2003, BHC
reportedly received an official warning from the Ministry of Justice for omitting the quotation
marks from the organization's name on its official letterheads and organizational symbol.
Concerns have been expressed that the primary objective of this reported warning may be an
attempt to intimidate the organization and prevent it from carrying out its human rights work. It
is reported that under the current practice, BHC could face closure if it receives a second warning
from the Ministry of Justice.
46. On 2 October 2003, the Special Representative transmitted a letter of allegation concerning
cases of human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) reportedly facing closure. She
expressed concern that the primary motivation behind these proceedings may have been to
prevent these organizations from conducting their human rights defenders activities. The
communication included the cases mentioned below.
47. On 8 September 2003, the Minsk City Court reportedly decided to close the Legal
Assistance to the Population, an NGO working on disappearances, after the organization had
allegedly received two official warnings from the Ministry of Justice in the course of the year.
These warnings had allegedly been issued on the basis that the organization had rendered free
legal assistance to the general public and used an organizational symbol different from that used
at the time of registration.
48. On 21 August 2003, the regional court in Grodno allegedly issued a ruling to close
Ratusha, an NGO resource centre that provides information and support to the creation of NGOs
in the country, including human rights NGOs. The ruling was allegedly issued on the basis that
the organization had received two official warnings for reportedly owning and operating printing
equipment without the required permit and using non-register symbols.
49. On 14 August 2003, the Belarusian Constitutional Court reportedly upheld a ruling made
by Gomel Regional Court on 17 June 2003 to close the NGO resource centre Civic Initiatives.
The resource centre, located in Gomel in south-eastern Belarus, was reportedly used by
approximately 100 civil society groups in the region, including human rights organizations. The
court decision was reportedly made on the basis that the organization had allegedly created
structures not provided for in its founding statutes and had allegedly used foreign fhnding to
purchase its equipment.
50. On 2 June 2003, the Department of Justice allegedly filed a suit with the Vitsbek regional
court to close the Kontur Centre of Youth Initiatives, an NGO working at developing a
democratic culture amongst the youth and occasionally providing legal assistance. On 31 July
2003, the court reportedly ruled to liquidate the organization allegedly on the basis that its
address was different from that officially registered and that the organization had reportedly used
foreign funding.
51. On 22 April 2003, the Department of Justice of Brest Regional Administration reportedly
lodged a complaint with the Brest regional court against Varuta, a resource centre which works
in the field of civil society building and reportedly publishes an information bulletin,
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Page 18
disseminating information about the work of non- registered organizations, in particular human
rights NGOs. The complaint was allegedly based on the fact that the organization was using a
different name from that mentioned in its statute and that it disseminated information on a non-
registered organization. On 9 July 2003, Varuta was reportedly closed.
52. On the 29 October, the Special Representative jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the
promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression sent an urgent appeal
regarding the situation of the Viasna Human Rights Centre, which had been the subject of ajoint
urgent appeal sent by the Special Representative on 30 September 2003. According to the
information received, on 28 October, a judge of the Supreme Court of Belarus reportedly ordered
the closure of the Viasna Human Rights Centre. The case against the organization was reportedly
put forward by the Ministry of Justice for producing false documents while applying for
registration in 1999, violating electoral regulations during the 2001 presidential election and
representing non-members in court, as well as a lack of adequate representation over the territory
to qualify as a national organization. It is reported that the judge dismissed all the charges except
the violation of electoral regulations, which was held sufficient to dissolve this organization.
The ruling was reportedly contested by the head of the organization, Ales Belyatsky, Vladimir
Labkovich and Valentin Stefanovich, two lawyers representing the organization, and five other
members of the organization, who allegedly started a sit-in in the courtroom to denounce what
they saw as a politically motivated decision. They were reportedly detained by the police after
they refused to leave the building and charged with disobedience of police orders under article
166 of the Civil Code. They were due to stand trial on 29 October 2003.
Responses received on cases sent by the Special Representative in previous years
53. By letter of 8 January 2003, the Government replied to the letter of allegation sent by the
Special Representative on 6 November 2002. The Government informed the Special
Representative that Paulina Panasyuk had been found guilty of unlawful picketing which
contravened the Meetings, Rallies and Pickets Act and, given that she had failed to appear in
court and had been unable to pay a fine, she had been placed in administrative detention.
Regarding the voluntary association “Brest Regional Centre for supporting civil initiatives
Vezha” the Government stated that the court's decision to close down the organization was
justified on the grounds that it had breached the Voluntary Associations Act of 4 October 1994.
According to the Government, the organization had been operating under names and addresses
which were inconsistent with those appearing in the association's statutes and in this respect had
been issued with two written warnings. Further to this, the organization also distributed a
newsletter containing information on the activities of unregistered voluntary associations. The
Government also provided further information on the case of Yury Khashchavatsky, Nikolai
Khalesin, Valery Shchukin, Dmitry Bondarenko and Aleh Zhlutko. The Government stated
that all of the above had been found guilty of contravening the Meetings, Rallies and Pickets Act
by leading a rally, which had been authorized by the appropriate authorities, away from the
designated area and causing a breach to the public order. For this reason, they had been placed
under administrative detention, a decision which had been upheld by the Minsk City Court on 29
April 2002.
Observations
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Page 19
54. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its replies to communications sent
in 2002. She notes that a response to some cases raised in 2003 was sent by the Government on
11 February 2004. However due to reporting deadlines it could not be included in the present
report. She hopes to receive soon information on the remaining communications she sent in
2003. She expresses deep concern over the numerous allegations of human rights NGOs being
administratively and judicially closed on the basis of minor administrative irregularities. She is
also concerned that such action by the authorities may lead to restricting freedom of association
unduly and generate an overly restrictive environment for defenders to carry out activities
protected under the Declaration on human rights defenders. She regrets that no response has been
received to her request for an invitation to conduct an official visit first sent on 1 July 2002.
Bolivia
Comunicaciones enviadas
55. El 27 de enero de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Presidente-Relator del Grupo de Trabajo sobre la DetenciOn Arbitraria, el
Relator Especial sobre la promociOn y protecciOn del derecho a la libertad de opiniOn y de
expresiOn y el Relator Especial sobre la situaciOn de los derechos humanos y las libertades
fundamentales de los indigenas en relaciOn con las protestas que han tenido lugar en el pals en
torno ala situaciOn de la regiOn cocalera del Chapare, entre el 13 y el 19 de enero de 2003.
Segün las informaciones recibidas, la intervenciOn de la policia nacional y las fuerzas armadas
para reprimir las protestas habria resultado en varios muertos y heridos. Se informa que el 13 de
enero de 2003, en la localidad de Chimore, Esteban Garcia, de aproximadamente 42 aflos de
edad, habria sido herido en el maxilar inferior por el impacto de un proyectil de arma de fuego.
Por la gravedad de la lesion habria sido evacuado a la ciudad de Santa Cruz. El hecho habria
ocurrido mientras las fuerzas de la policia y el ejército reprimian a productores de hoja de coca
que bloqueaban la carretera entre Cochabamba y Santa Cruz. Se alega que el lunes 13 de enero
de 2003, en diferentes puntos de la ciudad de Cochabamba; como la Plazuela Busch, la Plazuela
San Sebastian, la Laguna Alalay, terminal de autobuses y algunos otros sectores de la ciudad, las
fuerzas de orden y seguridad habrian procedido a detener en forma presuntamente arbitraria e
ilegal a más de 168 ciudadanos. Se alega que los detenidos habrian sido trasladados a diversas
unidades militares, como la de la fuerza aérea. Entre los detenidos se habria encontrado la
ciudadana Judith Camargo, miembro voluntario de la Asamblea Permanente de Derechos
Humanos de Cochabamba. Se informa que el 19 de enero 2003 otras 320 personas habr lan sido
arrestadas y trasladas a la base aérea militar en la ciudad de Cochabamba, cuando se encontraban
velando a su compaflero en la localidad de Parotani. Durante los incidentes se informa que
habr lan muerto más de cuatro personas por proyectiles de armas de fhego. Estos serian: Rómulo
Gonzales Terán, de 18 aflos, en la zona de Cayarrani, Colomi, por herida de bala en el tOrax en
fecha 13 de enero de 2003; Felix Ibarra, en la localidad de Aguirre, por impacto de bala en el
abdomen inferior, en fecha 14 de enero; Willy ilinojosa, de 23 aflos, muerto en Sinahota por
disparo de proyectil de arma de fuego en al abdomen en fecha 14 de enero; Victor ilinojosa, de
35 aflos aproximadamente, por disparo de arma de fuego entre Llavini y Parotani en fecha 14 de
enero; y Escaldercio Orellana, muerto producto del impacto de proyectil de arma de fhego en
fecha 16 de enero en la localidad de San Julián del departamento de Santa Cruz. Asimismo, se
habr la constatado la muerte de la ciudadana Tomasa Condori, hecho que habria ocurrido en la
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Page 20
localidad de Shinaota en circunstancias no esciarecidas. Adrian Martinez, trabajador minero de
48 aflos, tambien habrIa muerto producto del impacto de un proyectil de arma de fuego. El hecho
habrIa ocurrido en la carretera entre La Paz y Oruro en el lugar denominado Cruce de
Machacamarquita, el 19 de enero. Asimismo se recibio informacion sobre Iver Quispe, de 21
aflos, en Palo Blanco, Entre Rios, quien habrIa sido encontrado en la carretera con rasgos de
tortura segün version de los campesinos. Al respecto se recibiO informaciOn indicando que las
Fuerzas Armadas habrIan establecido que fue atropellado en fecha 19 de enero. Segün las
informaciones recibidas, la situaciOn en torno a las protestas seguirla tensa. En vista de las
presuntas violaciones de los derechos humanos que se alega habrIan sido cometidas entre el 13 y
el 17 de enero, se teme por la vida y la integridad de las personas que continüan protestando en
la actualidad.
56. El 2 de abril de 2003 la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgentejuntamente
con la Relatora Especial sobre las ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias, el Relator
Especial sobre la independencia de magistrados y abogados y el Relator Especial sobre la
situaciOn de los derechos humanos y las libertades fundamentales de los indIgenas en relaciOn
con las denuncias graves recibidas segün las cuales en la tarde del 13 de marzo de 2003 Cliver
Rocha, responsable de la Unidad Regional del Centro de Estudios JurIdicos e InvestigaciOn
Social (CEJTS) en Riberalta y asesor de la Central JndIgena de la RegiOn AmazOnica de Bolivia
(CIRABO), habrIa sido agredido en las puertas del Juzgado Agrario de Riberalta cuando se
retiraba de una audiencia püblica en la que se disputaban las tierras de la comunidad La
Esperanza, del pueblo indIgena Tacana. El abogado Cliver Rocha habrIa sido perseguido a la
salida deljuzgado, golpeado en reiteradas oportunidades en la parte posterior de la cabeza y
amenazado de muerte. Se teme que las amenazas y el hostigamiento en contra del Sr. Rocha,
varios miembros del CEJIS y otros abogados podrIan estar relacionados con el asesoramiento
jurIdico a los pueblos indIgenas en los procesos de titulaciOn de los territorios indIgenas
ancestrales. A pesar de las denuncias que habrIan sido interpuestas ante las autoridades
competentes, no se tendrIa informaciOn sobre las medidas tomadas por las autoridades para
sancionar a los responsables de estos actos.
57. El 7 de mayo de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre las ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias,
el Relator Especial sobre la independencia de magistrados y abogados y el Relator Especial sobre
la situaciOn de los derechos humanos y las libertades fhndamentales de los indIgenas en relaciOn
con la agresiOn de la que fue vIctima Cliver Rocha, abogado del CEJIS, cuyo caso ya fue objeto
de un llamamiento urgente enviado el 2 de abril de 2003 por los mismos autores. Segün la
informaciOn recibida, el 23 de abril de 2003 Cliver Rocha habrIa sido golpeado por dos
individuos no identificados que lo habrIan seguido en una motocicleta cuando saliO de su
despacho. Mientras lo golpeaban, los agresores le habrIan repetido que abandonara la zona. Esta
persona habrIa sido vIctima de otra agresiOn el 13 de marzo de 2003 que fue objeto del
llamamiento urgente anteriormente citado. Se teme que las amenazas y agresiones recibidas por
Cliver Rocha y otros abogados del CEJTS, que representan a las comunidades indIgenas de los
departamentos de Beni y Santa Cruz, están relacionadas con sus actividades de asesoramiento
jurIdico a los indIgenas. A pesar de las denuncias püblicas de éstas y otras agresiones
supuestamente sufridas por los abogados del CEJTS no se tiene conocimiento de la existencia de
ninguna investigaciOn al respecto.
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Page 21
58. El 19 de mayo de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la situaciôn de los derechos humanos y las libertades
fundamentales de los indigenas en relacion con las amenazadas recibidas por Carlos Cuasace
Surubi, Presidente de la Organizaciôn Jndigena Chiquitina (OTCH), y Juan Pinto, Presidente de
la Central Jndigena de Comunidades de Concepciôn (CICC). Segün la informacion recibida, el
28 de abril de 2003, habrian sido amenazados por un individuo tras una reunion en la oficina de
la OTCH, en la ciudad de ConcepciOn. Esta persona habrla dicho trabajar para eljefe de la
Unidad Landholding y habrla amenazado de muerte a estas dos personas asi como con posibles
atentados contra las oficinas de la OTCH si continuaban las denuncias contra el ante las
autoridades. Segün las informaciones, la Unidad Landholding es una cooperativa que habria sido
identificada como un establecimiento ilegal por el Jnstituto Nacional de Reforma Agraria
(IINRA). Asimismo, el Fiscal del Estado habria abierto una investigaciOn penal contra dicha
cooperativa por un supuesto delito de destrucciOn e incendio provocado de bosques en el
territorio indigena de Monte Verde. Se teme que estas amenazas estén directamente relacionadas
con las actividades de la OTCH en favor de los derechos de las comunidades indigenas, y en
particular, con aquellas referentes al derecho a la tierra.
59. El 15 de octubre de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre las ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias,
el Relator Especial sobre la cuestiOn de la tortura y el Relator Especial sobre la situaciOn de los
derechos humanos y las libertades fhndamentales de los indigenas en relaciOn con la situaciOn de
al menos 50 personas que habrian resultado muertas como consecuencia de las acciones
combinadas de la policia y el ejército con el fin de neutralizar las manifestaciones y romper los
bloqueos en diversas partes del pals ocurridos desde el 20 de septiembre de 2003. Se informa
igualmente de que centenares de personas habr lan resultado heridas durante estos despliegues. Se
informa de que 14 de estas personas habrian muerto en la ciudad de La Paz el 13 de octubre de
2003. En el desarrollo de dichas operaciones, las fiierzas militares y policiales habr lan hecho uso
excesivo de la fuerza, en particular con la supuesta utilizaciOn de armas de guerra y de grueso
calibre, con el fin de repeler a los manifestantes. Se alega igualmente que varios manifestantes
habr lan sido detenidos. Varias manifestaciones y bloqueos de caminos ya habr lan tenido lugar en
el pals durante las ültimas semanas por parte de sindicalistas, campesinos, mineros, indigenas y
otros actores sociales que habrian exigido al Gobierno el abandono de un proyecto de yenta de
gas y la aprobaciOn de un programa que beneficie a los habitantes locales. La Representante
Especial muestra preocupaciones entorno a la posibilidad de que nuevos enfrentamientos puedan
aumentar el nümero de victimas entre la poblaciOn civil.
60. El 23 de octubre de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente con
respecto a la situaciOn de la Asamblea Permanente de Derechos ilumanos de Bolivia
(APDIIB), que habr la sido victima de un allanamiento en sus oficinas, en la ciudad de La Paz.
Segün los informes recibidos, el 19 de octubre de 2003 durante la madrugada, individuos a
quienes no se ha podido identificar habr lan entrado en las oficinas de la APDHB en la Paz y
habrian sustraido varios aparatos electrOnicos incluido un video VHS, diversos casetes, un DVD
y una computadora portátil. Ademas, estos individuos habrian intentado también sustraer
informaciones que contenian los discos duros de las computadoras de APDHB. Ante este
allanamiento, la APDHB habria interpuesto una demanda ante la Policia Técnica Judicial (PTJ)
de Bolivia. Se teme que este allanamiento de la sede de la APDHB esté relacionado con la labor
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a favor de los derechos humanos que está realizando la mencionada organizaciOn, en ci contexto
difIcil que está actualmente atravesando Bolivia.
Alegaciones
61. Segün se ha informado, en enero de 2001, un agente de la Unidad MOvii de Patrullaje
Rural (UMOPAR) habrIa disparado a Godofredo Reinicke, representante de la Defensorla del
Pueblo en El Chapare, y a su asistente, Silvano Arancibia, cuando ingresaban a la comunidad
de Nuevo Tacaparl, Cochabamba, para investigar presuntas violaciones de los derechos
humanos. El mismo dIa dci presunto incidente, ci acceso de dichos representantes de la
Defensorla dci Pueblo a la base antidroga dci UMOPAR en Chimore habrIa sido denegado
durante una hora. La Defensorla dci Pueblo habrIa denunciado estos hechos a la Fiscaila de
Distrito, la cual habrIa abierto una investigaciOn al respecto.
62. El 11 dejuiio de 2003 la Representante Especial enviO una carta de aiegaciOnjunto con ci
Relator Especial sobre la cuestiOn de la tortura sobre la situaciOn de Rolando Gutiérrez
Aguilar, Presidente de la Asambica Permanente de Derechos Humanos (APDH) en Eterazama,
departamento de Cochabamba, y otros defensores de derechos humanos que habrIan tratado
facilitar ci diaiogo entre campesinos y autoridades durante las manifestaciones y bioqucos de
caminos en la zona de El Chapare en noviembre de 2001 y que habrIan sido vIctimas de ataques
por parte de las fherzas de seguridad. Rolando Gutiérrez Aguilar habrIa sido herido en tres
ocasiones por miembros de las therzas de seguridad en menos de una semana. El 8 de
noviembre de 2001 habrIa sido goipeado con palos por miembros de las fherzas conjuntas. Dos
dIas después, habrIa resuitado herido en la cabeza por una capsuia de gas iacrimOgena y a los dos
dIas de este incidente tres miembros de las fuerzas de seguridad ic habrIan goipeado con los pies,
pegado con palos y propinado goipes con la cacha dci revolver mientras lo habrIan amenazado.
Más tarde habrIa sido detenido temporaimente y ic habrIan confiscado su cámara y su
identificaciOn como miembro de la APDH.
Comunicaciones recibidas
63. Por carta de fecha 19 de mayo de 2003, ci Gobierno informO respecto ala comunicaciOn
enviada por la Representante Especial ci 19 de mayo de 2003 sobre Carlos Cuasace Surubi y
Juan Pinto. InformO que una solicitud habla sido dirigida al Viceministro de Justicia para la
eiaboraciOn de la informaciOn sobre las medidas adoptadas por las autoridades competentes en
observancia de normas constitucionaics y de carácter internacional vigentes en Bolivia.
ConfirmO que serla grato voiver a referirse al mencionado caso oportunamente.
64. Por carta de fecha 27 de octubre de 2003, ci Gobierno informO respecto ala
comunicaciOn enviada por la Representante Especial ci 11 dejuiio de 2003 sobre la situaciOn de
Rolando Gutiérrez Aguilar. JnformO que ci cx Viceministro de Derechos Humanos presentO
una denuncia formal sobre ci caso ci 5 de noviembre de 2002.
65. Por carta fechada ci 10 de noviembre de 2003 ci Gobierno informO respecto al
ilamamiento urgente enviado por la Representante Especial ci 15 de octubre de 2002. El
Gobierno informO de que, en reiaciOn con la situaciOn de los heridos y familiares de failecidos en
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Page 23
los acontecimientos suscitados entre ci 20 de septiembre ye! 17 de octubre, en coordinacion con
miembros de !a Comisiôn Pro-Justicia y Paz efectuo un seguimiento detallado de cada caso con
el propôsito de co!aborar en !a atenciôn medica, econômica yjurIdica. E! Gobierno sefla!o que en
el caso de !os fallecidos concertará un monto de compensaciôn econômica para cada fami!ia de
!as vIctimas, y en el caso de !os heridos también efectuara un pago. Ademas sefla!o que a través
dc l Decreto Supremo de 31 de octubre se estab!ecio una amnistla temporal para !os delitos bajo
!a competencia de !a Ley de Seguridad Ciudadana N.° 2494 por !a cua! se agravan !as penas
establecidas a tipos penaics que tienen que ver con vu!neracion de la seguridad comün. Por
ü!timo, informo que ci Plan Operativo Anual de la PohcIa y las Fuerzas Armadas de 2004
comprende entre sus operaciones la capacitaciôn sobre ci uso de la fuerza fIsica y las armas de
fuego y la difusion de convenios internacionaics.
66. Por carta fechada ci 13 de enero de 2004, ci Gobierno informo respecto a! ilamamiento
urgente enviado por la Representante Especial sobre la situaciôn de Cliver Rocha. El Gobierno
sefla!ô que ci 17 de marzo Cliver Rocha interpuso una denuncia con re!aciôn a! incidente pero,
segün la informacion de las autoridades policiales, abandono la denuncia y como no habla
proporcionado mayores elementos dejuicio, no fue posibie avanzar con la investigaciôn. El
Gobierno también hizo saber que, en fecha 13 dejunio, ci Ministro de Gobierno enviô una nota
a! Fiscal Genera! de la Repüb!ica para informarle de las comunicaciones recibidas en re!aciôn
con este caso con ci objeto de que se realice una investigaciôn. Afirmo que esta investigaciôn
coincidio con ci informe de las autoridades policiales antes subrayado.
Observaciones
67. La Representante Especial quisiera agradecer las respuestas recibidas dc l Gobierno y las
acciones tomadas por las autoridades. Lamenta no haber recibido respuestas a las otras
comunicaciones transmitidas este aflo y también lamenta en particular los supuestos actos de
violencia contra defensores de derechos humanos trabajando por los derechos de los indIgenas.
Bosnia and llerzegovina
Communications sent
68. On 14 May 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on the
question of torture, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning Miaden Mimic, President of the
Citizens' Association “Milicanin” in Milici, Republica Srpska. On 26 March 2003, M!aden
Mimic was allegedly assaulted and beaten in front of his house by a group of unknown men. He
was then reportedly transported to the intensive care unit of the Zvornik Hospital and later to
Belgrade for urgent surgery. M!aden Mimic's family reportedly immediately informed the local
police about this incident but the police allegedly failed to initiate an investigation. Prior to this
assault, on 15 March 2003, M!aden Mimic had allegedly received an anonymous letter
containing threats. The Chief of Milici police and the Public Prosecutor's Office in V!asenica
were reportedly informed of the threats but, allegedly, no action was taken. On 19 April 2003,
M!aden Mimic allegedly received a second anonymous letter of threat explicitly referring to his
recent stay at the hospital. According to the information received, M!aden Mimic's assault may
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
Page 24
be related to his human rights activities and in particular to the denunciation of abuses committed
by public officials in Milici.
Observations
69. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of this report the
Government had not transmitted a reply to her communication.
Brazil
Communications sent
70. On 13 February 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning the
safety of indigenous leader Marcos Luidson de Aráujo, his mother and other members of the
Xucuru indigenous community. On 7 February 2003, Marcos Luidson de Aráujo, his nephew
Diogo Aráujo, AdenIlson Barbosa da Silva and JoseIlton José dos Santos were reportedly driving
a truck in the municipality of Pesquiera in Pernambuco State, when several unidentified gunmen
allegedly opened fire on the truck. AdenIlson Barbosa da Silva and JoseIlton José dos Santos
were reportedly killed. Marcos Luidson de Aráujo, although injured, managed to escape while
Diogo Aráujo was unhurt. A group of Xucuru allegedly gave chase to the attackers, and four of
the Xucuru were reportedly injured. It is reported that by nightfall on the day of the attack, police
had still not arrived at the scene. It is believed that the attack was planned by landowners in the
region. Marcos Luidson de Aráujo and his mother have reportedly received numerous death
threats over the last three years. On October 2002, the Organization of American States (OAS)
called on the Brazilian authorities to protect Marcos Luidson de Aráujo and his mother Zenilda
Maria de Araüjo. At the time the appeal was sent, no protection had yet been provided for the
family.
71. On 17 April 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal concerning
Carmelia Pereira dos Santos, a trade union activist, and Father Luis Ferrari, who reportedly
denounced the alleged torture and death in custody of Nivaldo BrandAo de Oliveira in Andaral
police station and reportedly continued to be involved with attempts to bring those responsible to
justice. According to information received, Nivaldo BrandAo de Oliveira was arrested on 15
February 2003 while visiting his girlfriend, who was being held in Andaral police station.
Nivaldo BrandAo de Oliveira who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol was arrested for
jumping over a gate inside the building. Residents living near the police station reported hearing
the screams of a man being beaten later that night. It was reported that Carmelia Pereira dos
Santos and Father Luis Ferrari both received a number of anonymous telephone threats explicitly
warning them that their lives would be in danger unless they dropped their involvement in the
case.
72. On 9 July 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal concerning the
situation of Brother ilenri Burin des Roziers and members of the CommissAo Pastoral de Terra
and the Sindicato dos Trabalhadores Rurais de RedençAo. According to the information received,
on 6 June 2003, unknown individuals allegedly broke into the headquarters of the Sindicato dos
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Trabaihadores Rurais de RedençAo, and reportedly stole confidential documents, including
research on slavery in the State of Para, leaving behind other valuable objects. It was reported
that following the conviction in May 2003 of the landowner responsible for ordering the 1985
killing of JoAo Canuto de Oliveirai, the first case in the southern region of Pará to result in a
conviction, intimidation and threats against human rights defenders, civil society leaders and
critics of the Government have intensified. Brother Henri Burin des Roziers has allegedly been
subjected to a defamation campaign in the local press. According to the information received,
these renewed attacks might be linked to the work that the CommissAo Pastoral de Terra, and in
particular Brother Rozier and the Rural Workers Union in RedençAo, have been doing on high-
profile cases against impunity for those who commit serious human rights violations in Pará.
73. On 17 October 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,
transmitted an urgent appeal regarding the reported killings of Flávio Manoel da Silva, a key
witness for investigations into the actions of extermination groups operating in the cities of
Itambe and Pedras de Fogo, and of Gerson Jesus Bispo. Both men had reportedly provided
information to the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions during
her country mission to Brazil. On 27 September 2003, Flavio Manoel da Silva was allegedly
killed by two shots to the head fired by two masked men on a motorcycle. On 8 October 2003,
Gerson Jesus Bispo was allegedly shot four times by two gunmen on a motorcycle in Santa
Antonio de Jesus while on his way to work. Concern has been expressed that Flavio Manoel da
Silva and Gerson Jesus Bispo were targeted for cooperating with the Special Rapporteur. Death
threats were allegedly also received by other witnesses met by the Special Rapporteur.
Observations
74. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of the report no
response had been received from the Government. She reiterates her serious concern at violations
allegedly being committed against human rights defenders working to promote the rights of
indigenous persons, labour rights and rights related to land ownership and use. She is seriously
concerned at the killing of two witnesses after they had provided information on alleged abuses
of human rights to a United Nations human rights mechanism. She invites the Government to
take all necessary measures to ensure that the rights enshrined in the Declaration on human rights
defenders are guaranteed.
Bulgaria
Communications sent
75. On 28 November 2003, the Special Representative transmitted a letter regarding the
alleged harassment of Mitio Stefanov Kemalov, an activist working on Roma rights issues in
Bulgaria. According to the information received, on 15 August 2003, Mitio Stefanov Kemalov
sent a complaint to the District Prosecutor's Office of Kazanlak regarding an alleged attack on
18 July 2003 on a Romani neighborhood in the village of Vetren. The attack was reportedly
carried out by three carloads of armed members of a private security firm, which had allegedly
been hired by a local agricultural cooperative farm. On 23 August 2003, Mitio Stefanov
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Kemalov reportedly received a visit at his office from an individual who allegedly told him he
should be careful with this particular firm and “take good care of himself'. On 28 August 2003,
he reportedly received a phonecall from a person claiming to be a representative of the Kazanlak
branch of the private security firm, and asking if it would be possible to meet with him. It is
alleged that the man was verbally abusive, and called Mr. Kemalov a “dirty gipsy”. On 29
August 2003, Mitio Stefanov Kemalov's car was allegedly stolen by an unknown individual.
Concern was expressed that Mitio Stefanov Kemalov may have been targeted in connection to
his work on the rights of the Romani community.
Observations
76. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of this report, the
Government had not transmitted a reply to her communication.
Burundi
Communications envoyées
77. Le 26 fevrier 2003, la Représentante speciale a envoyé un appel urgent conjointement
avec le Rapporteur special sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et
d'expression concernant Alexis Sinduhije, directeur de Radio Publique Africaine. Le 19 fevrier
2003, sa maison aurait etc attaquée par des inconnus. Les informations reçues indiquent que son
garde du corps, M. Nzisabira, aurait été tue lors de cette attaque. Des craintes ont ete exprimées
au sujet de la securite de M. Sinduhije. Les informations reçues indiquent que cette attaque
viserait le travail de Radio Publique Africaine et de son directeur, qui aurait denonce divers cas
de violations de droits de l'homme et de corruption.
Observations
78. La Représentante speciale regrette qu'au moment de la finalisation du rapport aucune
réponse n'ait été reçue.
Cambodia
Communications sent
79. On 6 February 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, transmitted an
urgent appeal regarding Eva Galabru, a representative of the environmental NGO Global
Witness, who was under threat of being sued by the State on charges of disinformation. The
charges reportedly followed a statement by Global Witness describing acts of violence allegedly
committed by law enforcement officials against representatives of forest communities
participating in a peaceful gathering in Phnom Penh on 5 December 2002. According to the
information received, Eva Galabru had faced similar charges before the Phnom Penh Municipal
court in March 2002 and was the victim of a violent attack by men armed with sticks on 30 April
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2002. In addition, it is alleged that Uch Kim Nary, the Director of the Cambodian NGO Peaceful
Women for the Environment, has been threatened with arrest by the police. She has reportedly
been accused by Phnom Penh officials of helping to organize the gathering of 5 December 2002.
Observations
80. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of this report the
Government had not transmitted a reply to her communication.
Cameroon
Communications envoyées
81. Le 20 aoüt 2003, la Représentante spéciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special sur
la question de la torture, a envoyé une lettre d'allégation sur la situation du Mouvement pour Ia
defense des droits de I'homme et des libertés (MDDIIL), en particulier de deux de ses
membres Blaise Yacoubou et Aminou Mohamadou, et de leur prCsident, Abdoulaye Mathe.
Le 10 aoüt 2003, Blaise Yacoubou et Aminou Mohamadou auraient etC convoquCs ala brigade
des recherches de Maroua pour rCcupCrer leurs papiers d'identitC qui auraient etC confisquCs le 30
avril par le chef de district de Ndoukoula. A leur arrivée le 11 aoüt 2003, les deux hommes
auraient été notifies qu'ils Ctaient recherchCs depuis plusieurs mois et considCrCs en fuite. Ils
auraient été accuses par le procureur du departement de DiamarC de s'être introduits, au cours de
leur mission du mois d'avril, dans le bureau du chef du district de Ndoukoula et de l'avoir
menace, avant de prendre la fuite en laissant derriere eux leurs papiers d'identite. Ils auraient été
incarcCrCs, et n'auraient été autorisCs ni a boire ni a manger. Ils auraient été liberes le 13 aoüt
2003 dans un Ctat de sante prCcaire, sans que leurs papiers leur soient rendus. Le l7juin 2003 le
président du MDDHL, Abdoulaye Mathe, au sujet duquel un appel urgent avait été envoyé par
la Représentante spéciale le 18 janvier 2002, aurait été arrété sans mandat et serait resté en garde
a vue au poste de police judiciaire de Maroua pendant deux jours, sans accCs a un avocat. Ces
arrestations répétées seraient l'effet d'instructions données par le procureur de la République
auprCs des tribunaux de Diamaré aux officiers de la police judiciaire du département de procéder
a l'arrestation des militants des droits de l'homme se trouvant dans sa circonscription. Des
craintes ont été exprimées que ces arrestations ne visent a faire obstacle a leurs activités de
protection des droits de l'homme, en particulier aux activités d'enquête du MDDHL et leur
dénonciation d'exécutions extrajudiciaires par les forces de l'ordre.
82. Le 4 décembre 2003, la Représentante spéciale conjointement avec le Rapporteur special
sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberté d'opinion et d'expression et la Rapporteuse
spéciale sur les executions extrajudiciaires, sommaires ou arbitraires, a envoyé un appel urgent
concernant les menaces de mort qu'aurait reçues Franka Nzounkekang, directrice de
l'organisation des droits humains Human Rights Defence Group (I-IRDG). Selon les informations
communiquées, le 22 novembre 2003, aux environs de 21 h 40, Franka Nzounkekang aurait reçu
la visite d'un homme faisant référence a un communiqué de presse publié par HRDG sur les
violations des droits humains contre le peuple borroros mettant en cause son employeur qui serait
également un ami personnel du Président Biya. L'homme lui aurait alors demandé de
l'accompagner mais, devant son refus, il serait parti. Le 24 novembre, Franka Nzounkekang
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aurait etc informee qu'un fonctionnaire de la police speciale aurait declare qu'une operation
speciale se preparait contre HRDG et qu'elle serait elle-méme arretee. Le 26 novembre 2003 vers
22 h 00, un taxi dans lequel elle se trouvait aurait etc suivi par une voiture de marque Toyota
dont les occupants n'ont pas etc identifies. Le chauffeur de taxi ayant semble-t-il note que les
feux de la Toyota etthent eteints, aurait fait demi-tour et serait parvenu a semer la voiture. Le
méme jour, le Ministre des communications aurait public un communique de presse condamnant
un document sur la torture au Cameroun public le 31 octobre 2003 par la Federation
internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme (FIDH), en collaboration avec HRDG et d'autres
organisations des droits humains camerounaises. Ce communique de presse aurait allegue que
certaines organisations non gouvernementales ternissent l'image du Gouvernement du
Cameroun. Le 27 novembre 2003 vers 17 h 00, Franka Nzounkekang aurait reçu un coup de
telephone anonyme l'avertissant qu'une personnalite de haut rang aurait ordonne de la tuer et lui
aurait conseille de faire attention.
83. Le 4 decembre 2003, la Representante speciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special
sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et d'expression et la Rapporteuse
speciale sur les executions extrajudiciaires, sommaires ou arbitraires a envoyc un appel urgent
concernant le harcélement suppose d'Alh Wakil et Bouba Dirva, deux membres du Mouvement
pour la defense des droits de l'homme et des libertes (MDDHL), et de Madeleine Afité,
presidente de Action des chretiens pour l'abolition de la torture (ACAT) a Doula. Selon les
informations reçues, le 28 novembre 2003 a 23 h 00, Bouba Dirva aurait reçu la visite de deux
gendarmes armes en tenue civile a son domicile a Kousseri prés de Maroua. Les gendarmes lui
auraient signifie qu'il etait sur une liste de personnes recherchees. Ils seraient partis en lui
extorquant la somme de 100,000 francs CFA. Le 29 novembre 2003, le domicile d'Alh Wakil
aurait etc fouille sans mandat. Selon les informations reçues, le 23 novembre, le lendemain du
retour de Madeleine Afite de Genéve oü elle aurait participe a la trente et uniême session du
Comite contre la torture, les serrures de son lieu de travail auraient etc forcees. Le 28 novembre
2003 a environ 21 h 00, trois policiers auraient etc vus sillonnant les alentours de la maison des
parents de Madeleine Mite. Au méme moment, cette derniêre aurait reçu un coup de telephone
anonyme de personnes cherchant a savoir oü elle se trouvait. Des craintes ont etc exprimees que
cc harcélement suppose pourrait être lie a la publication d'un rapport par la Federation
internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme (FIDH) sur la torture au Cameroun, au cours de
la redaction duquel les charges de mission de la FIDH auraient rencontre Alh Wakil et
Madeleine Afite.
Observations
84. La Representante speciale regrette qu'au moment de la finalisation du rapport aucune
reponse a ses communications n'ait etc reçue. Elle est vivement preoccupee par les allegations de
harcélement dont les defenseurs et membres d'ONG sont apparemment victimes de la part des
autorites, en particulier en relation avec leur travail de documentation et de denonciation des
violations des droits de l'homme. Elle invite le Gouvernement a prendre toutes les mesures
necessaires pour garantir le respect des droits enonces par la Declaration sur les defenseurs des
droits de l'homme.
Chad
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Communications envoyees
85. Le 24 octobre 2003, la Representante speciale a envoye un appel urgent sur la situation
de FM Liberte, une radio creee par des ONG independantes de defense des droits de l'homme
dont cue serait devenue le principal relais au Tchad. Selon les informations reçues, FMLiberté
aurait etc fermee par arrete du Ministére de la securite publique et de l'immigration, en date du
21 octobre 2003, invoquant <>, sans
apporter plus de precision. Sa fermeture ferait suite a une emission critique a l'egard du President
de la Republique du Tchad. Des craintes ont etc exprimees que cette fermeture ne soit un moyen
de faire obstacle aux activites de la radio en faveur des droits de l'homme.
86. Le 2 decembre 2003, la Representante speciale a envoye un appel urgent sur la situation
de Jacqueline Moudeina, avocate et defenseur des droits de l'homme. Selon les informations
reçues, le 11 novembre 2003, le tribunal correctionnel de N'djamena aurait decide la relaxe des
trois accuses dans l'affaire Jacqueline Moudelna. Ce procés repondait a de presumees violations
qui auraient eu lieu enjuin 2001 lors dune marche pacifique de femmes contre les fraudes
electorales constatees lors du scrutin presidentiel, et au cours de laquelle les forces de securite
auraient lance des grenades a feu sur les manifestantes. Me Jacqueline Moudelna aurait etc
griêvement blessee au cours de cette manifestation. Elle aurait decide de porter plainte, avec six
autres femmes tchadiennes, auprés du tribunal de N'Djamena le 18 mars 2002, pour violences
illegitimes, et coups et blessures aggraves. Selon les informations reçues, le tribunal
correctionnel aurait suivi le requisitoire du Procureur de la Republique qui aurait affirme que
l'infraction n'etait pas constituee, precisant que les prevenus auraient agit conformement aux
ordres donnes par leur superieur hierarchique. Le Procureur aurait alors declare que pour juger
cette affaire, il faudrait remonter aux plus hautes autorites de l'Etat. Des craintes ont etc
exprimees quant au fait que cc jugement, en particulier le requisitoire du Procureur de la
Republique, ne represente une forme d'impunite et n'accroisse la vulnerabilite des defenseurs des
droits de l'homme au Tchad.
87. Le 3 decembre 2003, la Representante speciale a envoye un appel urgent concernant
Souleymane Guengueng, fondateur de l'Association des victimes de la repression politique au
Tchad (AVCRP), une organisation qui travaille a faire la lumiêre sur les violations des droits
humains commises durant le regime de Habre, membre de la Commission nationale des droits
de l'Homme, ayant reçu le <> de Human Rights Watch, et archiviste de la
Commission du Bassin du Lac Tchad (CBLT). Selon les informations reçues, Souleymane
Guengueng aurait etc suspendu de son poste pendant trentejours sans salaire par une lettre en
date du 15 mars 2002. La lettre aurait cite l'article 7 des statuts de la CBLT et d'autres motifs lies
a son travail, et l'aurait informe que d'autres sanctions pourraient survenir s'il ne renonçait pas a
ses activites au scm de 1'AVCRP. L'article 7 stipulerait que les membres du personnel <> Souleymane Guengueng, qui en depit de cette sanction aurait
continue son travail au scm de son organisation, aurait etc notifie le 27janvier 2003 de son
licenciement par une lettre en date du 14 novembre 2002, signe par le directeur de la CBLT,
invoquant comme motifs les articles S et 7 des statuts de la CBLT, ainsi que des supposes
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manquements a ses obligations d'employe. Des craintes ont etc exprimees que Souleymane
Guengueng n'ait etC licencie en relation avec son travail en faveur des droits humains, en
particulier au scm de 1'AVCRP. A cet egard, la ReprCsentante speciale a attire l'attention sur les
articles 5 et 6 de la Declaration sur les defenseurs des droits de l'homme, qui garantissent, y
compris aux fonctionnaires internationaux, la liberte d'association et le droit de transmettre des
opinions et des renseignements sur les droits humains.
Observations
88. La ReprCsentante speciale regrette qu'au moment de la finalisation du rapport aucune
rCponse a ses communications n'ait etC reçue.
Chile
Comunicaciones enviadas
89. El 25 de abril de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente con
respecto ala situaciôn de TravesChile, agrupaciôn que trabaja en la defensa de los derechos de
las personas transgenero en Santiago. Segün la informacion recibida, el 12 de abril de 2003 un
grupo de 20 hombres habrIa atacado el local, golpeando a los activistas que allI se encontraban y
disparando al aire con armas de fhego. La vicepresidente de TravesChile habrIa sido
hospitalizada como consecuencia de los golpes recibidos. El mismo grupo de 20 hombres habrIa
robado los bienes de la organizaciôn y destrozado sus instalaciones. Pese a haber sido alertada, la
policla habrIa tardado en acudir y no habrIa detenido a ninguno de los atacantes. Se teme que el
ataque en contra de TravesChile este relacionado con la documentacion y denuncia por parte de
la agrupaciôn de casos de abusos policiales contra personas transgenero.
Observaciones
90. La Representante Especial lamenta la ausencia de una respuesta a esta comunicaciôn.
China
Communications sent
91. On 12 February 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on the question of torture, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning Wang Jinbo, a 30-year-old
prisoner and former member of the banned China Democracy Party, who is believed to have
been repeatedly subjected to attacks by fellow inmates in a prison in Shandong Province. It is
reported that prison authorities failed to ensure his safety and to take action against the
perpetrators. It is also alleged that his family was not permitted to visit him and had its telephone
cut off by the authorities. According to the information received, he was arrested in May 2001
and charged with “inciting the subversion of State power” in relation to articles he had sent to
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overseas Chinese organizations calling for a re-evaluation of the 1989 Tiananmen protests and
the release of political prisoners in China. He was reportedly tried on 14 November 2001 by the
Intermediate People's Court in Linyi, Shandong Province, and subsequently sentenced to four
years' imprisonment. His family was allegedly not permitted to attend the trial. Since his arrest,
Wang Jinbo has reportedly gone on several hunger strikes to protest against his treatment. Fears
have been expressed for his physical integrity if prison authorities do not take prompt and
appropriate action.
92. On 2 April 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Chairman-Rapporteur of
the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning the alleged
arrests of three family members of Yuzhi Wang, a defender of the rights of Falun Gong
practitioners. According to the information received, Chengyuan Wang, Yuzhi Wyng's brother,
was arrested and detained by the Public Security Bureau of Hei Long Jiang Province in Harbin
on 17 January 2003. His sisters Yuxiang Wang and Chunyu Wang were reportedly arrested by
the police on 19 March in the cities of Guang Zhou and Man Zhou Li, respectively, and allegedly
held in Ha Er Bin. According to our information, the three may have been arrested as a response
to the human rights activities of their sister, Yuzhi Wang, a Falun Gong practitioner who has
been active in drawing attention to human rights abuses allegedly committed against other Falun
Gong practitioners in China.
93. On 5 August 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the question of torture, transmitted a letter of allegation regarding iluang Qi, a
computer engineer, who was reportedly arrested in Chengdu on 3 June 2000 with his wife, Zeng
Li, allegedly for setting up China's first domestic human rights web site. It is reported that Zeng
Li was released several days later and that in January 2001, Huang Qi was charged with
“subversion”. A first court hearing of Huang Qi's case was reportedly held on 13 February 2001.
Diplomatic representatives from the European Union and the American Consulate in Chengdu
were allegedly refused permission to attend the trial. The trial was reportedly postponed because
Huang Qi collapsed in court, and rescheduled for 23 February 2001 but postponed once again,
allegedly because of Huang Qi's poor health. It is reported that he was brought to trial again on
14 August 2001 by the Chengdu Intermediate People's Court and that the trial was held in secret.
It is alleged that no verdict or sentence has been made public. In an open letter written in prison
in 2001, Huang Qi reportedly described how he was ill-treated and beaten by three policemen
after his arrest. He allegedly stated that he had tried to commit suicide but was prevented from
doing so. His wife and young son have reportedly never been allowed to visit him while in
detention and his lawyer was reportedly permitted to visit him only once after his arrest in June
2000.
94. On 3 December 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, sent an urgent
appeal regarding the alleged criminal prosecution and imprisonment of Zheng Enchong, a
lawyer who has reportedly been active in representing persons suffering from alleged abuses of
their economic and social rights. According to the available information Zheng Enchong was
convicted by the Shanghai Second Intermediate People's Court on 28 October 2003 and
sentenced to three years' imprisonment, on charges of “illegally providing State secrets to
entities outside China” in the context of his dissemination of information relating to the situation
of families displaced from their homes in a development project and the surrounding by police of
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striking workers on 9 May 2003. According to the information received Zheng Enchong was
accused of sending information to a human rights organization outside China.
95. On 8 December 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on the question of torture, sent a letter of allegation regarding iluang Qi, a computer engineer,
who was reportedly arrested in Chengdu on 3 June 2000 with his wife, Zeng Li, allegedly for
setting up China's first domestic human rights web site. It was reported that Zeng Li was released
several days later and that in January 2001, Huang Qi was charged with “subversion”. A first
court hearing of Huang Qi's case was reportedly held on 13 February 2001. According to the
information received, the European Union and the American Consulate in Chengdu tried to send
diplomatic representatives to attend the trial but were turned away. The trial was reportedly
postponed because Huang Qi collapsed in court. His trial was rescheduled for 23 February 2001
but proceedings were reportedly postponed once again, allegedly because of Huang Qi's poor
health. It is reported that he was brought to trial again on 14 August 2001 by the Chengdu
Intermediate People's Court and that the trial was held in secret. The Special Rapporteur and the
Special Representative were informed that no verdict or sentence has been made public. It is
reported that in an open letter written in prison in 2001, Huang Qi described how he was ill-
treated and beaten by three policemen after his arrest. He also allegedly stated that he had tried to
commit suicide but was prevented from doing so. His wife and young son have reportedly never
been allowed to visit him while in detention and his lawyer was permitted to visit him only once
after his arrest in June 2000.
Communications received
96. By letter dated 29 April 2003, the Government replied to the communication sent
regarding the situation of Wang Jinbo. The Government informed the Special Representative
that the aforementioned person had been found guilty by the Linyi Intermediate People's Court
of incitement to the overthrow of State power and that he had, accordingly, been sentenced to
four years' imprisonment on 24 May 2001. The Government stated that, contrary to what had
been alleged, Wang Jinbo had not been subjected to torture and that he had received regular,
unbroken visits from his family. The Government also stated that the Penal Code, the Code of
Criminal Procedure and Prison Regulations, amongst others, afforded the full guarantee of the
rights of offenders and prisoners and explicitly prohibited physical and verbal abuse, corporal
punishment or ill-treatment.
97. By letter dated 16 May 2003, the Government responded to the urgent appeal sent by the
Special Representative on 2 April regarding the arrest of family members of Yuzhi Wang. The
Government informed the Special Representative that Chengyuan Wang had been taken into
criminal detention by the Heilongjiang provincial public security authorities on suspicion of
disrupting public order through activities organized by Yuzhi Wang and that during the course of
the investigation it had come to light that he had also paid bribes to public officials. His case had
therefore been referred to the procuratroial authorities. The Government informed the Special
Representative that Yuzhi Wang had, in accordance with the law, been ordered to serve a term of
three years' labour re-education. On 5 May 2002, for health reasons, she was granted approval
to serve her term outside the custodial facility. The Government also informed the Special
Representative that on 1 June 2002 the aforementioned person had left the country. With regard
to Yuxiang Wang and Chunyu Wang, sister and brother of Yuzhi Wang, the Government
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affirmed that its inquiries had established that no arrests had been made as alleged in the
communication sent.
Responses received on communications sent by the Special Representative in previous years
98. By letter dated 28 November 2002, the Government replied to the urgent appeal sent
jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Chairman- Rapporteur of
the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on 16 September 2002 regarding Wan Yanhai. The
Government stated that he had been detained by members of the Beijing State Security Bureau
on suspicion of unlawfully transmitting State secrets abroad. According to the Government, Wan
Yanhai had requested in writing that his family should not be notified of his detention and had
voluntarily renounced his rights to legal counsel. The Government further stated that due to his
positive attitude in acknowledging his guilt and making a statement of repentance, he was
granted a discharge on 20 September 2002. The Government assured that he had not been
subjected to ill-treatment while in detention and that, at the time it transmitted this reply, Wan
Yanhai's health was entirely satisfactory.
99. By letter dated 17 December 2002, the Government replied to the urgent appeal sent
jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture on 10 October 2002 concerning Li
Qun. The Government informed that she was taken by her family to the Nanjimng psychiatric
hospital on 28 March 2000. She was diagnosed as suffering from paraphora and with the
agreement of her family admitted to a hospital for treatment. She was discharged from the
hospital on 16 June 2000. On 3 April 2001, the Nanjing city labour re-education department
ordered her to serve one year and six month's labour re-education owing to her adherence to
Falun Gong. Her term was subsequently extended. She was due to be released in the near future.
Observations
100. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its responses. She also notes
information she has received from non-governmental sources indicating that family members of
Yuzhi Wang were released from their alleged detention over a period of one to three months
following the incidents reported and, if this information is accurate, she thanks the Government
for its actions in this regard. The Special Representative regrets that she has yet to receive
responses to some other communications.
Colombia
Comunicaciones enviadas
101. El 2 de diciembre de 2002, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la cuestiôn de la tortura y el Presidente-Relator del
Grupo de Trabajo sobre la Detenciôn Arbitraria en relaciôn con Telberto Gonzalez, Presidente
del sindicato departamental SINDAGRICULTORES de Sucre, que se encontrarla detenido desde
el 30 de octubre de 2002. Se alega que seis soldados del batallón Bafin de Corsal habrian llegado
en una camioneta roja, sin orden de arresto y habrIan subido a Telberto Gonzalez a dicha
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camioneta. Hasta la fecha, Telberto Gonzalez se encontraria incomunicado. Segün las
informaciones recibidas el 20 de septiembre de 2002 habria sido allanada la casa de Telberto
Gonzalez.
102. El 28 de enero de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente en
relacion con la seguridad de Maria Eugenia Lopez, miembro de la secciôn de Medellin de
ASFADDES de Colombia, a raiz de los informes que indican que paramilitares han estado
buscándola. En este contexto se alega que familiares de Maria Eugenia Lopez habrian recibido
informaciOn seflalando que algunos paramilitares habrian llegado al barrio de El Limonar 2, en
Medellin, departamento de Antioquia, el 24 de diciembre de 2002. Segün los informes, estos
paramilitares habrian recibido la orden, de otro grupo paramilitar que actüa en la zona, de buscar
a la familia LOpez. El 31 de diciembre, un hombre y una mujer que viajaban en una motocicleta
se habrian detenido ante la casa de Maria Eugenia LOpez y habrian llamado repetidamente a la
puerta. Se alega que llevaban una fotografia de Maria Eugenia LOpez. Estos se habrian marchado
porque nadie les habria abierto la puerta. El 9 de enero de 2003, segün indican los informes, los
paramilitares habrian enviado a un joven a informar a Maria Eugenia LOpez de que Barny la
esperaba. Barny seria el nombre de un conocido paramilitar que actüa en la zona. Maria Eugenia
LOpez habria respondido que no conocia a nadie con ese nombre. Segün los informes, eljoven le
pidiO que lo acompaflara, pero ella se negO. Tras este amenazador incidente, Maria Eugenia
LOpez habria abandonado la zona. Maria Eugenia LOpez es miembro de ASFADDES desde que
dos de sus familiares, Olga Luz Echevarria Arreiza y Eliecer Perez Morales, desaparecieron el 28
de marzo de 1990 en el municipio de Yarumal, departamento de Antioquia. El 5 de junio de
1990, otros seis familiares de Maria Eugenia LOpez (Marta Maria LOpez, Luis Gildardo LOpez
Gaviria, Ana Yoli Duque LOpez, Marta Milena Duque LOpez, Elvia Rosa Espinosa y Hernán
Quintero) resultaron muertos, segün los informes, durante un ataque perpetrado por un grupo
paramilitar conocido como Los Doce ApOstoles. Al parecer, el compaflero de Maria Eugenia,
CristObal Vargas, desapareciO el 20 de enero de 1991 en el municipio de San Pablo,
departamento de Antioquia.
103. El 13 de febrero de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias en
relaciOn con la situaciOn de peligro en la que se encuentran los miembros de la organizaciOn no
gubernamental (ONG) de derechos humanos ComisiOn Intereclesial de Justicia y Paz, que
hace campafla contra las violaciones de derechos humanos cometidas por las fuerzas de
seguridad y por paramilitares contra las comunidades civiles en las regiones en conflicto en
Colombia y que ya fueron el sujeto de dos llamamientos urgentes enviados el 11 de abril y el 19
de agosto de 2002. D c acuerdo con las informaciones recibidas, el 2 de febrero de 2003, a las
20.20, un individuo no identificado habria amenazado por telefono a los miembros de Justicia y
Paz, diciendo: “muerte a los guerrilleros de derechos, ya se lo dijimos”. Por otro lado, se
informa que el 25 de noviembre de 2002, se habia enviado una amenaza de muerte por escrito a
Danilo Rueda, defensor de los derechos humanos. Segün los informes, las amenazas podrian
proceder de paramilitares. Asimismo, se informa que las oficinas de Justicia y Paz en Bogota
habrian sido vigiladas por hombres armados no identificados entre el 15 y el 20 de diciembre.
104. El 4 de abril de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente con
respecto a la situaciOn de Domingo Tovar Arrieta, director del departamento de derechos
humanos de la Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT) y Ana Paulina Tovar Gonzalez,
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estudiante, hija del anterior, quienes habrIan recibido amenazas. Segün la informaciOn recibida,
ci 17 de enero de 2003, Ana Pauhna Tovar Gonzalez y su hermana habrIan sido seguidas por un
grupo de hombres que habrIa intentado introducir a Ana Paulina Tovar Gonzalez a la fuerza en su
automOvii. Un transeünte habrIa acudido en ayuda de las dos muchachas que se habrIan
escapado. Los informes indican que hacia las 06.20 del 21 de marzo, cuando Ana Paulina Tovar
Gonzalez se dirigla caminando al Hospital de Barranquilila, en ci departamento de Atiantico,
donde trabaja haciendo prácticas universitarias, habrIa sido abordada por dos hombres no
identificados. Al parecer, uno de elios la habrIa agarrado y empujado hacia un automOvii que
aguardaba. Los informes indican que, una vez que la introdujeron en ci automOvii, ic habrIan
propinado varios pufletazos, antes de que ella consiguiera escapar. El 28 de marzo, Domingo
Tovar Arrieta habrIa recibido una ilamada amenazadora en su telefono por radio, un teléfono que
ci Gobierno habrIa proporcionado como protecciOn a los defensores de los derechos humanos
tras las amenazas que éstos habrIan recibido y ante ci temor por su seguridad. La autora de la
ilamada habrIa sido una mujer no identificada que habrIa dicho: <>. Segün la informaciOn recibida, a principios de marzo, Domingo Tovar Arrieta habrIa dado
a las autoridades informaciOn sobre un plan paramilitar para matar a varios dirigentes sindicaics
nacionaics, entre los que se encontrarla éi mismo.
105. El 29 de abril de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un ilamamiento urgente con
respecto a la situaciOn de la Comisión Colombiana de Juristas. Segün la informaciOn recibida,
representantes gubernamentaics y/o particulares cercanos a altos representantes dci Gobierno
estarlan acusando de manera continua y reiterada a los miembros de la ComisiOn Colombiana de
Juristas de tener contactos con los grupos guerrilileros, en particular con las Fuerzas Armadas
Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC). La fuente informO que ci 27 de febrero de 2003, un
conocido senador se habrIa referido a esta organizaciOn como ci “brazo desarmado yjurIdico de
las FARC” durante un programa de la cadena estatal de television Seflal Colombia. Sc informO
de que ci mismo senador habrIa reiterado sus acusaciones ci 25 de marzo durante una sesiOn
pienaria dci Senado de la Repübiica, que habrIa sido retransmitida por ci mismo canal de
television. Sc teme que, debido al contexto actual en Colombia, tales acusaciones pübiicas
realizadas tanto por oficiales como por particulares, podrIan incrementar la vuinerabilidad de los
defensores de derechos humanos aumentando la posibilidad de sufrir amenazas de muerte, e
inciuso, ataques contra su integridad fIsica.
106. El 11 de agosto de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un ilamamiento urgente
juntamente con ci Relator Especial sobre la promociOn y protecciOn dci derecho a la libertad de
opiniOn y de expresiOn y ci Relator Especial sobre la situaciOn de los derechos humanos y las
libertades fundamentaics de los indIgenas en reiaciOn con la desapariciOn de Nhora Cecilia
Velasquez Cortés, miembro de la AsociaciOn Nacional de Mujeres Campesinas, Negras e
JndIgenas de Colombia (ANIVIUCIC) y presidenta de la misma organizaciOn en la regiOn de
Rionegro, departamento de Cundinamarca. Dc acuerdo con la informaciOn recibida, Nhora
Cecilia Velasquez Cortés partiO ci 21 dejuiio de 2003 hacia las 14.00 de la propiedad Los
Naranjos en la zona rural de Sasaima (Cundinamarca). Tenla una cita a las 15.00 dci mismo dIa
con su hija y con Juan Segundo Cabrero. Nhora Cecilia Velasquez Cortés nunca iiegO ala
reuniOn y se desconoce su paradero. Sc informa que en 2002 ella y su familia comenzaron a
recibir amenazas de los grupos armados de la regiOn, segün se afirma, pertenecientes a un grupo
paramilitar. Ademas, de acuerdo con la informaciOn recibida, en todas las regiones donde
ANMUCIC ha extendido su labor (Gualiva, Tequendama, Magdaiena Centro y ci Guavio), se
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habrIa convertido en objeto de acoso frecuente y directo por parte de los grupos paramilitares.
Al parecer, ci 25 dejunio de 2002 uno de los grupos paramilitares habrIa amenazado con
asesinar a Nhora Cecilia Velasquez Cortés y a su familia si no desistla de su labor.
107. El 20 de agosto de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un ilamamiento urgente
Juntamente con ci Relator Especial sobre la promociôn y protecciôn del derecho a la libertad de
opinion y de expresiOn en relaciOn con la situaciOn de Mauricio Alvarez, Victor Jaimes,
Juvencio Seija y Elkin Menco, directivos de la UniOn Sindical Obrera (USO) de los
Trabajadores dci PetrOico, en Barrancabermeja, departamento de Santander y cuyo caso the
considerado en ilamamientos urgentes de 24 de Julio de 2001 y 7 de marzo de 2002 de la
Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias y la Representante
Especial. Segün la informaciOn, habrIan recibido amenazas de muerte por parte de un grupo
armado identificado como Muerte a Dirigentes de la UniOn Sindical Obrera (MDU). Dc acuerdo
con los informes recibidos, ci 15 de agosto de 2003 en la madrugada, trabajadores miembros de
USO encontraron en las instalaciones de la mencionada organizaciOn sindical una tarjeta de
condolencia como las que se envIan a la familia de un difunto (sufragio) en donde se amenazarla
de muerte a los directivos arriba nombrados. Dc acuerdo con la informaciOn recibida, las
amenazas referidas podrIan guardar relaciOn con la negociaciOn de la convenciOn colectiva
presentada por ci sindicato USO a la empresa estatal colombiana de petroicros ECOPETROL. Sc
alega que tal negociaciOn habrIa generado la militarizaciOn de las refinerlas de Cartagena y
Barrancabermeja, la detenciOn y criminalizaciOn de varios miembros de USO por parte de las
autoridades y la supuesta impiementaciOn por parte de la empresa de poilticas discriminatorias
en la evaluaciOn de la labor realizada por los trabajadores. Estas amenazas se hailarlan
enmarcadas en un contexto de hostigamiento y amenazas contra la vida y la de las familias de los
dirigentes sindicaics de la subdirectiva de USO con sede en Cartagena y de la directiva nacional
presente tanto en Barrancabermeja como en Bogota, y más generaimente contra la actividad
sindical desarroilada por USO.
108. El 22 de agosto de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un ilamamiento urgente
Juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias y ci
Relator Especial sobre la situaciOn de los derechos humanos y las libertades fundamentaics de
los indIgenas en relaciOn con Leonora Castaflo, presidenta de ANIVIUCIC, que estarla siendo
obJeto de amenazas de muerte, y otras dos muJeres miembros de ANIVIUCIC, Nora Cecilia
Velasquez y Blanca Nubia Diaz, que habrIan permanecido desaparecidas durante ci tiempo
abaJo indicado. Dc acuerdo con la informaciOn recibida, ci 13 de agosto de 2003, a las 09.00, en
ci transcurso de una reuniOn, Leonora Castaflo habrIa recibido una ilamada telefOnica en su
celular de aiguien que habrIa pretendido ser su novio y habrIa dicho que la esperaba después de
su reuniOn. Sc informa de que Leonora Castaflo pudo verificar que esa ilamada no fue realizada
por su pareJa. Ese mismo dIa, Leonora y otros miembros de ANIVIUCIC habrIan sido seguidos
por un hombre sin identificar cuando iban a participar en una reuniOn con la ComisiOn
Colombiana de Juristas. El 19 de agosto, se habrIa hailado un mensaJe de amenaza de muerte a
su familia en la oficina de ANMUCIC en Bogota. El mensaJe habrIa sido firmado por la
Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC), un grupo paramilitar. Estas amenazas sucederlan a la
supuesta desapariciOn y tortura de otras dos muJeres miembros de ANIVIUCIC. En particular,
Nora Cecilia Velasquez, ilder de ANIVIUCIC en ci departamento de Cundinamarca, cuyo caso
fue considerado por ci Relator Especial sobre la promociOn y protecciOn dci derecho a la libertad
de opiniOn y de expresiOn, ci Representante Especial dci Secretario General sobre la situaciOn de
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los defensores de los derechos humanos y ci Relator Especial sobre la situaciôn de los derechos
humanos y las libertades fundamentales de los indigenas en sus ilamamientos urgentes conjuntos
de 11 de agosto de 2003. Dc acuerdo con los informes recibidos, habria sido retenida por fuerzas
paramihtares, durante tres dias, desde ci 21 de Julio. Durante ese tiempo habria sido victima de
tortura o malos tratos fisicos y psicoiogicos. Sc alega que Nora Cecilia Velasquez fue
repetidamente interrogada sobre los lideres de ANMUCIC, en especial, sobre Leonora Castaflo.
Sc alega tambien que Bianca Nubia Diaz, activista de ANIVIUCIC en ci departamento de La
Guajira, habria sido despiazada ala fuerza ala capital de Bogota, ci 1.0 de agosto. Aili habria
sido retenida durante dos horas por fherzas paramilitares e interrogada sobre los lideres de
ANMUCIC. Sc ic habria enseflado una “lista negra” de personas amenazadas de muerte donde
aparecerian los nombres de lideres de ANIVIUCIC, entre elios, ci de Leonora Castaflo. A la iuz de
las alegaciones de torturas o malos tratos sufridos por otros miembros de ANIVIUCIC por su
reiacion con Leonora Castaflo, se han expresado temores por su integridad fisica y por la de otros
miembros de ANMUCIC.
109. El 21 de octubre de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un ilamamiento urgente con
respecto al supuesto asesinato de EsperanzaAmaris Miranda, defensora de derechos humanos,
miembro dci equipo base de la Casa de la Mujer dci Nor-Oriente de la Organizaciôn Femenina
Popular (OFP), situada en ci barrio Primero de Mayo, Barrancabermeja. Segün las informaciones
recibidas, ci 16 de octubre, tres paramilitares armados habrian ilegado a bordo de un vehiculo de
servicio pübiico airededor de las 19.30 a la puerta de la casa de Esperanza Amaris Miranda en ci
barrio Versailes. Amaris Miranda habria sido forzada a entrar en ci auto a pesar de los ruegos de
su hija quien se habria ianzado al vehiculo, siendo arrastrada durante aproximadamente 200
metros hasta caer y quedar sobre ci piso, herida en un hombro. Cinco minutos despues de estos
hechos, Esperanza Amaris Miranda habria sido asesinada por los paramilitares frente al coiegio
Camilo Torres Restrepo y su cadaver arrojado en la via pübiica. El Comité Operativo
Jntersectoriai de la OFP habria instaurado un mecanismo de comunicaciôn para tener una
reacciôn inmediata frente a cuaiquier tipo de vioiacion de los derechos humanos. La OFP intentô
comunicarse con la fherza pübiica en ci momento mismo en que se habria tenido conocimiento
de su desaparicion, sin éxito a pesar de este mecanismo, puesto que nadie contestô a las
ilamadas. Sc teme que este asesinato esté relacionado con su trabajo a favor de los derechos
humanos, y en particular en reiacion con sus denuncias ante la Fiscalia de las amenazas
provenientes de grupos paramilitares.
110. El 12 de noviembre de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un ilamamiento urgente
Juntamente con ci Relator Especial sobre la promociôn y protecciôn dci derecho a la libertad de
opinion y de expresiOn y la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o
arbitrarias en relaciOn con la situaciOn de Domingo Tovar Arrieta, director dci departamento de
derechos humanos de CUT, quien habria recibido una amenaza de muerte. Segün los informes
recibidos, ci 30 de octubre de 2003, Domingo Tovar Arrieta habria recibido en su teléfono mOvil
una ilamada anOnima cuyo autor ic amenazO con atentar contra su vida. Segün las informaciones
recibidas, ci individuo habria pronunciado las palabras: “pagará con su vida la pérdida dci
referendo”. Segün las fuentes, paramilitares habrian amenazado a varios sindicatos y ONG que
habrian ilamado a la pobiaciOn a la abstenciOn. La Representante Especial y los Relatores
Especiales temen que esta presunta amenaza de muerte esté relacionada con la campafla ilevada a
cabo por Domingo Tovar Arrieta y su sindicato a favor de la abstenciOn en ci referendum
nacional que tuvo lugar ci 25 de octubre en Colombia.
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
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111. El 3 de diciembre de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la promociôn y protecciôn del derecho a la libertad de
opinion y de expresiOn y la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o
arbitrarias en relaciOn con la seguridad de Adriana Cuéllar, periodista yjefa de la oficina de
comunicaciones del colectivo de abogados José Alvear Restrepo. D c acuerdo con las
informaciones recibidas, el 24 de noviembre de 2003, Adriana Cuéllar habrIa recibido en el
contestador de su casa insultos y amenazas de muerte contra ella y miembros de su familia.
Asimismo, el 25 de noviembre, desconocidos habrIan entrado a su residencia y habrIan robado
documentos relacionados con su trabajo. Se teme que estas amenazas de muerte estén
relacionadas con su actividad en el ambito de los derechos humanos. Se informa que los
miembros del colectivo de abogados José Alvear Restrepo estarlan siendo vIctimas de constantes
amenazas y hostigamiento. En este sentido, la Corte Jnteramericana de Derechos Humanos les
habrIa otorgado medidas cautelares, exigiendo que el Estado colombiano brindara una protecciOn
especial a favor de los trabajadores de dicha organizaciOn.
Comunicaciones recibidas
112. Por carta fechada el 29 de enero de 2004 el Gobierno proporcionO más informaciOn sobre
el caso de Esperanza Amaris Miranda. El Gobierno informO que los hechos relacionados con
el homicidio están siendo investigados por la Fiscalla Unidad Nacional de Derechos Humanos y
Derecho Internacional Humanitario de la ciudad de Bucaramanga que ya ha detenido a un
miembro de las autodefensas. El Gobierno se comprometiO a seguir atento al resultado de las
investigaciones e informar oportunamente a la Representante Especial.
113. El 6 de mayo de 2003, el Gobierno de Colombia enviO una comunicaciOn a la
Representante Especial en relaciOn con las presuntas continuas amenazas contra Domingo
Tovar Arrieta, de la central de trabajadores CUT. El Gobierno informO de que el Sr. Arrieta es
beneficiario de medidas cautelares otorgadas por la ComisiOn Jnteramericana de Derechos
Humanos desde el 21 de noviembre de 1997. El Gobierno indica, ademas, que clii de abril de
2003, llevO a cabo una reuniOn con las entidades competentes con el objeto de analizar la
situaciOn del Sr. Tovar Arrieta y de su familia. En esta reuniOn participaron la Vicepresidencia
de la Repüblica, el Ministerio del Interior, la Policla Nacional, el Departamento Administrativo
de Seguridad, la Procuradurla General de la NaciOn, la Fiscalla General de la NaciOn y la
Defensorla del Pueblo. El Gobierno de Colombia informa de las medidas que se tomaron durante
esta reuniOn. En la reuniOn, el Ministerio del Interior informO de que Domingo Tovar Arrieta se
encuentra en el programa de protecciOn desde 1998. AsImismo, el Comité de ReglamentaciOn y
EvaluaciOn de los Riesgos (CRER) aprobO en reuniOn de marzo de 2003 nuevas acciones,
incluso la designaciOn de un escolta de confianza. Frente a las denuncias de hechos nuevos que
pondrIan en graves riesgos a sus hijas residentes la ciudad de Barranquilla, se determinO, como
medida de urgencia, el desplazamiento de uno de los escoltas desde la ciudad de Bogota y la
utilizaciOn de un vehIculo blindado, como medida provisional. Entretanto, la Fiscalla General de
la NaciOn informO que se verificarán los estados de las investigaciones adelantadas, pero solicitO
que el Sr. Tovar Arrietajudicialice los nuevos hechos denunciados y amplIe las denuncias
presentadas. El Gobierno, asI como la Procuradurla General de la NaciOn, haran una revisiOn y
seguimiento a las medidas, seguirán atentos al resultado de la investigaciOn e informarán
oportunamente a la Representante Especial.
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
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114. El 18 de septiembre de 2003 el Gobierno de Colombia enviO una nota diplomatica en
relaciOn con la presunta desapariciOn de Nhora Cecilia Velasquez Cortés, miembro de
ANMUCIC y Presidenta de la misma organizaciOn en la regiOn de Rionegro, departamento de
Cundinamarca. La policla informO que una vez conocido el hecho se realizO un programa con
unidades del Departamento de Policla para su büsqueda y localizaciOn. Una vez conocida la
informaciOn se procediO a reportar todas las unidades del Distrito. El Comando del
Departamento de Policla de Cundinamarca tomO contacto con el Personero del municipio de
Sasaima, quien suministrO caracterIsticas fIsicas para la identificaciOn de la Sra. Velasquez, las
cuales fueron difundidas a las unidades. A raIz de eso, a las 04.00, un patrullero de la policla
abordO a una mujer que correspondla a la descripciOn de la Sra. Velasquez y la guiO hasta la
estaciOn, donde the identificada por el comandante. La Sra. Velasquez asegurO que cuando se
trasladaba a una reuniOn en la escuela de la Vereda El MojOn, el 21 de Julio de 2003, en la cual
tenla que entrevistarse con un profesor del Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA), fue
interceptada por tres individuos que vestlan prendas y portaban armas a uso privativo de las
fuerzas militares, y quienes le propiciaron un golpe en la cabeza, quedando en estado de
inconsciencia, para luego hurtar su cedula de ciudadanla, algün dinero y algunas Joyas.
Posteriormente, fue llevada al hospital DiOgenes Troncoso de ese municipio, con el fin que le
realizara una valoraciOn médica. A las 11.00, personal de la SIPOL-DECUN, la condujo hacia el
Departamento de Policla de Cundinamarca, en la ciudad de Bogota, donde se procediO a
recepcionar la respectiva denuncia por los hechos sucedidos, diligencia que the interrumpida por
una funcionaria de la ComisiOn Colombiana de Juristas, quien solicitO la intervenciOn de la
Defensorla del Pueblo, instituciOn que avalO el proceso y considerO transparente el cumplimiento
de la normatividad por parte de la Seccional de Policla Judicial (SIJTN). Finalmente se procediO a
realizar un acta de diligencia en presencia de la Defensorla del Pueblo, de los abogados de la
ComisiOn Colombiana de Juristas y del personal de la Policla Judicial. El Gobierno de Colombia
seguira informando oportunamente a la Representante Especial.
115. Por carta fechada el 25 febrero de 2003 el Gobierno contestO a la comunicaciOn
transmitida sobre el caso de Telberto Gonzalez. JnformO que el 27 diciembre el Sr. Gonzalez
fue retenido en diligencia de allanamiento en su lugar de residencia el 31 de octubre. La
situaciOnjurIdica fue resuelta con detenciOn preventiva sin beneficio de excarcelaciOn. Sin
embargo y en atenciOn de su edad, el despacho considerO pertinente cambiar su sitio de reclusion
por el lugar de su domicilio. El Gobierno seflalO que el Sr. Gonzalez no tuvo queja sobre el
procedimiento y confirmO que no habla sido objeto de malos tratos y en la actualidad no se
encontraba privado de la libertad. Ademas informO de que el caso del Sindicato de Pequeflos y
Medianos Agricultores de Sucre habla sido presentado para analisis por parte del Comité de
ReglamentaciOn y EvaluaciOn de Riesgos y que el Gobierno seguira atento al resultado de las
investigaciones, al respecto de lo cual informara a la Representante Especial.
Seguimiento de comunicaciones transmitidas previamente
116. Por carta de 7 de enero de 2003, el Gobierno respondiO a un llamamiento enviado por la
Representante Especial Junto con el Relator Especial sobre la situaciOn de los defensores de los
derechos humanos de los indIgenas y el Relator Especial sobre la cuestiOn de la tortura el 5 de
Junio de 2002 sobre Rigoberto Medina Dagua y Wellinton Medina Dagua. El Gobierno
informO que el Ministerio del Interior requiriO mediante oficio a la Oficina de Derechos
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
Page 40
Humanos del Ministerio de Defensa Nacional y a la Fiscalia de la NaciOn que se verificara la
informaciOn. Segün la Procuradurla General de la NaciOn se adelantO investigaciOn disciplinaria
en la Delegada Disciplinaria para los Derechos Humanos, la cual se encontraba en etapa de
indagaciOn preliminar. El Gobierno informO igualmente que la Personeria Municipal de Jamundi
recepcionO declaraciOn juramentada de Rigoberto Medina Dagua y Wellington Medina Dagua,
dentro del procedimiento de investigaciOn de carácter averiguatorio por presunta falta
disciplinaria.
117. Por carta de 15 de enero de 2003, el Gobierno respondiO al llamamiento enviado por la
Representante Especial juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales,
sumarias o arbitrarias y la Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la mujer el 21 de
noviembre de 2002. El Gobierno informO de que el Programa Presidencial para los Derechos
Humanos junto con la Procuraduria General de la NaciOn venian haciendo un trabajo de
sensibilizaciOn con las autoridades locales y que ya decidieron adoptar medidas de seguridad
para la sede de la OFP en Barrancabermeja y desarrollar actividades para fomentar la cultura de
seguridad ciudadana en general. Ademas se comprometiO a fortalecer la lucha contra la
impunidad. AfirmO que esta acciOn tuvo como finalidad lograr el reconocimiento del trabajo de
la OFP y el respeto por la vida y por la labor que adelantan sus miembros.
118. Por carta de 20 de febrero de 2003, el Gobierno proporcionO más informaciOn sobre la
carta de alegaciOn enviada por la Representante Especial el 7 de octubre de 2002 sobre los casos
de la Asociación de Familiares de Detenidos Desaparecidos (ASFADDES), Daniel Ernesto
Prado; OFP, Yolanda Becerra, Dora Guzmán y Gloria Ampara Suárez; Comité
Permanente para Ia Defensa de los Derechos ilumanos (COMPERDII), Ernesto Amezquita
Camacho y Luis Jairo RamIrez. El Gobierno informO que el 22 de noviembre de 2002 a
Daniel Ernesto Prado le the aprobado un esquema protectivo individual auxilio por el Comité de
ReglamentaciOn y EvaluaciOn de Riesgos. JnformO que no fue posible adelantar un estudio de
nivel de riesgo para Yolanda Becerra ya que ella no habia accedido a que se le efectuara dicho
estudio. La Oficina de ProtecciOn Especial solicitO al Departamento Administrativo de
Seguridad (DAS), seccional de Santander, el 10 de diciembre de 2001 la adopciOn de
mecanismos preventivos para Dora Guzmán y Gloria Ampara Suárez. InformO que Ernesto
Amezquita Camacho a la fecha residia thera del pals y que no hubo registros de actuaciones
institucionales en el entorno de Luis Jairo Ramirez.
119. Por carta de 25 de febrero de 2003, el Gobierno respondiO al llamamiento urgente
enviado por la Representante Especial juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la cuestiOn de la
tortura y el Presidente-Relator del Grupo de trabajo sobre la DetenciOn Arbitraria el 2 de
diciembre de 2002 en relaciOn con Telberto Gonzalez. El Gobierno confirmO que the retenido
el 31 de octubre de 2002. La situaciOn jur ldica se resolviO con detenciOn preventiva sin beneficio
de excarcelaciOn. Sin embargo, en atenciOn a su edad, se considerO pertinente cambiar su sitio de
reclusion por el lugar de su domicilio. El Fiscal 10 Seccional de Corozal, Sucre, ordenO
suspender la detenciOn preventiva domiciliaria. Durante la indagatoria, Telberto Gonzalez fue
asistido por funcionarios de la Defensoria del Pueblo regional y de la Procuradora Judicial 299
Penal. El Gobierno asegurO que segün afirmO Telberto Gonzalez, no fue objeto de malos tratos.
Cuando el Gobierno proporcionO esta informaciOn, ya se encontraba en libertad.
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
Page 41
120. Por carta de 25 de febrero de 2003, ci Gobierno respondio ala carta de aiegacion enviada
por la Representante Especial ci 3 de octubre de 2002 juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre
ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias en reiacion con ci homicidio de Angela
Yesenia Briflez. El Gobierno precisô que no se ha presentado ninguna denuncia. Asimismo se
informo que la investigaciôn por tales hechos se encuentra en la etapa de pruebas, habiendose
identificado como autor a un miembro del Frente 21 de las FARC que opera en la zona de Piaya
Rica y Roncesvaiies, ci cual fue deciarado persona ausente. El proceso continua en la fase de
instrucciôn. Tambien informo sobre ci homicidio de Ana Ruby Urrego, ocurrido ci 3 de octubre
de 2001. Asimismo informo de que no se habrIa presentado denuncia, por lo que ci trámite de la
investigaciôn se habrIa iniciado de oficio. Tampoco se habrIa dado inicio a la etapa de
instrucciôn por cuanto no existe medio probatorio que amerite la iniciaciôn de la acciôn penal.
Ademas proporcionô informacion sobre ci homicidio de Jorge Freite Romero. Informo que a la
fecha, la investigaciôn se estaba realizando en la Unidad de Derechos Humanos de la Fiscaila
General de la Naciôn.
121. Por carta de 2 de abril de 2003, ci Gobierno respondio al ilamamiento enviado por la
Representante Especial ci 7 de octubre de 2002 en reiacion con las presuntas amenazas recibidas
por Ernesto Amezquita Camacho, miembro de COMPERDH. El Gobierno informo de que una
investigaciôn oficial está pendiente, a través de la cual se estabieceran las responsabihdades de
las presuntas violaciones.
122. Por carta de 2 de abril de 2003, ci Gobierno respondio ala carta de aiegacion enviada por
la Representante Especial juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales,
sumarias o arbitrarias sobre los casos de Difanol Sierra Vargas, Aury Sara Murrugo, Luis
Antonio Castro Aguirre, Oswaldo Moreno Ibagué y llernán de Jesus Parra. El Gobierno
informo que investigaciones segulan adelante en todos los casos. En ci caso de Difanol Sierra
Vargas todavIa no se habla podido identificar a los presuntos responsabies dci homicidio ni
tampoco ci cuerpo u organismo al que pertenecen. En ci caso de Aury Sara Murrugo se
confirmo que los presuntos responsabies provenlan de las AUC y que se habla proferido una
orden de captura contra tres personas. En cuanto los casos de Luis Antonio Castro Aguirre,
Oswaido Moreno Ibagué y Hernán de Jesus Parra, informo de que hasta la fecha no se habla
logrado identificar a los autores de dichos homicidios.
123. Por carta fechada ci 28 de noviembre de 2003, ci Gobierno respondio al ilamamiento
urgente enviado por la Representante Especial ci 7 de octubre de 2003 sobre la situaciôn de
Oswal Moreno Ibagué y Jorge Adolfo Freytter Romero. Informo que ci asesinato de Oswai
Moreno Ibagués se encuentra en estudio preliminar en la Procuradurla Delegada Disciplinaria
Derechos Humanos. Con respecto al asesinato de Jorge Freytter Romero, informo que mediante
resoiucion de octubre de 2001, la Direcciôn Nacional de Fiscailas dispuso la remisiôn de la
actuaciôn adelantada con ocasiôn dci homicidio de manera inmediata la Unidad Nacional de
Derechos Humanos. El Gobierno confirmo que seguirá atento al resuitado de las investigaciones
y que informará oportunamente a la Representante Especial.
124. Por carta de 17 de diciembre de 2002, ci Gobierno respondio a una comunicaciôn enviada
por la Representante Especial juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones
extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias ci 10 de diciembre de 2002 sobre Rafael Jaimes Parra.
El Gobierno informo que a la fecha la investigaciôn se encontraba en etapa de instrucciôn pero
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
Page 42
que ya se habla identificado a dos presuntos responsables del homicidio, contra quienes se
profirio orden de captura. El Gobierno se comprometiô a seguir atento al resultado de las
investigaciones e informar oportunamente a la Representante Especial.
Observaciones
125. La Representante Especial quisiera agradecer las respuestas del Gobierno y las acciones
tomadas por las autoridades. Lamenta no haber recibido respuestas a las otras tres
comunicaciones transmitidas este aflo. La Representante Especial está muy preocupada por la
cantidad de supuestos actos de violencia y de amenazas de muerte contra los defensores de
derechos humanos, especialmente los cometidos por grupos paramilitares.
Costa Rica
Seguimiento de comunicaciones transmitidas previamente
126. Por carta de 6 de enero de 2003 el Gobierno respondio ala comunicaciôn enviada por la
Representante Especial el 25 de noviembre de 2002 sobre las amenazas e intimidaciones de que
habrIan sido objeto los funcionarios de la ONG Casa Alianza. Segün el Gobierno, se
impartieron ordenes para que oficiales de la policla especial de apoyo brinden acompaflamiento a
las personas amenazadas las 24 horas del dIa, incluidos los fines de semana, hasta fecha no
definida.
Cuba
Comunicaciones enviadas
127. El 14 de enero de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la promociôn y protecciôn del derecho a la libertad de
opinion y de expresiOn en relaciOn con la detenciOn de Oscar Elias Biscet, Guido Sigler
Amaya, Ariel Sigler Amaya, Enrique Perez llernández, Juan Felipe de Ia Torre Resqueijo,
José Antonio Perez Morel, Yoenis Junco Sardiflas, Yosvany Junco Sardiflas, Justo Julio
Sierra Silva, Julián Rodriguez Trujillo, Virgilio Marante Guelmis, Orlando Zapata
Tamayo, Luis Góngora Perez, Armando Rodiles Rebilla, RaW Arencibia Fajardo, Pablo
llernández Mayan y Juan Antonio Agflero Perez. D c acuerdo con las informaciones
recibidas, estas personas fheron detenidas y golpeadas el 8 de diciembre de 2002 en la Avenida
de Acosta, en la barriada de Lawtown en La Habana, cuando participaban en un encuentro
pacIfico en el que el Sr. Biscet impartla clases sobre derechos humanos. Cabe recordar que en el
pasado el Sr. Biscet habrIa sido detenido por sus actividades educativas en el area de los
derechos humanos y que desde su liberaciOn impartla clases, como la que tuvo lugar el 8 de
diciembre, sobre esta materia. Los informes agregan que el Sr. Biscet estarla detenido en la
PrisiOn Combinado del Este. El ministerio püblico lo habrIa acusado de desorden y mal
comportamiento. Virgilio Marante se encontrarla en la PrisiOn 1580, Orlando Zapata Tamayo en
la PrisiOn Guanajay y Raül Arencibia Fajardo en la de Valle Grande. D c acuerdo con las
informaciones recibidas, ya habrIan sido liberados Armando Rodiles Rebilla, Pablo Hernandez
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
Page 43
Mayan, Juan Antonio Aguero Perez, Juan Felipe de la Tore Resqueijo, Yoenis Junco Sardiflas y
Yosvany Junco Sardiflas.
128. El 19 de mayo de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente
Juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la promociôn y protecciôn del derecho a la libertad de
opinion y de expresiOn y el Relator Especial sobre la independencia de magistrados y abogados
en relaciOn con un grupo de 78 personas, entre ellas defensores de derechos humanos,
sindicalistas, periodistas y activistas politicos, que habrian sido arrestadas y condenadas por su
oposiciOn a las politicas del Gobierno. Muchas de las personas mencionadas en el llamamiento
serian conocidas por las actividades que realizan en favor de la promociOn y la protecciOn de los
derechos humanos en Cuba. Segün las informaciones recibidas, el Gobierno los habria acusado
de colaborar con una potencia extranJera para socavar la integridad del Estado. En este contexto
recordamos el llamamiento urgente enviado el 20 de marzo de 2003 por el Presidente-Relator del
Grupo de TrabaJo de sobre la DetenciOn Arbitraria, el Relator Especial sobre la promociOn y
protecciOn del derecho a la libertad de opiniOn y de expresiOn y el Relator Especial sobre la
cuestiOn de la tortura en el que se seflala la informaciOn recibida sobre la presunta detenciOn de
varias de las personas mencionadas en la lista proporcionada en anexo [ en el original]. Segün las
informaciones recibidas, las 78 personas habrian sido arrestadas a partir del 18 de marzo de 2003
y habrian sido procesadas en Juicios sumarios y a puerta cerrada que tuvieron lugar entre los dias
3 y 7 de abril. BaJo el marco de la Ley de ProtecciOn de la Independencia Nacional y Economia
de Cuba y la Ley de ReafirmaciOn de la Dignidad y Soberania Cubanas, 75 de las personas
detenidas habrian recibido sentencias que varian de 6 a 28 aflos de encarcelamiento, mientras que
otras 3 se encontrarian baJo arresto domiciliario.
129. El 28 de noviembre de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente
Juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la promociOn y protecciOn del derecho a la libertad de
opiniOn y de expresiOn con respecto a la situaciOn de Oscar Espinosa Chepe, que habia sido
obJeto de un llamamiento urgente conJunto enviado por el Relator Especial sobre la cuestiOn de
la tortura, el Relator Especial sobre la promociOn y protecciOn del derecho a la libertad de
opiniOn y expresiOn y el Presidente-Relator del Grupo de TrabaJo sobre la DetenciOn Arbitraria
el 21 de Julio de 2003. El caso de Oscar Espinosa Chepe tambien fue considerado por el Relator
Especial sobre la promociOn y protecciOn del derecho a la libertad de opiniOn y expresiOn, el
Relator Especial sobre la independencia de los magistrados y abogados y la Representante
Especial en su llamamiento conJunto con fecha de 19 de mayo de 2003. En este contexto, se
toma nota de las informaciones proporcionadas sobre este caso por el Gobierno de Cuba a travCs
de sus comunicaciones del 27 de mayo y 6 de octubre de 2003. Recientemente, se han recibido
nuevas alegaciones sobre el estado de salud de Oscar Espinosa Chepe, segün las cuales sufriria
de un trastorno hepatico crOnico, una inflamaciOn crOnica y agravada del estOmago y el duodeno,
problemas hepaticos agudos asi como hipertensiOn. D c acuerdo con las informaciones recibidas,
permaneceria recluido en una celda de aislamiento de la PrisiOn Militar Carlos J. Finlay con las
luces permanentemente encendidas. No se le permitiria hacer uso del telefono ni recibir o enviar
correspondencia. Sus familiares habrian sido notificados que podran visitarlo “dependiendo de
cOmo se comporten”. Se alega que dicha condiciOn se podria referir a las declaraciones
realizadas por la esposa de Oscar Espinosa Chepe a medios de comunicaciOn internacionales. La
familia se habria queJado de la supuesta falta de informaciOn proporcionada sobre el estado de
salud del preso y sobre el tratamiento recibido. Se habria continuado a expresar preocupaciOn por
la presunta ausencia de atenciOn medica adecuada.
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
Page 44
130. El 3 de marzo de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la promociôn y protecciôn del derecho a la libertad de
opinion y de expresiOn, el Relator Especial sobre la cuestiOn de la tortura y el Presidente-Relator
del Grupo de Trabajo sobre la DetenciOn Arbitraria con respecto a la situaciOn de Leonardo
Miguel Bruzón Avila, presidente de la organizaciOn Movimiento Pro Derechos Humanos 24 de
Febrero, quien habria sido detenido el 23 de febrero de 2002, supuestamente para impedir su
participaciOn en las actividades de conmemoraciOn de los hechos ocurridos el 24 de febrero de
1996, fecha en que dos aviones en los que viajaba un grupo de cubanos en el exilo fueron
abatidos por la Fuerza ACrea cubana. Desde entonces, Leonardo BruzOn habria permanecido
detenido sin que se le hubiera imputado ningün cargo ni se hubiera fijado fecha para sujuicio. El
30 de octubre de 2002, el Relator Especial sobre la cuestiOn de la tortura transmitiO un
llamamiento en relaciOn a su situaciOn, pero no ha recibido respuesta alguna por parte del
Gobierno. Leonardo BruzOn habria empezado una huelga de hambre el 7 de diciembre de 2002.
Se alega que se le ha negado el tratamiento medico especializado que requiere su delicada salud.
Los sintomas que padeceria incluyen una severa pCrdida de peso, fiebre, debilidad, hematomas y
problemas digestivos, ademas de trastornos neurolOgicos y espasmos involuntarios en los brazos.
Actualmente se encontraria recluido en una celda de castigo de la prisiOn de Combinado del Este
que mediria tres por tres metros y que estaria constantemente inundada a causa de una fuga de
agua. Se le habrian suspendido sus derechos a salir al aire libre y a recibir visitas de sus
familiares. Debido a su fragil estado de salud, se teme por su integridad fisica si no se toman
unas medidas médicas rapidas y adecuadas.
131. El 8 de septiembre de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente con
respecto al caso de Elizardo Sanchez Cruz. D c acuerdo con la informaciOn recibida, Elizardo
Sanchez Cruz habria sido invitado a participar en la conferencia bianual sobre defensores de los
derechos humanos que organiza Frontline, una ONG con sede en Dublin (Irlanda) que trabaja en
la defensa de los defensores de los derechos humanos. La conferencia deberia celebrarse entre el
10 y el 12 de septiembre de 2003 en Dublin. Elizardo Sanchez Cruz habria solicitado el
correspondiente permiso para salir de Cuba al Ministro del Interior. También habria reservado un
vuelo al efecto para el dia 3 de septiembre de 2003. Se informa de que el pertinente permiso de
salida le habria sido denegado el dia 2 de septiembre por lo que no habria podido tomar el vuelo
reservado.
Alegaciones
132. La Representante Especial recibiO informaciOn relacionada con presuntos actos de
intimidaciOn contra integrantes de la Fundación Cubana de Derechos ilumanos (FCDII), el 8
de marzo de 2001, en Ciego de Avila. Segün la informaciOn proporcionada, más de 30
integrantes de dicha organizaciOn habrian intentado asistir a la reuniOn ordinaria mensual de la
Secretaria Nacional, pero habrian sido impedidos por las fuerzas combinadas de la Policia
Nacional Revolucionaria y la Policia Politica. Dichas therzas habrian procedido al arresto de
varios integrantes de la FCDH, les habrian levantado actas de advertencia o acusado de
asociaciOn y reuniOn ilicitas. Otros habrian sido expulsados de Ciego de Avila o habrian tenido
que pagar multas. El 5 de abril de 2001, en Placetas Villa Clara, la Policia Politica habria
acordonado la casa donde se habria organizado una reuniOn de la FCDH, para impedir que los
integrantes de la organizaciOn participen en la misma. Los activistas habrian sido obligados a
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
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regresar a sus domicilios y aigunos habrlan sido arrestados posteriormente para expuisarios hacia
otros pobiados.
Comunicaciones recibidas
133. Por carta fechada ci 3 de marzo, ci Gobierno contestO ala comunicaciOn transmitida por
la Representante Especial sobre la situaciOn de Leonardo Miguel Bruzon Avila. El Gobierno
informO que la persona nombrada fue detenida por la comisiOn de actos constitutivos de delito en
virtud de la iegisiaciOn penal vigente antes de la comisiOn de los mismos y gozO de todos los
beneficios del debido proceso.
134. Por carta fechada ci 27 de mayo, ci Gobierno contestO ala comunicaciOn transmitida por
la Representante Especial a propOsito de la situaciOn de los 26 defensores de derechos humanos.
El Gobierno informO que ninguna de las personas referidas en la comunicaciOn se pudiera
calificar como defensor de derechos humanos y que fueron sancionadas por actos subversivos
por tribunaics competentes tras haberse cumplido las garantias dci debido proceso.
135. Por carta fechada ci 2 de septiembre, ci Gobierno contestO ala comunicaciOn transmitida
por la Representante Especial sobre ci caso de Oscar Ellas Biscet. El Gobierno informO de que
no se tratO de un encuentro pacifico sino de una grave incidencia de desorden pübiico, la cual fue
instigada por Oscar Ellas Biscet y por la cual fue sancionado por los tribunaics competentes a 20
aflos de privaciOn de libertad por ci delito de instigaciOn para delinquir y otras tipificaciones
delictivas directamente dirigidas a lesionar la soberania y ci orden constitucional de la naciOn.
SeflaiO que hasta ci momento de la sanciOn, ci Sr. Biscet compartiO la ceida con dos personas y
además, segün las investigaciones realizadas durante la detenciOn, trasiado y permanencia en la
unidad de policia, se pudo constatar que fueron respetados los requisitos dci debido proceso y se
observaron estrictamente las normas de procedimiento penal vigentes. Además seflaiO que las
autoridades contaron con abundantes elementos probatorios de que ci Sr. Biscet habia estado
ejecutando actividades subversivas durante varios aflos, instruidas y financiadas no solo por ci
Gobierno norteamericano sino por organizaciones terroristas de origen cubano radicaics en la isia
que, por su parte, habian causado graves daflos econOmicos al pals y la perdida o mutiiaciOn
permanente de casi 5.000 cubanos y cubanas.
136. El 6 de octubre de 2003, ci Gobierno respondiO a la comunicaciOn enviada por la
Representante Especial sobre Elizardo Sanchez Santa Cruz. El Gobierno entregO un ejempiar
de un hbro titulado El Camalthn escrito por dos periodistas cubanas, lo cual manifesto que la
ünica intenciOn poiltica de Elizardo Sanchez Santa Cruz era la dci dinero y de la ganancia.
Segün ci hbro, las invitaciones, las giras internacionaics, los premios y sus contactos con
organizaciones de derechos humanos sirvieron solo para ganar favores y recursos. SeflaiO que la
misiOn de Elizardo Sanchez Santa Cruz era entregar informaciOn —faisa o manipulada— y asi
transmitir preocupaciones y ganar ci favor de la sociedad norteamericana.
Seguimiento de comunicaciones transmitidas previamente
137. Por carta de 28 de mayo de 2003, ci Gobierno respondiO a la comunicaciOn enviada ci 25
de abril de 2002 por la Representante Especial juntamente con ci Relator Especial sobre la
cuestiOn de la tortura y ci Relator Especial sobre la promociOn y protecciOn dci derecho a la
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
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libertad de opinion y de expresiOn. SeflalO que ninguno de los nombres mencionados en la
denuncia se correspondiO con ci de personas acreditadas como periodistas en Cuba. InformO que
Juan Carlos Gonzalez Leyva y ci resto de los autores de los hechos descritos se encontraban en
prisiOn preventitiva mientras se avanza en ci expediente de fase preparatoria por los delitos de
desorden pübhco, resistencia y desacato. ConfirmO que contarán sin excepciOn con todos los
beneficios del debido proceso y que, atendiendo a la discapacidad de Juan Carios Gonzalez
Leyva, se mantiene en las instalaciones del Organo de instrucciOn judicial de la provincia de
HoiguIn, donde existlan mejores condiciones para brindarie un tratamiento adecuado.
Observaciones
138. La Representante Especial quisiera agradecer al Gobierno las respuestas recibidas. La
Representante Especial lamenta la faita de medidas por las autoridades en favor de los defensores
de derechos humanos citados y lamenta igualmente no haber recibido respuestas a las otras
comunicaciones transmitidas este aflo.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Communications envoyees
139. Le 22 avrii 2003, la Representante speciale a envoye un appel urgent conjointement avec
le President-Rapporteur du Groupe de travail sur la detention arbitraire, le Rapporteur special sur
la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et d'expression et la Rapporteuse
speciale sur la situation des droits de i'homme en Republique Democratique du Congo,
concernant i'arrestation de M. Prince Kumwamba N'sapu, directeur administratif et financier
adjoint de le section du Katanga de i'Association africaine de defense des droits de i'homme
(ASADHO) et M. Grégoire Mulamba Tshisakamba, secretaire general du Centre des droits de
i'homme et du droit humanitaire (CDH), le 16 avrii 2003. Scion les informations reçues, le 15
avrii 2003, ces organisations, conjointement avec la Commission de vuigarisation des droits de
i'homme et du developpement (CVDHO), auraient pubhe un communique de presse sur
i'inconstitutionnahte de la Cour d'ordre mihtaire (COM). Le communique aurait etc distribue le
15 avrii avant i'audience de la COM. Le méme jour, piusieurs personnes en possession dccc
communique de presse auraient etc arretees a la sortie de i'audience. Informes de ces
arrestations, Prince Kumwamba N'sapu et Gregoire Mulamba Tshisakamba se seraient rendus a
la COM de Lubumbashi le 16 avrii 2003 afin de verifier ces informations. us auraient alors etc
arretes le 16 avrii et emmenes ala prison de Kassapa. us devaient etrejuges le 17 avrii 2003 par
la COM pour <>, de méme que les personnes arretees le 15 avrii.
140. Le 2juiiiiet 2003, la Representante Speciale a envoye un appel urgent conjointement avec
le Rapporteur special sur la question de la torture et la Rapporteuse speciale sur la situation des
droits de i'homme en Republique Democratique du Congo concernant Donatien Kisangani,
activiste et administrateur financier de SEDI, une ONG pour la promotion et protection des
droits de i'homme a Uvira. Ii aurait etc arrete le 27 juin 2003 prés de la frontiêre burundaise et
emmene aux bureaux de la securite oü un officier, dont le nom nous a etc communique, i'aurait
gifle et aurait essaye de i'etrangier avec une corde. Ii aurait etc accuse par les services de securite
d'appartenir au SLAP, un mouvement supposement pro-Mal- Mal. Ii serait detenu dans un
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cachot militaire dans des conditions inhumaines et aurait entre autres des difficultés pour manger
dues a des douleurs au cou.
141. Le 20 octobre 2003, la Représentante spéciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special
sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberté d'opinion et d'expression, le Rapporteur
special sur la question de la torture et la Rapporteuse spéciale sur la situation des droits de
l'homme en République Démocratique du Congo, a envoyé une lettre d'allégation concernant
Timothée Mbuya, directeur de publication de section du Katanga de l'ASADHO, Jean Claude
Bakatunyingela, chargé de l'environnement de la méme association, et René Ntumba, Jean
Baptiste Kasongo, Justin Kashala, Agnes Manyonga et Martin Tshibasu, membres du
Groupe d'actions non-violence évangélique (GANVE) ainsi que Mick Kapembe, de
l'Association des enseignants du Congo (AECO). Ces personnes auraient été arrêtées le 8
septembre 2003 a Lubumbashi par la police nationale alors qu'elles participaient a une
manifestation. Au cours de leur arrestation, elles auraient été battues par les forces de l'ordre,
dCtenues au poste de police de Lubumbashi, et libérées le lendemain. La manifestation aurait été
organisCe par un collectif d'ONG compose du GANVE, en association avec ASADHO, AECO
et le syndicat des travailleurs de GECAMITNE pour la defense du droit a l'enseignement et contre
les frais d'intervention ponctuelle, frais supplémentaires aux frais d'inscriptions annuels payCs
par les parents d'élêves.
142. Le 20 octobre 2003, la ReprCsentante spéciale a envoyC une lettre d'allégation sur les cas
suivants:
143. Descartes Mponge, animateur d'Action des chrCtiens activistes des droits de l'homme de
Shabunda (ACADHOSHA), une organisation qui aide des victimes de viol a accCder aux soins
mCdicaux et dCnonce les violations des droits humains, aurait été arrété le 24 mars 2003 a
Bukavu par le Rassemblement congolais pour la democratic de Goma (RDC-Goma) et été dCtenu
pendant deuxjours au cachot de la police de sCcuritC et de renseignements. Ii n'aurait été ni
prCsentC a un juge ni informé des raisons de sa detention. Des craintes ont été exprimCes que
Descartes Mponge n'ait été visé a cause de son travail pour ACADHOSHA.
144. Valérien N'zchanzchu Kenda Kenda, membre de la division du Nord-Kivu de la
Société Civile, un réseau d'ONG du Sud-Kivu qui organise la Caravane de la paix, une
campagne nationale de reconciliation, aurait été arrété le 7 mai 2003 par le RCD-Goma aprés
avoir demandé une autorisation pour organiser une manifestation en faveur de la Caravane de la
paix. Ii aurait été détenu au cachot de la sécurité provinciale du RCD pendant douzejours.
145. Donatien Nyembo Kimuni, correspondant du journal <> a Lubumbashi, qui
avait déjà fait l'objet d'un appel urgent le 22 juillet 2003 par le Rapporteur special sur la
promotion et la protection du droit a la liberté d'opinion et d'expression et la Rapporteuse
spéciale sur la situation des droits de l'homme en République Démocratique du Congo, aurait
publié un article dans La Tribune le 5 juin 2003 sur les mauvaises conditions de travail des
mineurs a Likasi, qui auraient provoqué la mort par intoxication de certains. L'article aurait
fondé son propos sur un rapport de l'entreprise publique GECAMINE et les témoignages des
mineurs. Le 11 juin, Donatien Nyembo Kimuni aurait été condamné par le tribunal de paix de
Likasi a cinq années de prison pour diffamation criminelle.
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
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146. Le 7 avril 2003, Raphael Wakenge, coordinateur de l'Jnitiative congolaise pour la
justice et la paix (ICW), une organisation qui travaille pour les droits humains et la promotion de
lajustice sociale et de la paix, aurait été menace d'arrestation par des militaires du RCD sur
l'avenue Lumumba a Bukavu. Les militaires auraient trouvé suspect qu'un activiste se proméne
dans la yule unjour aprés des combats entre le RCD et le groupe armé Mudundu 40 a Bukavu.
Des craintes ont été exprimées que Raphaol Wakenge n'ait été visé a cause de son travail en
faveur des droits humains.
147. Le 23 octobre 2003, la Représentante spéciale, conjointement avec la Rapporteuse
spéciale sur les executions extrajudiciaires, sommaires ou arbitraires, a envoyé une allegation au
Gouvernement de la République Démocratique du Congo concernant Me Charles Katambay,
membre du Groupe du Sans Voix (GSV), une organisation de defense des droits de l'homme
dans le territoire d'Uvira, membre actif du barreau et d'une association de la defense des juges.
Selon les informations reçues, le 25 mai 2003, un militaire du RCD-Goma l'aurait tue par balle
devant sa maison d'Uvira. Des craintes ont été exprimCes qu'il aurait été visé en raison de son
travail en faveur des droits humains.
148. Le 28 octobre 2003, la Représentante spéciale a envoyé un appel urgent concernant la
situation de Polycarpe Kakule Byanzire, chef d'antenne du Centre de recherche sur
l'environnement, la democratic et les droits de l'homme (CREDDHO) a Vitshumbi. Selon les
informations reçues, en mars 2003, cette ONG des droits humains qui travaille particuliêrement
sur la torture et les arrestations arbitraires se serait oppose au paiement d'une <>
imposée par les autorités provinciales a la population, jugée illégale. Le 17 mars 2003, le chef de
collectivité de Bwito et quatre militaires seraient allés au domicile de Polycarpe Kakule Byanzire
afin de verifier s ‘il avait payé la ration militaire, cc qu'il aurait eu fait. Le chef de collectivité
l'aurait néanmoins menace de mort a cause de son opposition et celle de son organisation au
paiement de cette ration militaire.
149. Le 4 novembre 2003 la Représentante spéciale a envoyé un appel urgent concernant la
detention supposée de Willys Mulindilwa Luendo, président de la division de Walikale de la
Société Civile, et de Okiwa Anifa, membre de Mungano wa Mama wa Walikale (MUMAWA),
une organisation travaillant pour l'encadrement des femmes paysannes dans le domaine agricole
et la defense des droits de la femme. Selon les informations reçues, le 17 septembre 2003, Willys
Mulindilwa Luendo aurait accueilli une délégation de la MONUC a Walikale, et l'aurait aide a
organiser des d'entretiens avec des militants des droits humains du territoire. Le méme jour, il
aurait été arrété sur l'ordre de l'assistant du sous-commandant de l'Armée nationale congolaise
(ANC) du RCD-Goma pour les territoires de Masisi et de Walikale. Selon les informations
reçues, Okiwa Anifa serait venue au cachot prendre des nouvelles de Willys Mulindilwa Luendo
et pour demander sa misc en liberté. File aurait alors été arrêtée et misc dans le méme cachot. Le
19 septembre 2003, ils auraient tous deux été libérés.
150. Le 4 novembre 2003, la Représentante spéciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special
sur la question de la torture, a envoyé une lettre d'allégation concernant Pascal Kabungulu
Kibembi et Betu Kajigi, respectivement secrétaire exécutif et animateur de Héritiers de la
Justice, une organisation des droits humains qui public des rapports et des bulletins, organise la
formation aux droits de l'homme et fournit un aide juridique, ainsi que concernant Desire
Kisuku Mwassa Bindi et Ngama Kasuku, membres du Comité des facilitateurs des grands lacs
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
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(CFGL), une organisation associée avec Héritiers de la Justice a Kamitatu. Scion ies
informations reçues, Pascai Kabunguiu Kibembi et Betu Kajigi auraient été menaces de mort, ies
19 et 22 mai 2003 respectivement, par des miiitaires du RCD. Le 29 mai 2003, Desire Kisuku
Mwassa Bindi et Ngama Kasuku auraient été arrétés par ie RCD-Goma, supposément pour
avoir donné des renseignements aux Héritiers de ia Justice sur i'expioitation iiiiégaie supposée
des matiêres premieres et des chercheurs d'or par des mihtaires du RCD a Kamituga dans ie
territoire de Mwenga. Des craintes ont été exprimées que ces menaces seraient hées au travaii de
Pascai Kabunguiu Kibembi et Betu Kajigi avec Héritiers de ia Justice, et en particuiier a un
buiietin que i'organisation aurait pubiié ie 24 janvier 2003 sur i'exaction supposée du
commandant du RCD a Kamituga.
151. Le 4 novembre 2003, ia Représentante spéciaie, conjointement avec et ie Rapporteur
spéciai sur ia question de ia torture, a envoyé une iettre d'aiiégation concernant Richard
Muhindo Bayunda, directeur générai du CREDDHO, qui aurait été détenu et passé a tabac ie
29 avrii 2003 dans un cachot de ia poiice a Goma. Scion ies renseignements reçus, ie 26 avrii
2003, ie RCD-Goma aurait organisé, en signe de protestation contre ia récente nomination d'un
des vice-presidents de ia Repubiique, une manifestation pubiique et aurait déciaré iajournee
chomee. Apartir du 28 avrii 2003, certains commerçants, en particuiier des pharmaciens,
auraient fait i'objet d'interpeiiations, d'arrestations et d'amendes par ie chef de poste urbain de ia
sécurité, pour avoir travaiiie iajournee du 26 avrii 2003. Le 29 avrii 2003, Richard Muhindo
Bayunda serait arrivé a Goma pour enquêter sur ces faits et se serait présenté, muni d'une
convocation, au bureau de ia sécurité urbaine en tant que représentant d'un pharmacien. Ii iui
aurait été exigé de payer cinq doiiars comme frais de convocation, cc qu'ii aurait refuse de faire
arguant que ia ioi congoiaise ne ie requerrait pas. Sa carte d'identité et ses affaires auraient aiors
été confisquées. Le chef du poste i'aurait giflé a piusieurs reprises et donné i'ordre qu'ii soit
détenu et torture par ies poiiciers pour ie punir d'avoir protesté. Ii aurait été maintenu en
detention pendant trois heures au cachot du commissariat de pohce, oü ii aurait été passé a tabac
et aurait reçu des menaces.
152. Le 12 novembre 2003, ia Représentante spéciaie a envoyé un appei urgent, conjointement
avec ia Rapporteuse spéciaie sur ia situation des droits de i'homme en Répubiique Démocratique
du Congo, concernant Bibiche Ntibonera, directrice de i'ONG SOS-femmes battues, travaiiiiant
en faveur des femmes battues et du Bureau d'assistance et d'intégration des orpheiins et des
déshérités (BAJOD) et Jeunes sans fronti Cres (JSF), deux organisations jumeiées et membres du
Coiiectif des jeunes du Sud-Kivu (COJESKI). Scion ies informations reçues, ie 12 avrii 2003,
aiors qu'eiie en possession d'une iettre de ia société civiie qui condamnait ie recent combat entre
ie RCD-Goma et un groupe armé s'appeiiant ie Mududndu 40, Bibiche Ntibonera aurait été
arrêtée et battue par des soidats du RCD-Goma. Le 25 avrii 2003, cue aurait été évacuée a
i'hopitai a Kinshasa a cause des séqueiies de cet incident. Durant ia méme période, ies agents du
RCD-Goma auraient, a piusieurs reprises, fouiiiié ies bureaux de ces organisations, et confisqué
ieur panneau d'affichage, et ces incidents auraient conduit a ia fermeture de ieurs bureaux. Des
craintes ont égaiement été exprimées ces organisations auraient égaiement été visées pour avoir
signé un document pubiié par COJESKI critique du Gouverneur de ia province du Kivu-Sud,
supposément condamné par iajustice dans i'assassinat du Pré.
153. Le 17 novembre 2002, Jeredy Kambasu, chef d'Antenne du CREDDHO a Nyakakoma,
aurait été convoqué par ie chef de poste adjoint de ia Direction généraie de migration (DGM) au
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
Page 50
bureau de la DGM a Ishasha. Ii lui aurait demande s'il avait une carte de service lui permettant
d'exercer ses fonctions de defenseur a Nyakakoma. Aprés l'entretien, le chef de poste adjoint
aurait detenu Jeredy Kambasu au motif de defendre illegalement les droits de l'homme a
Nyakakoma, car ii n'aurait pas eu l'autorisation du Directeur general du CREDDHO. Ii aurait etc
libere le 18 novembre 2002, aprés avoir paye 5 dollars. Des craintes ont ete exprimees que
Jeredy Kambasu aurait etc vise a cause de son travail avec CREDDHO.
Communications re cues
154. Par lettre datee du 7 novembre 2003, le Gouvernement a repondu a l'appel urgent envoye
le 20 octobre 2003 concernant les cas de Timothée Mbuya, Jean Claude Bakatunyingela,
René Ntumba, Jean Baptiste Kasongo, Justin Kashala, Agnes Manyonga, Martin Tshibsu et
Mick Kapemba. Le Gouvernement a informe la Representante speciale que la lettre a etc
transmise aux autorites competentes a Kinshasa. Le Gouvernement sollicite par consequence un
nouveau delai pour les reponses aux preoccupations, mais reitere le grand interet que la
Republique Democratique du Congo porte au respect des droits de l'homme, conformement aux
differents instruments qu il a ratifie.
Observations
155. La Representante speciale remercie le Gouvernement pour sa reponse et l'invite a lui
faire parvenir ces informations ainsi que ses reponses aux communications envoyees dans les
meilleurs delais. Elle demeure vivement preoccupee par les nombreuses allegations
d'arrestations et de mauvais traitements perpetres par les autorites contre les defenseurs des
droits de l'homme et par les restrictions apparentes a la liberte d'expression qu'elles generent.
Elle invite le Gouvernement a prendre toutes les mesures necessaires pour assurer le respect de
droits enonces dans la Declaration sur les defenseurs des droits de l'homme.
Dominican Republic
Comunicaciones enviadas
156. La Representante Especial, juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la promociôn y
protecciôn del derecho a la libertad de opinion y de expresiOn, la Relatora Especial sobre
ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias y el Relator Especial sobre la cuestiOn de la
tortura, recibiO informaciOn en relaciOn con actos de violencia supuestamente ocurridos el 11 de
noviembre de 2003, en desarrollo de lajornada nacional de protesta pacIfica contra la polItica
econOmica del Gobierno convocada por la Coordinadora de unidad y lucha, la cual agrupa
organizaciones populares sindicales y estudiantiles. Se habrIan reportado enfrentamientos entre
manifestantes y las fuerzas del orden en la ciudad de Santo Domingo. En otras ciudades como
Bonao, Higuey, Santiago, Navarrete, Licey al Medio, Salcedo, Barahona, San Pedro de MacorIs
y Puerto Plata, el ejercito y la policla habrIan reprimido a los manifestantes con disparos de
fusiles automáticos y escopetas. D c acuerdo con la informaciOn recibida, como resultado de los
mencionados enfrentamientos 7 personas habrIan muerto, 60 habrIan resultado heridas y otras
600 habrIan sido detenidas. Entre los fallecidos se encontrarlan, Alberto Arquino Marte, David
E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.3
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Perez Vásquez, Ramón Romero Perez, Daniel MartInez asI como un miembro de Ia policia
nacional. Igualmente preocupaciôn fue expresada entorno a! presunto arresto de 135 activistas
miembros de la Coordinadora de unidad y lucha.
Observaciones
157. La Representante Especial lamenta no haber recibido una respuesta del Gobierno.
Ecuador
Comunicaciones enviadas
158. La Representante Especial fue informada de que la noche del 23 de agosto de 2002
desconocidos habrIan allanado las oficinas de la Fundación Regional del Asesoria en Derechos
ilumanos (INRED11), en Quito. Segün la informacion proporcionada, quienes entraron en las
oficinas de la Fundacion habrIan revisado los archivos informaticos y escritos en tres oficinas de
la Fundacion. Ademas habrIan robado 2.500 dolares del escritorio del contador. Una denuncia
formal habrIa sido presentada ante la policla Judicial ye! ministerio püblico por parte de la
INREDH.
159. D c acuerdo con la informacion recibida, el 7 de Julio de 2002, suJetos no identificados
habrIan entrado en las oficinas de la Auditoria Democrática Andina en Quito, donde habrIan
accedido a los archivos y robado los documentos del caso Vicente GriJalva Bueno. Este caso fue
presentado ante la Comisiôn Interamericana de Derechos Humanos en septiembre de 2001.
Observaciones
160. La Representante Especial lamenta no haber recibido respuestas del Gobierno.
Egypt
Communications Sent
161. On 18 June, the Special Representative sent an urgent appeal regarding the alleged
refusal to register two Egyptian human rights NGOs - the New Woman ResearchCentre, an
organization which researches violence against women, and the Land Centrefor Human Rights -
under the new NGO- related Law 84 of 2002. Both organizations reportedly applied for
registration on 6 April 2003. The application by the New Woman Research Centre was
reportedly denied on 9 June 2003, pursuant to a letter from the Security Directorate of Giza to
the Giza Directorate of the Ministry of Social Affairs, which allegedly contained an
unsubstantiated opinion that they should not be registered. The Land Centre for Human Rights
allegedly received no reply from the Ministry of Social Affairs by the end of the 60- day period
set forth in the law. It is alleged that the restrictions on freedom of association contained in the
new law go fhrther than those in Law No.155 of 1999, which the Constitutional High Court had
declared be unconstitutional in June 2000. Of particular concern are the wide- ranging powers
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given to the Minister of Social Affairs, an administrative entity, to decide on registration,
dissolution and seizure of assets of NGOs without a prior court ruling as well as the broad
prohibition made under article 11 on NGOs from engaging in any political or trade-union
activities, and the far- reaching State powers to block nominees to the board of directors of
NGOs and fhnding from abroad.
162. On 12 August 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the Special
Rapporteur on the question of torture, transmitted an urgent appeal regarding Ashraflbrahim,
an active member of the anti-war movement in Egypt, Secretary of the Egyptian Association on
Health and Environmental Development and member of the non violent NGO the Popular
Committee for Solidarity with the Palestinian Uprising. According to the information received,
Ashraf Ibrahim was reportedly being held in incommunicado detention without official charge or
trial in Mahkum Tora Prison, near Cairo. It was alleged that on 17 April 2003, the State Security
Prosecution searched Ashraf Ibrahim's home and confiscated certain personal belongings,
including his computer, electronic equipment and many of his books and papers. On 19 April
2003, Ashraf Ibrahim was allegedly detained when he reportedly presented himself before the
State Security Investigations (SSI). The State Security Prosecution allegedly brought several
accusations against him, including possessing and disseminating material which threatens public
security and opinion and providing international human rights organizations with material
harmful to Egypt's reputation. During interrogation sessions, he was reportedly questioned in
connection with his participation in the demonstrations held on 20 and 21 March 2003 against
the war in Iraq and with the downloading of material from the Internet, including from web sites
of international human rights organizations and of the Arabic satellite news channel, al-Jazeera.
Since his reported arrest, his detention has allegedly been renewed by the State Security
Prosecution at regular 15-day intervals, and he was allegedly offered release in exchange for
naming 20 other activists. It is also alleged that Ashraf Ibrahim has been on hunger strike since
30 July 2003, that his health has been deteriorating seriously and that he has been denied
adequate medical treatment. According to the information received, around 7 August 2003, a
prison doctor reportedly told Ashraf Ibrahim that he should be transferred to hospital.
163. On 2 October 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, transmitted a follow-up
urgent appeal on the situation ofAshraflbrahim. According to recent information received,
Ashraf Ibrahim's case was referred to a Higher Emergency State Security Court on 10 August
2003 on charges of belonging to an organization seeking to overthrow the Government and of
disseminating false information abroad (articles 80(d) and 86 respectively of the Penal Code).
His trial, along with that of other co-defendants, was scheduled to begin on 16 December 2003.
Of particular concern is that the Higher Emergency State Security Court, a tribunal established
under emergency law, allows no appeal to a higher judicial body and, as a result, a verdict can
only be overturned or modified by the President of the Republic..
164. On 6 November 2003 the Special Representative transmitted a letter of allegation
regarding the cases below.
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165. A u Abd El Fatah, Secretary- General of the Popular Committee of Solidarity with the
Palestinian Jntifada, an allegedly non-violent NGO, Gamal Abd El Fatah Abd El Dayeim,
Gamal Mady and Ahmed Abd El llafez, members of the same organization, Ahmed Ali and
Ashraf Ali, owners of a printing house, Manal Khaled, an editor for an Egyptian TV station,
and Sameh Kamal, a computer engineer, all of whom have reportedly been involved in a
campaign against alleged killings committed by Israeli troops in the Palestinian occupied
territories. According to the information received, on 5 May 2002, Manal Khaled and Sameh
Kamal were reportedly arrested at El Tahrir Square by plain-clothes policemen and reportedly
taken to Kasr El Neil Police Station. They were allegedly charged with holding documentation
and publications disrupting public security. On 13 May 2002, the anti-drug squad from the
Directorate of Cairo Security reportedly visited the home of Dr. Gamal Abd El Fatah Abd El
Dayeim. They allegedly assaulted him, broke one the doors of the pharmacy which he reportedly
owns. He was reportedly presented before the El Basateen Prosecution and charged with selling
medicine, which had passed its expiry date, and with disseminating propaganda disrupting public
security. He was reportedly released on 19 May 2002.Jn addition, according to the information
received, on 14 May 2002,. Ali Abd El Fatah, Gamal Mady, Ahmed Abd El Hafez, Khaled
Souleman, Ahmed Ali and Ashraf Ali were reportedly arrested at their homes by members of the
Alexandria State Security Investigation. They were reportedly beaten and insulted during arrest
and brought before Cairo State Security Investigation and allegedly charged with publishing
propaganda to disrupt public security. They were reportedly released on 24 September 2002.
Concern has been expressed that these arrests may have occurred in connection with their
reported intention to organize a peaceful demonstration on 15 May 2002 against alleged killings
of Palestinians by Israeli troops in 1984.
166. Gamal Abdel Aziz, Yasser Faraag and Zyad Abdel Mageed Zaki, lawyers and
members of the Committee of Freedom at the Bar Association, which works on lawyers' rights
and provides legal assistance to those who cannot afford litigation costs. According to the
information received, at noon on 22 March 2003, Gamal Abdel Aziz, Yasser Faraag and Zyad
Abdel Mageed Zaki were reportedly arrested inside the Bar Association for participating in a
demonstration against the war in Iraq which took place in Cairo earlier in the day. They were
reportedly brought before a prosecutor in Al Azbakia and interrogated. They were then
reportedly put in pre-trial detention and charged with participating in an assembly aiming at
disturbing public order, with circulating publications disruptive of public order, and with
resisting policemen. On 22 March 2003, they were reportedly referred to the Central Security
camp, reportedly a detention centre for those arrested by the State Security Investigations. They
then reportedly appeared before the Al Galaa group of courts and were allegedly sentenced to
four days' detention, which was then extended to one-week imprisonment. They were released
from El Khaleefa police station in Cairo on 1 April 2003.
Communications received
167. By letter dated 30 September 2003, the Government replied to the communication sent by
the Special Representative regarding the situation of Ashraflbrahim. The Government
informed the Special Representative that following a consultation with the Department of Public
Prosecutions it could establish that Ashraf Ibrahim had not been subjected to any form of ill-
treatment during his arrest and had been placed under full medical supervision during his hunger
strike.
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168. By letter dated 22 December 2003, the Government responded to the communication sent
by the Special Representative on 6 November 2003. The Government indicated that an
investigation had been conducted into the allegation that a number of people were beaten and
tortured because of their opposition to the war against Iraq and their rejection of Israeli policies
in the occupied territories. The Government stated that on 20 and 21 March 2003 a number of
agents provocateurs gathered in two Cairo squares on the pretext of demonstrating their
opposition against the war in Iraq but committed acts of vandalism and illegal offences, notably
as destruction of public property, disruption of the traffic and assault of police officers. The
Government mentioned that Yasser Faraag, Ziyad Abdel Mageed Zaki al-Alimi, Gamal Abel
Aziz Id and Manal Ahmad Mustapha Khaled had been arrested pending the hearing of the Al
Azbakiya precinct administrative case No. 1686 of 2002. Gamal Abd El Fatah Abd El Dayeim
had been arrested and charged in the Higher State Security case 716.
Observations
169. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its response to the Ashraflbrahim
case. She invites the Government to ensure that he is guaranteed a fair trial under regular judicial
procedures. She regrets the absence of responses to her other communications. The Special
Representative expresses her concern over reported provisions contained in NGO law 84
apparently restrictive of freedom of association. She is equally concerned by allegations of
restrictions on defenders' right to freedom of assembly and to protest imposed on the basis of
security needs. She is particularly concerned about the allegation of arrests by the security
apparatus of defenders in relation to participation in protests. She would like to thank the
Government for the interest it has shown in considering her request for an invitation to undertake
an official visit and hopes her request will receive a favourable answer shortly.
El Salvador
Comunicaciones enviadas
170. El 27 de diciembre la Representante Especial, junto con el Relator Especial sobre la
promociôn y protecciôn del derecho a la libertad de opinion y de expresiOn y la Relatora Especial
sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias, enviO un llamamiento urgente con
respecto a la seguridad de Beatrice Alamanni de Carrillo, Procuradora para la defensa de los
derechos humanos, y personal de su oficina. D c acuerdo con estas informaciones, desde el 16 de
diciembre de 2002, Beatrice Alamanni de Carrillo habria recibido varias amenazas de muerte
anOnimas en su oficina a través de facsimiles indicando: “muerte a la Procuradora”. Las
amenazas podrian estar relacionadas con la intervenciOn de la Procuradora en los incidentes
ocurridos en la Penitenciaria Central La Esperanza, durante los que murieron dos agentes de la
Policia Nacional Civil (PNC) y un reo. Segün la informaciOn proporcionada, la Procuradora
habria criticado püblicamente la actuaciOn y el operativo de la policia durante el amotinamiento.
Asimismo, el Director de la PNC y el Fiscal General de la Repüblica habrian acusado a la
Procuradora de obstruir la acciOn policial y por ende la habrian responsabilizado por la muerte de
los policias. D c acuerdo con las informaciones recibidas, miembros de la Procuraduria para la
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Defensa de los Derechos Humanos (PDDH) estarlan siendo hostigados e intimidados por
miembros de la PNC desde que ocurrieron los hechos.
171. El 26 de mayo de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente con
respecto a la situaciôn de la Comisión de Derechos ilumanos de El Salvador (CDHES) en el
departamento de San Miguel, que habrIa sido saqueada y robada, y sobre la seguridad de los
voluntarios de esta organizaciôn. Segün la informacion recibida, el 7 de mayo de 2003,
individuos desconocidos se habrIan introducido en la oficina de la CDHES, ubicada en el
departamento de San Miguel. Estos se habrIan llevado documentacion testimonial de violaciones
de los derechos humanos, registro y datos personales de los voluntarios y tambien máquinas de
escribir y demas material de oficina. Se informa que los voluntarios habrIan denunciado el
incidente ante la Fiscalla y la policla del departamento, pero, segün la informacion recibida, no
se habrIa dado ningün seguimiento a la demanda interpuesta. El 21 de mayo, el presidente de la
CDHES, en una carta püblica, habrIa expresado su preocupaciôn sobre la seguridad de los
voluntarios y de las personas que brindaron testimonio y habrIa exhortado a las autoridades a
tomar las medidas necesarias para resolver este caso. Segün la informacion recibida, este ataque
podrIa estar relacionado con la actividad de la CDHES en favor de familias pobres en San
Miguel para detener varios desalojos, especialmente de las familias que habitarlan en la
comunidad “El JagUey”, donde la Fuerza Armada Salvadorefla desearla construir una base para la
Fuerza Aérea.
Comunicaciones recibidas
172. Por carta fechada el 3 de febrero, el Gobierno contestô a la comunicaciôn transmitida por
la Representante Especial en relacion con Beatrice Alamanni de Carrillo. Jnformo que en
relacion con el delito de amenazas, de acuerdo con el artIculo 26 del Codigo Procesal Penal, no
se investiga de oficio sino a peticiôn de la parte, por lo que para su persecuciôn se necesita de la
denuncia directa de la persona amenazada pero, hasta la fecha, la Procuradora no habla
interpuesto ninguna denuncia. Sin embargo, el Fiscal General y el Ministro de Gobernacion, en
notas dirigidas a la Procuradora, expresaron su preocupaciôn por las amenazas recibidas por ella
y ofrecieron respectivamente iniciar las investigaciones necesarias y reforzar su seguridad.
Ademas informo que desde que tomô posesiôn de su cargo en 2001, la Procuradora ha contado
con elementos policiales para su seguridad personal y la de su familia y que en las ocasiones en
que ella solicito el reforzamiento de su seguridad se le ha proporcionado pero, en relacion con
este caso, no se habla recibido ninguna solicitud en tal sentido.
173. Por carta fechada el 28 de agosto, el Gobierno contestô a la comunicaciôn transmitida por
la Representante Especial en relacion con la CDIIES en el departamento de San Miguel.
Jnformo que se procedio a iniciar una investigaciôn del caso a través de la Fiscalia Regional de
San Miguel pero hasta la fecha no se habla podido establecer la responsabilidad de persona
alguna ni el movil del hecho. Sin embargo, afirmo que las autoridades correspondientes proceden
oportunamente a la investigaciôn y de esa manera no era cierta la afirmacion de que no se habrIa
dado ningün seguimiento o atenciôn a la demanda interpuesta. Se aclaro ademas que “El
JagUey” era una propiedad del Estado donde existiô una pista de aterrizaje activa y de esa
manera, la afirmacion de que el hecho denunciado “podrIa ser relacionado con la actividad de la
CDHES a favor de familias pobres en San Miguel para detener varios desalojos, especialmente
de las familias que habitarlan en la comunidad ‘El JagUey' donde la Fuerza Armada Salvadorefla
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desearla construir una base para la Fuerza Aérea” era sin fundamento. El Gobierno informo a la
Representante Especial de que ademas existla en El Salvador un nuevo escenario en donde
prevalece el respeto a los derechos humanos y a las libertades fundamentales y en el cual las
ONG de derechos humanos gozan de amplia libertad para realizar sus fhnciones y de acceso a los
mecanismos de procuraciôn de justicia para casos de violaciones de los derechos humanos.
Observaciones
174. La Representante Especial quisiera agradecer las respuestas del Gobierno.
Gambia
Communications sent
175. On 18 July 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special Rapporteur
on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special
Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and the Special Rapporteur on the
question of torture, transmitted a letter of allegation regarding information received that at least
14 people, including minors and Omar Barrow, a journalist and a Gambia Red Cross volunteer
wearing a Red Cross insignia, were killed, and dozens injured, some severely, by security forces
during demonstrations organized by the Gambian Students Union on 10 and 11 April 2000 in
Banjul, Brikama and other towns. Security forces reportedly used excessive and indiscriminate
force to break up the demonstrations, which were allegedly held in protest against the death
allegedly after torture of Ebrima Barry, a student, by members of the Brikama Fire Service and
the rape of a 13-year-old schoolgirl by a police officer. The demonstrations in Banjul on 10 April
2000 reportedly became violent when security forces attempted to disperse the crowd by using
tear gas, batons and rubber bullets, and firing at the crowd. Autopsies are said to have confirmed
that live ammunition had been used. It is also alleged that some demonstrators threw stones at
security forces, burned tyres and set buildings on fire. Many students arrested during and after
the demonstrations are believed to have been subjected to ill-treatment while in custody by
security forces, in particular the National Intelligence Agency. Although reports made by a
commission of inquiry and by a coroner allegedly confirmed that security forces officers were
responsible for the casualties, government officials allegedly stated on 6 January 2001 that in the
spirit of reconciliation, none would be prosecuted. On the other hand, it is reported that officers
suspected of causing the death of Ebrima Barry have been arrested.
Observations
176. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of this report, the
Government had not transmitted a reply to her communication.
Georgia
Communications sent
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177. On 4 November 2003, the Special Representative sent an urgent appeal regarding the
draft law “On Suspension of Activities, Liquidation and Banning of Extremist Organizations”,
which was reportedly approved by the Security Council of Georgia in April 2003, and was
allegedly pending before Parliament. According to the information received, article 4 of the law
allegedly enables the Ministry of Security to ban organizations showing signs of “extremism” in
the activities they conduct or plan or in their statements, in particular those alluding to the need
for a new Government or those deemed to constitute a threat to Georgian sovereignty or
territorial integrity. In addition, according to the information received, article 5 reportedly grants
the Ministry of Security the authority to issue warnings to organizations whose activities are
deemed to fall under the extremist qualification of article 4. It allegedly further provides the
Ministry with the authority to refer these cases to the Constitutional or Supreme Court once two
warnings have been issued against an organization. Additionally, in case of emergency, the
Ministry can allegedly refer the organization's case to the court without any prior warning. It has
been alleged that such provisions grant the Ministry the power to arbitrarily threaten NGOs with
closure, and would allow the Ministry to constantly monitor the activities of civil society, in
particular human rights defenders. Concern was expressed that, should it be passed, such law
may be used as a means to obstruct the work of NGOs working in the field of human rights.
These concerns are heightened by the fact that, in March 2002, the President allegedly compared
the activities of NGOs to those of terrorists and called for strict control to be exerted on their
finances.
178. On 18 November 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, sent an urgent
appeal regarding Giorgi Mshvenieradze, representative of Kutaisi branch of the Georgian
Young Lawyers Association, who was reportedly sentenced to three months of preliminary
detention on 5 November 2003 by the Kobuleti Regional Court in the Autonomous Republic of
Adjara. According to information received, Mr. Mshvenieradze, who was an observer for the
parliamentary elections, conducted parallel counting of the votes on 2 November in Kobuleti and
the village of Dagvi, during which he reportedly noted serious violations of the election process
in the polling station. It is reported that when he asked the members of the election commission
to take note of these violations, he was reportedly beaten and arrested by officers of the local
prosecutor's office. It is reported that he was first accused of violating and hindering the election
process and hampering the activities of the election or referendum commission. On 4 November,
these charges were reportedly changed and he was accused of acts of hooliganism committed by
the use of guns or any objects serving as a weapon, resistance against the protector of public
order or any other government representative and violation of article 162. It was reported that his
three-month preliminary detention sentence implied that he would be tried again at the end of his
prison term.
Observations
179. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of this report, the
Government had not transmitted any reply to her communications.
Guatemala
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Comunicaciones enviadas
180. 0119 January 2003, the Special Rapporteur sent a joint letter of allegation with the
Special Representative of the Secretary-General on human rights defenders to the Government of
Guatemala, regarding the deaths of Antonio Pop Caal, an indigenous human rights defender, and
Diego Velasquez Brito, an indigenous leader and former parliamentarian. The Special
Rapporteur requested the Government to provide information about the above cases, and on
judicial investigations and measures taken to prevent the recurrence of such acts.
181. El 7 de febrero de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente con
respecto a la situaciôn de Claudia Samayoa y Orlando Blanco, ambos defensores de derechos
humanos. Segün la informacion recibida, el 7 de enero de 2003 a las 13.00 aproximadamente
éstos sallan de una reunion en las oficinas del Centro de AcciOn Legal en Derechos Humanos
(CALDH) cuando un hombre les habrIa mostrado una pistola en actitud amenazante. Ellos
habrIan huido del lugar de los hechos. El mismo dIa de la reuniOn en CALDH un pick up blanco
tambien habrIa seguido a Orlando Blanco a lo largo de 15 calles. Segün los informes recibidos,
personas desconocidas habrIan estado hostigando a Claudia Samayoa por telefono desde hace
varios meses, por lo que se teme que el incidente denunciado no es un hecho aislado.
182. El 12 de marzo de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la promociOn y protecciOn del derecho a la libertad de
opiniOn y de expresiOn con respecto a la situaciOn de Isabel EnrIquez, periodista de la agencia
de noticias Centro de Reportes Jnformativos sobre Guatemala (CERIGUA), quien el 23 de
febrero de 2003 habrIa sido agredida y golpeada por dos hombres cuando se aproximaba a sus
oficinas en la Ciudad de Guatemala. Los agresores le habrIan ademas robado sus llaves y su
bolso. Desde su fhndaciOn en 1983, CERIGUA ha informado sobre la situaciOn de los derechos
humanos en Guatemala y habrIa sido objeto de una intimidaciOn constante. En el mismo
llamamiento urgente se informa de que el 25 de febrero de 2003, Marielos Monzón, periodista
para Prensa Libre, habrIa recibido amenazas de muerte a las pocas horas de publicar una
columna que rendla homenaje a quienes luchan contra la impunidad. Sucesivamente, en fecha 2
de marzo de 2003, varias personas habrIan entrado en el domicilio de la Sra. MonzOn, robando
piezas de la radio de los dos automOviles de la familia. Aunque lo sucedido podrIa parecer un
aparente intento de robo comün, antes del asalto y mientras que la policla estaba en su casa
investigando, la Sra. MonzOn habrIa recibido varias llamadas telefOnicas anOnimas. Cabe
precisar que desde diciembre de 2002, la Sra. MonzOn habrIa sido vIctima de una serie de
amenazas e intimidaciones, supuestamente relacionadas con su actividad periodIstica. Segün
informes, las autoridades no habrIan todavIa tomado medidas cautelares para proteger a la
periodista y a sus dos hijos.
183. El 14 de abril de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente con
respecto a la situaciOn de Waldemar Barrera, representante regional de la Procuradurla de los
Derechos Humanos (PDH) de Izabal, y otros empleados de la PDH. Segün la informaciOn
recibida, el 4 de abril de 2003 unos individuos no identificados habrIan asaltado el automOvil de
Waldemar Barrera cuando estaba aparcado en la localidad de Puerto Barrios, departamento de
Izabal.. Los asaltantes le habrIan robado un maletIn que contenla documentos relativos a la PDH.
El 6 de abril, las oficinas de la PDH y la del propio Sr. Barrera en Puerto Barrios habrIan sido
allanadas y registradas por un grupo de desconocidos. En el momento del asalto, las oficinas se
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habrIan encontrado vaclas. Segün las informaciones recibidas, los desconocidos se habrIan
lievado numerosos archivos, ordenadores y otros artIculos, pero ninguno de los objetos de valor
que habla en las oficinas. Se alega que los hechos denunciados podrIan estar relacionados con las
actividades llevadas a cabo por la PDH, principal instituciôn del Estado encargada de proteger
los derechos humanos y que está investigando más de 90 casos. En algunos de estos casos
habrIan estado involucrados las autoridades locales y agentes de las fuerzas de seguridad del
Estado.
184. El 15 de abril de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la promociôn y protecciôn del derecho a la libertad de
opinion y de expresiOn en relaciOn con la situaciOn de Ileana Alamilla, directora de la agencia
de prensa CERIGUA, quien habrIa sido objeto de un robo el 9 de abril. Se teme que el hecho
denunciado constituya una forma de intimidaciOn contra Ileana Alamilla y CERIGUA por el
trabajo que realizan en favor de la defensa, promociOn y difusiOn de asuntos relacionados con los
derechos humanos. El 9 de abril, desconocidos habrIan robado el vehIculo de Ileana Alamilla,
que se encontraba estacionado fuera de las oficinas de CERIGUA en la capital. Segün las
informaciones recibidas los desconocidos tambien se habrIan llevado un maletIn que se
encontraba en el vehIculo y que contenla informaciOn confidencial. Este serla el tercer asalto
sufrido por un miembro de una organizaciOn que trabaja en la defensa de los derechos humanos
en Guatemala en los ültimos cinco dIas. En este contexto se llama la atenciOn del Gobierno
respecto al llamamiento urgente enviado por la Representante Especial el 14 de abril de 2003 que
concierne el presunto asalto sufrido por Waldemar Barrera, representante de la PDH en Izabal,
asI como el presunto allanamiento y robo de las oficinas de la PDH.
185. El 15 de abril de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la situaciOn de los derechos humanos y las libertades
fundamentales de los indIgenas con respecto a la situaciOn de Rafael Chanchavac Cux,
dirigente de la Coordinadora Nacional IndIgena y Campesina (CONIC) y de la Coordinadora
Nacional de Organizaciones Campesinas (CNOC), y otros activistas campesinos. Desde febrero
de 2003, Rafael Chanchavac Cux habrIa venido recibiendo amenazas telefOnicas anOnimas que
se habrIan intensificado durante el ültimo mes. En ellas se le advertirla de que se conocen los
movimientos de sus familiares y los centros de estudio a los que asisten sus hijos. Segün la
informaciOn recibida, Daniel Chanchavac Zet, hijo de Rafael Chanchavac Cux, habrIa sido
secuestrado el 4 de abril de 2003 cerca de su domicilio de San Felipe, departamento de
Retalhuleu, y se desconocerla su paradero. Se teme que las presuntas amenazas contra Rafael
Chanchavac Cux y el secuestro denunciado de su hijo estarlan relacionados con la intensificaciOn
de actos de agresiOn e intimidaciOn contra activistas campesinos. La comunidad de LanquIn II
habrIa sido el escenario de una serie de homicidios, atentados y amenazas desde el aflo 2001 en
el marco de conflictos sobre la propiedad de la tierra entre los miembros de la comunidad y el
terrateniente local. El ültimo homicidio habrIa ocurrido el 5 de abril de 2003. La vIctima habrIa
sido el activista Jorge Gómez, de la comunidad de LanquIn II, municipio de Morales,
departamento de Izabal.
186. El 16 de abril de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente con
respecto a la situaciOn de Mario Polanco, Director del Grupo de Apoyo Mutuo (GAM) y de
Nineth Montenegro, fhndadora del GAM y diputada del Congreso de la Repüblica de
Guatemala. Segün las informaciones recibidas el 7 de abril de 2003, cinco hombres fhertemente
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armados habrian entrado en la residencia de Mario Polanco y Nineth Montenegro. Los hombres
se habrlan presentado en la casa de las personas antes mencionadas argumentando que ilevaban
un paquete para Mario Polanco. Segün la informacion recibida, los hombres habrian interrogado
a la empleada sobre las actividades de Mario Polanco, habrlan registrado archivos, robado bases
de datos y otros documentos. Los hombres también habrian robado aparatos domésticos del
domiciiio, en un presunto intento de encubrir ci presunto ailanamiento para que parezca un acto
de delincuencia comün. El GAM habria interpuesto una denuncia en reiacion con los hechos
anteriormente descritos ante ci ministerio pübiico, la Policia Nacional, la Procuraduria de
Derechos Humanos y ante la Misiôn de Verificacion de las Naciones Unidas en Guatemala.
Segün la informacion recibida, previo al presunto ailanamiento Mario Polanco habria viajado a
Ginebra donde habria participado en la Comisiôn de Derechos Humanos y donde habria
denunciado ci deterioro de la situaciôn de los derechos humanos en ci pals.
187. El 25 dejunio de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un ilamamiento urgente
Juntamente con ci Relator Especial sobre la promociôn y protecciôn dci derecho a la libertad de
opinion y de expresiOn en relaciOn con José Ruben Zamora, presidente dci diario ElPeriOdico,
y su familia. Segün la informaciOn recibida, ci 24 dejunio de 2003 a las 08.30, un grupo de 12
hombres armados habr la ingresado en la residencia de José Ruben Zamora. Sc habrian
identificado como agentes dci ministerio pübiico y de la Policia Nacional, con credenciales que
se presume eran faisas. Segün la informaciOn recibida, durante dos horas los hombres armados
habr lan intimidado con sus armas a José Ruben Zamora y a su esposa y habrian agredido
fisicamente a sus tres hijos. Los hombres también habrian amenazado a José Ruben Zamora
afirmando: “no se meta con los de arriba”. Sc alega que los hombres ilevaban ci rostro
descubierto. Segün las informaciones recibidas, ci diario El Period/co se habria caracterizado por
impuisar un periodismo de investigaciOn y la publicaciOn de amplios reportaJes sobre la presunta
corrupciOn de funcionarios dci Gobierno y de diputados dci partido gobernante, Frente
Republicano Guatemaiteco. Este diario también habr la dado amplios espacios periodisticos al
tema dci crimen organizado, las presuntas actividades ilegaics de los servicios de intehgencia, la
presunta existencia de cuerpos ciandestinos de seguridad y ci supuesto patrOn sistemático de
violencia poiltica contra operadores deJusticia, defensores de derechos humanos, periodistas y
cientificos sociales. En fechas recientes, se alega que José Ruben Zamora habria sido presionado
por la Fiscaha contra la CorrupciOn para que presentara testimonio sobre las fuentes de
informaciOn que utihza El Period/co para fundamentar sus reportaJes sobre corrupciOn, crimen
organizado y poderes ocuitos. Segün la informaciOn recibida, ci Organo Judicial habria amparado
al periodista por lo que la Fiscaha habria desistido.
188. El 1.0 de Julio de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un ilamamiento urgente
Juntamente con ci Relator Especial sobre la independencia de magistrados y abogados en
relaciOn con las amenazas de muerte y actos de hostigamiento en contra de Thelma de Lam,
recientemente nombrada Fiscal especial para los defensores de los derechos humanos, y Marines
MartInez, Fiscal auxihar para los defensores de los derechos humanos. Segün la informaciOn
recibida, ci 20 deJunio de 2003, tres hombres armados habrian entrado en la casa de Marines
Martinez en la capital, Ciudad de Guatemala, exigiendo veria. Una de las empicadas de hogar ics
habr la dicho que no se encontraba aili y elios habrian encargado que ic diJeran a Marines que “si
sigue investigando va a recibir una sorpresa esta noche”. Ese mismo dia, hombres no
identificados habrian tratado de entrar en ci domiciho de Thelma de Lam, también en Ciudad de
Guatemala. Habrian asegurado ser electricistas y habrian insistido, amenazadoramente, en la
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necesidad que tenian de entrar en la casa para arregiar una averia. Sin embargo, no se habia
notificado que hubiera ningün probiema eléctrico en la vivienda y, finaimente, se les habria
negado ci acceso y habrlan acabado marchandose. El 23 de junio, Thelma de Lam habrla
recibido dos ilamadas anônimas en su teléfono portátii. El primer interlocutor le habria dicho que
tuviera cuidado con lo que está haciendo, y ci segundo que terminase su trabajo con ci ministerio
pübiico.
189. El 9 dejulio de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un ilamamiento urgente con
respecto a la situaciôn de Carmen Judith Moran Cruz, periodista de CERIGUA, y de su
familia, quienes habrian sido amenazados. Segün la informacion recibida, ci 29 de junio de 2003
Carmen Judith Moran Cruz habria recibido dos ilamadas de teléfono de una persona no
identificada, quien la habria amenazado a ella y a su familia para que dejara de trabajar con
CERIGUA. El 3 dejuiio, habria recibido otra ilamada anônima con nuevas amenazas. El
interlocutor la habrla amenazado con las siguientes palabras: “ahora sus papas pagarán las
consecuencias y ni la policia ni ci ministerio pübiico ni los grupos de derechos humanos
nacionaics e internacionaics podran evitarlo”. La Representante Especial ha sido informada de
que la policia ha patruilado por los airededores de su casa pero que sus padres, que viven en
Ciudad de Guatemala, no han recibido ningün tipo de protecciôn. Sc teme que estas amenazas
estén relacionadas con ci trabajo de la secciôn de Salama de CERIGUA sobre varias cuestiones
locales delicadas, en particular, exhumaciones y conflictos de tierras.
190. El 21 dejuiio de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un ilamamiento urgente con
respecto a la situaciôn de Thelma Peláez, Fiscal encargada de la investigaciôn tras ci asesinato
dci auxiliar de la PDH de Chimaitenango José Israel Lopez LOpez, ciii de junio de 2003, y
quien habria recibido una serie de amenazas con ci fin de disuadiria de abandonar la
investigaciOn. Segün la informaciOn recibida, ci 19 de junio, un grupo de desconocidos habrla
tratado de ingresar en la residencia de la Sra. Peiaez y ic habria advertido de tener cuidado con la
investigaciOn. El mismo dia, otro grupo se habria presentado en la casa de la auxiliar de la Fiscal,
supuestamente para efectuar trabajos eléctricos, y habria dejado un mensaje de amenazas de no
seguir la investigaciOn. El 23 dejunio, un grupo de individuos habria visitado la residencia dci
conductor de la Unidad de la Fiscaila, en San Marco, y habria indicado a la esposa dci piloto que
dijera ala Fiscal que dejara de investigar ci caso en cuestiOn. El Procurador de los derechos
humanos habrla exigido al Fiscal General que adopte medidas para garantizar la seguridad de la
Sra. Peiaez y su equipo. Asimismo se informO que Elmer Guerra, Waldemar Barrera, Alex
Toro y Luis Ramos, delegados regionaics de la PDH, habrian sido objeto de amenazas por sus
actividades de defensa de los derechos humanos, las cuales tendrian relaciOn con las denuncias
sobre atropeilos que habr lan sido cometidos por ci Ejército, la Policia Nacional Civil (PNC), ci
Servicio de Anáiisis e JnformaciOn AntinarcOticos (SA IA), asi como por la denuncia de abusos
en contra de emigrantes. Finaimente se informO de que, de acuerdo con la PDH, 16 de los 31
auxiliares departamentaics habrian sido objeto de amenazas en relaciOn con sus investigaciones.
Estos hechos hacen temer por la seguridad de aigunos miembros de la PDH. Sc han expresado
temores igualmente por ci deterioro de la situaciOn de los defensores de derechos humanos en ci
pals.
191. El 13 de agosto de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un ilamamiento urgente
juntamente con ci Relator Especial sobre la promociOn y protecciOn dci derecho a la libertad de
opiniOn y de expresiOn en relaciOn con la situaciOn de Norma Maldonado, quien trabaja bajo ci
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auspicio del grupo Mesa Global de Guatemala, el cual incluye a Mama Maquin, un grupo rural
que se ocupa de los derechos de la mujer. D c acuerdo con las informaciones recibidas, el 24 de
Julio de 2003 a las 09.00, tres hombres armados habrIan irrumpido violentamente dentro de la
casa de Norma Maldonado en Ciudad de Guatemala. Los intrusos habrIan violentado a los
presentes, incluyendo a los miembros del comité de directores de Mama Maquin y a un
estudiante de los Estados Unidos quien se encontraba trabajando con ellos. Los hombres habrIan
abierto los archivos de varias computadoras, registrado documentos, discos y carpetas en busca
de informaciones especIficas. Después de una hora, los asaltantes habrIan huido, posiblemente
alertados por las repetidas llamadas telefOnicas y la llegada de un visitante. Igualmente los
asaltantes se habrIan apropiado de dos computadoras personales en las cuales se encontraba
informaciOn sobre las actividades del grupo, asI como de una cámara en la que se encontrarla un
rollo con las fotos del reciente encuentro de abogados y activistas del medio ambiente de Mexico
y Guatemala opuestos al llamado Plan Puebla Panama (PPP), efectuado enjunio de 2003 en
Jxán, Guatemala. Se han expresado preocupaciones en torno a que esta incursiOn violenta sea
parte de una extensa cadena de intimidaciones y abusos dirigidos contra los lIderes de grupos que
se ocupan de cuestiones relacionadas con el medio ambient?. Se teme que estos ataques serlan
una manera de silenciar las oposiciones de estos grupos al Area de Libre Comercio de las
Americas y al PPP.
192. El 13 de agosto de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente con
respecto a la situaciOn de Rigoberta Menchü Turn, fundadora y presidenta de la FundaciOn
Rigoberta Menchü Tum (FRMT), un familiar de ésta, Francisco Menchü y otros rniernbros del
personal de Ia FRMT. Se informa de que el 10 de agosto de 2003, a las 21.25, Francisco
Menchü, que trabaja como guardia de seguridad en la FRMT, habrIa sido capturado
violentamente por dos desconocidos que, a punta de pistola, lo habrIan obligado a introducirse en
un taxi blanco en la Zona 1 de la capital, Ciudad de Guatemala. Los hombres le habrIan golpeado
brutalmente. D c acuerdo con la informaciOn recibida, Francisco Menchü siguiO sufriendo
agresiones en el interior del taxi por un tiempo aproximado de diez minutos. Después le habrIan
robado sus documentos de identidad, sus tarjetas de crédito y su licencia de armas para luego
empujarlo fuera del coche. Se alega que los agresores vestlan camisas blancas y chaquetas
negras, una ropa que vestirlan frecuentemente los agentes de los servicios de inteligencia militar.
Se informa también de que, tras la agresiOn, Francisco Menchü se fue a su casa y telefoneO al
director de la FRMT, Gustavo Meoflo Brenner, para informarle del incidente. Más tarde, esa
misma noche, entre las 21.55 y las 23.00, Francisco Menchü habrIa recibido dos llamadas
telefOnicas anOnimas de amenazas en las que se le habrIa seflalado, en particular, que se conoclan
sus identidades y paraderos. Por otro lado, se alega que el incidente antes explicado, habrIa
ocurrido dos dIas después de que a Rigoberta Menchü Tum le hubiera seguido un individuo en
una camioneta blanca cuando se dirigla en automOvil a las oficinas de la FRMT. Durante el
trayecto, el perseguidor habrIa tratado sin éxito de hacer chocar la camioneta contra el automOvil
de Rigoberta Menchü. Finalmente, se alega también que en cinco ocasiones entre el 26 deJulio y
el 7 de agosto de 2003, varios individuos no identificados habrIan vigilado las oficinas de la
FRMT en la Zona 1 de Ciudad de Guatemala y habrIan acosado al personal de la FundaciOn. Uno
de ellos habrIa llevado botas militares y habrIa ido armado con un revolver. Asimismo, se ha
recibido informaciOn de acuerdo con la cual, el 26 de Julio de 2003, miembros de la FRMT
habrIan sabido por diversas fuentes que existla una lista negra de defensores de los derechos
humanos y que las personas que atacaran a los citados en la lista conducirlan taxis.
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193. El 15 de agosto de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias en
relacion con la situaciôn de peligro en que se encontrarla Mario Estuardo Garrido Batres,
coordinador del Proyecto Reconciliacion del Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo
y director de la Asociaciôn para el Desarrollo Integral de las VIctimas de la Violencia en las
Verapaces (ADIVIMA), como consecuencia de una serie de amenazas de muerte que vendrIan
siendo dirigidas en su contra. D c acuerdo con las informaciones recibidas, el 5 de agosto de 2003
a las 14.40, Mario Garrido habrIa recibido una llamada telefonica a su celular procedente del
nümero xxx [ el numero no será publicado en el informe püblico par razones de confidencialidad]
donde se le indicaba: “estás pendiente, estás chingando mucho te vamos a matar” repitiendo esta
frase varias veces. Diez minutos despues habrIa recibido una nueva comunicaciôn del mismo
numero telefonico en la cual habrIan manifestado lo mismo afladiendo: “estás pendiente ya
sabemos donde estás, estás ubicado, te vamos a matar, con mis amigos del SIC [ Servicio de
Jnvestigaciôn Criminal] y del Estado Mayor Presidencial”. Una ültima comunicaciôn en el
mismo sentido habrIa sido recibida a las 15.10. En el mismo sentido se informa de que las
llamadas recibidas serlan producto de una estrategia sistemática de intimidaciones y amenazas en
contra de los activistas de derechos humanos que desarrollan sus actividades de asistencia legal a
las vIctimas en el municipio de Rabinal. Estas actividades involucrarlan los trámites de
denuncias de cementerios clandestinos frente al ministerio püblico, asI como la coordinacion de
exhumaciones con la Fundacion de Antropologla Forense de Guatemala (FAFG). Finalmente se
informo de que el hecho habrIa sido denunciado ante la Auxiliatura Departamental del
Procurador de los Derechos Humanos de Baja Verapaz y al ministerio püblico.
194. El 19 de agosto de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias en
relacion con la FAFG, una organizaciôn de investigaciones antropologico- forenses, y sus
miembros, en particular Jessika Marisela Osorio Galindo, secretaria de la Direcciôn de
ArqueologIa Forense, que habrIa recibido amenazas de muerte e intimidaciones. Segün la
informacion recibida, el 29 dejulio de 2003, aproximadamente a las 10.35 se habrIa recibido una
llamada intimidatoria en la recepciôn de las oficinas de la FAFG en relacion con la participaciôn
del general RIos Montt en las elecciones. Esta amenaza sigue a las manifestaciones del 24 de
julio en favor de la inscripciôn de RIos Montt como candidato presidencial para las elecciones
generales del 9 de noviembre, candidatura que habrIa sido prohibida por una disposicion de la
Constituciôn guatemalteca en su artIculo 186. Se informa de que el 13 dejulio de 2003,
aproximadamente a las 14.15, Jessika Marisela Osorio Galindo estarla conduciendo un vehIculo
con su hermano, Oscar Estuardo Osorio Galindo, sobre la Calzada San Juan, cuando habrIa
observado que un pick up color rojo, marca Datsun, conducido por un hombre los habrIa estado
persiguiendo. Los hermanos Osorio habrIan decidido dirigirse hacia una gasolinera Shell ubicada
frente a Plaza Florida, lugar en donde el conductor del vehIculo habrIa frenado bruscamente al
lado del vehIculo que la Sra. Osorio Galindo conducla, cubriendose el brazo y apuntandole como
si tuviera un arma de fhego. Ademas los habrIa perseguido hasta su casa en donde tambien los
habrIa insultado. Segün la informacion recibida, habrIa sido la segunda vez que habrIa sido
perseguida por un pick up, la primera vez habrIa ocurrido en el 27 de junio. En el mismo
llamamiento urgente se informa de que otros miembros de la organizaciôn habrIan sido sujetos a
amenazas e intimidaciones en particular Omar Bertoni Girón, antropologo forense de la
instituciôn quien habrIa recibido un anônimo escrito el 13 dejunio. Tambien Leonel Estuardo
Paiz Diez, cuya casa habrIa sido vigilada por un desconocido el 1.0 de mayo, y Fredy Peccerelli,
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Director ejecutivo de la FAFG, que se habrla percatado de un impacto de proyectii de arma de
fuego en ci porton de su residencia ci 29 de abril. Sc teme que los ataques más recientes tengan
reiacion con la actividad en ci ambito de los derechos humanos de la FAFG, en particular su
trabajo de excavaciôn de los cementerios ciandestinos que datan de los aflos 1982 y 1983,
durante la presidencia del general Rios Montt.
195. El 9 de octubre de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un ilamamiento urgente
juntamente con ci Relator Especial sobre la situaciôn de los derechos humanos y las libertades
fundamentales de los indigenas con respecto a la situaciôn de AmIlcar Méndez y Eusebio
Macario, miembros fhndadores de la organizaciôn de derechos indigenas las Comunidades
Etnicas Runujel Junam (CERJ). Segün la informacion recibida, Eusebio Macario habria
recibido varios disparos de unos desconocidos ci dia 27 de septiembre de 2003 que ic habrian
causado la muerte cuando se encontraba paseando cerca de su casa en la aidea de Chulumal, en
ci departamento de El Quiqué. El 1.° de octubre Amilcar Mendez habria recibido una ilamada
teiefonica anônima en su telefono movii en la cual un desconocido ic habria amenazado de
muerte. Sc teme que la muerte dci Sr. Macario y las supuestas amenazas al Sr. Méndez pudieran
estar relacionadas con ci trabajo que la organizaciôn a la que ambos pertenecen está ilevando a
cabo en la büsqueda de reparaciôn a las victimas de la pobiacion indigena durante ci conflicto
civil interno que viviô ci pals a principios de los aflos ochenta.
Alegaciones
196. La Representante Especial fue informada de que ci 23 de agosto de 2002 Roberto
Romero, abogado que ileva ci caso contra tres oficiales dci Ejército presuntos responsabies de
ordenar ci asesinato de la antropoioga Myrna Mack, muerta en 1990, habria recibido amenazas
de muerte anônimas por teléfono. Momentos después individuos no identificados habrian abierto
fuego contra la casa de Roberto Romero, donde se encontraban sus dos hijas. Ambas se habrian
refugiado en una habitacion y habrian alertado a sus padres de lo acontecido. El 14 agosto de
2002 la Corte Jnteramericana de Derechos Humanos resoivio pedir medidas provisionaics de
protecciôn para Helen Mack, directora de la Fundacion Myrna Mack, y los integrantes de la
misma, por las reiteradas amenazas de muerte que ella y miembros de su organizaciôn habrian
recibido.
197. Ademas recibio informacion de que entre la noche dci 27 y 28 de agosto de 2002 habrian
sido ailanadas las instalaciones dci Movimiento Social por Ia Niflez. Segün la informacion
recibida durante ci presunto ailanamiento, desconocidos habrian registrado documentacion,
robado archivos, disquetes y computadoras. El evento reportado se habria producido dias
después de la reunion que ci Movimiento sostuvo con Susana Viiiiarán, Relatora de la Niflez de la
OrganizaciOn de Estados Americanos, en visita oficial al pals y en ci momento en que la Corte de
Constitucionalidad de Guatemala habria resuelto favorabiemente la entrada en vigencia dci
COdigo de la Niflez y la Juventud.
198. También se ha recibido informaciOn segün la cual ci personal de la Procuradurla
Auxiliar de Derechos ilumanos (PDII) de iluehuetenango, entre elios Rolando Noriega,
Erick Villatoro Letona, Ruben RIos y Gerson Palacios, habr la recibido una serie de amenazas
de muerte anOnimas tanto en sus casas como en las oficinas de la instituciOn. El 24 de agosto de
2002, desconocidos habrian realizado siete disparos de arma de fhego en frente de las oficinas de
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la PDH, donde reside Rolando Noriega actualmente. En Junio yjulio de 2002 Gerson Palacios
habrla denunciado que en varias ocasiones una camioneta negra lo habria seguido y que hombres
desconocidos habrian estado observando su casa.
199. La Representante Especial ha recibido informaciones relativas a la situaciOn de Oxlajuj
Ajpop, miembro de Conference of Ministers of Mayan Spirituality, organizaciOn que se dedica a
la defensa del derecho de practicar la religion de las comunidades Mayan. Segün las
informaciones recibidas en fechas 23,28,30 dejunio y 1.0 dejulio de 2003, individuos no
identificados habrian irrumpido en las oficinas de OxlaJuJ Ajpop, situadas en la Zona 3 de la
Ciudad de Guatemala. Dichos individuos habrian accedido a los ficheros y documentos de la
organizaciOn y se habrian apropiado de artefactos antiguos que se usan en ceremonias religiosas.
Se informa de que, a pesar de que las autoridades habrian sido informadas de los hechos
ocurridos, no habrian tomado medidas para investigarlos. Existe la preocupaciOn de que OxlaJuJ
Ajpop pueda haber sido escogido como objetivo debido a sus actividades en defensa de los
derechos de la comunidad Mayan. Esta preocupaciOn está acentuada por los informes que hacen
alusiOn a que, en lo que va de aflo, seis lideres espirituales habrian sido asesinados por personas
desconocidas.
Comunicaciones recibidas
200. Por carta fechada el 10 dejulio de 2003, el Gobierno contestO ala comunicaciOn
transmitida por la Representante Especial en relaciOn con José Zamora. El Gobierno informO
de que el mismo 24 de Junio, el Ministro de GobernaciOn habia iniciado las investigaciones
pertinentes del caso a través de un grupo especial de investigadores de la Policia Nacional Civil y
el 1.0 de Julio por parte de la Fiscalia de Delitos Cometidos contra Sindicalistas y Periodistas se
llevO a cabo un informe detallado de las investigaciones. SeflalO que con fecha 2 dejulio, la
familia de José Zamora habia salido del pals. Ademas, el Presidente de la Repüblica, a solicitud
de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos, brindO las medidas cautelares a José Ruben
Zamora, quien permaneciO en el pals.
201. Por carta fechada el 30 de abril de 2003, el Gobierno respondiO al llamamiento urgente
enviado por la Representante Especial el 23 de febrero de 2003 sobre Isabel EnrIquez. InformO
de que una investigaciOn habia sido iniciada por la Policia Nacional Civil y el ministerio püblico
pero hasta la fecha no existieron resultados concluyentes para identificar a las personas que
agredieron a la denunciante ni tampoco para la determinaciOn de las circunstancias de los hechos
denunciados.
202. Por carta fechada el 6 de marzo de 2003 el Gobierno informO de que una investigaciOn
respecto al homicidio de Antonio Pop CaaI habia sido iniciada y que en cuanto tuviera más
informaciOn informarla oportunamente a la Representante Especial.
203. Por carta fechada el 13 de agosto de 2003, el Gobierno contestO a las comunicaciones
transmitidas por la Representante Especial en relaciOn con los siguientes casos.
204. Respecto al caso de Claudia Samayoa y Orlando Blanco, informO que las personas
nombradas fueron citadas para que declararan en la Fiscalia de Derechos Humanos y que, cuando
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se tengan todos los elementos que aporte la investigaciôn, se soiicitara unjuez contralor para la
investigaciôn a fin de realizar las acciones legales que sean pertinentes.
205. Respecto a! caso de Nineth Montenegro y Mario Palanca, informo que las
investigaciones realizadas por la Fiscaila estabiecieron que se tratô de un robo realizado por la
delincuencia comün, ya que en ci vecindario se produjeron siete asaitos con las mismas
caracterIsticas dcl 30 de enero a! 30 de abril. Afirmo que ci ministerio pübiico se coordinara con
la Policla Nacional Civil para realizar operativos en ci area para lograr la aprehension y
enjuiciamiento de los autores de los actos dehctivos.
206. Respecto a! caso de Isabel EnrIquez informo que ci 26 de febrero una investigaciôn
habla sido iniciada por la Policla Nacional Civil y ci ministerio pübiico. Hasta la fecha no
existlan resuitados conciuyentes.
207. Respecto a! caso de Rafael Chanchavac Cux, informo que en una entrevista reahzada
con la persona nombrada ci 10 de mayo de 2003, se estabiecio que ésta no quiso hacer ninguna
denuncia respecto a las amenazas teiefonicas recibidas. En cuanto a! secuestro de su hijo, Daniel
Chanchavac Icep, informo que ci S de mayo de 2003 habIa regresado a su domici!io.
208. Por carta fechada ci 8 enero de 2004, ci Gobierno contestô ala comunicaciôn transmitida
por la Representante Especial en reiacion con Eusebio Macario. El Gobierno confirmo ci hecho
resumido en la denuncia e informo que una investigaciôn habla sido iniciada, la cual ya tenla tres
hipotesis airededor de los autores dci hecho. Jnformo que ci procedimiento investigativo
continuarla a fin de determinar la verdad material dci crimen.
Seguimiento de comunicaciones transmitidas previamente
209. Por carta fechada ci 18 de febrero de 2003, ci Gobierno contestô ala comunicaciôn
transmitida por la Representante Especial en re!acion con Diego Velasco Brito. El Gobierno
informo de que una investigaciôn oficia! habla sido iniciada a través de la PohcIa Naciona! Civil
y ci ministerio pübhco y una orden de prisiôn preventiva fue dictada contra un presunto
responsabie.
210. Por carta de 18 de agosto de 2003, ci Gobierno respondio ala comunicaciôn enviada por
la Representante Especial ci 24 de Julio de 2002. El Gobierno informo que, respecto a las
amenazas te!efonicas recibidas por miembros de la asociaciôn ADIVIMA, habla sido iniciada
una investigaciôn que habla estabiecido que los nümeros te!efonicos pertenecen a personal
particular y, a la fecha, se estaba verificando si aqueHas personas pertenecieron en a!gün
momento a las PatruHas de Autodefensa Civil (PAC) o a los servicios de intehgencia mihtar. La
investigaciôn continuaba. Informo que durante ci aflo en curso, ADIVIMA habla Hevado a cabo
exhumaciones con toda normalidad.
211. Por carta de 25 de marzo de 2003, ci Gobierno respondio a la comunicaciôn enviado por
la Representante Especial Junto con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales,
sumarias o arbitrarias y ci Relator Especial sobre la promociôn y protecciôn dci derecho a la
libertad de opinion y de expresiOn ci 17 de abri! de 2002 en relaciOn con las amenazas contra ci
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periodista David ilerrera Quevedo. Segün ci Gobierno, la investigaciOn adelantada por la
Fiscaila especial de sindicalistas y periodistas no ha arrojado resuitados que comprueben la
veracidad de la denuncia. Asimismo informO que por medio de Interpol se está localizando en
Ciudad de Mexico al mencionado periodista.
212. Por carta de 4 de febrero de 2003, ci Gobierno respondiO ala comunicaciOn enviada por
la Representante Especial junto con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales,
sumarias o arbitrarias y ci Relator Especial sobre la situaciOn de los derechos humanos y
libertades fundamentaics de los indIgenas ci 28 de noviembre de 2002 sobre ci caso dci ilder
indIgena Jorge Mocüa CaaI. El Gobierno informO que los hechos dci 12 de noviembre de 2002
habrIan sido originados por la desapariciOn y posterior homicidio de la menor P. L. 0. C. En tal
sentido seflaiO que se habrIa tratado de una manifestaciOn en ci parque central dci municipio dci
Estor, mediante la cual los vecinos dci lugar habrIan solicitado la presencia de Jorge Mocüa
Caai, a quien habrIan acusado de encubrir al presunto asesino de la menor. Asimismo, informO
que Jorge Mocüa Caai y su familia son objeto de medidas de seguridad perimetral. En cuanto ala
investigaciOn penal, ci Gobierno informO que Csta no se habrIa iniciado en vista de que ci
afectado no presentO ninguna denuncia ante ci ministerio pübiico. Finaimente ci Gobierno seflaiO
que en ningün momento habrIa existido impiicaciOn de agentes de seguridad dci Estado.
213. Por varias cartas fechadas ci 13 de agosto, ci Gobierno proporcionO más informaciOn
sobre las siguientes comunicaciones.
214. Respecto ala comunicaciOn enviada por la Representante Especial junto con la Relatora
Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias ci 8 de noviembre de 2001, ci
Gobierno informO que la Policia Nacional Civil habla prestado la seguridad perimetral solicitada
a favor de Francisco Javier Méndez Gámez y su familia hasta ci mes de noviembre de 2002,
fecha en que dejO de laborar para la Procuradurla de Derechos Humanos.
215. Respecto a la comunicaciOn enviada por la Representante Especial junto con la Relatora
Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias ci 26 de marzo de 2002, ci
Gobierno informO que, a la fecha, las fherzas de seguridad dci Estado continuaban con las
acciones respectivas para proteger la vida y la integridad fIsica dci obispo Alvaro Leonel
Ramazzini Imeri y ci sacerdote Juan Jose Aldaz Donomaria. Ademas informO que dentro de
la investigaciOn respecto a las amenazas de muerte se analizaron los testimonios de varias
personas pero no habla sido posibie lograr la individuaiizaciOn de los responsabies.
216. Respecto ala comunicaciOn enviada por la Representante Especial ci 6 de marzo de 2002
sobre las amenazas recibidas por miembros de FAFG asI como por miembros dci Centro de
Antropologla Forense y Ciencias Aplicadas (CAFCA), ci Gobierno informO que tales
amenazas eran objeto de investigaciOn por parte dci Departamento de investigaciones
criminoiOgicas de la Policla Nacional Civil. Asimismo informO que en agosto de 2002 los
antropOiogos forenses habrIan solicitado continuar con la seguridad perimetral en sus viviendas
asI como en las oficinas de FAFG y CAFCA, y suspender la seguridad personal por cuanto no se
considerarlan amenazados. Finaimente informO que en la actualidad solo dos antropOiogos
contarlan con seguridad personal.
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217. Respecto ala cornunicaciôn enviada por la Representante Especial el 24 de Julio de 2002
en la cual figuraron 28 denuncias, el Gobierno proporcionô la siguiente informacion:
218. Respecto al caso de Envin ilarold Ochoa Lopez y Julio Armando Vásquez RamIrez
seflalo que dos procesos hablan sido indiciados contra los dos presuntos responsables del doble
asesinato.
219. Respecto al caso de Alba Liluvina Vandez Sosa informo que se acordo prestarle
medidas de seguridad y que una investigaciôn estaba en proceso de terminar, el resultado de la
cual rernitirá con brevedad.
220. Respecto al caso de Patricia Rosidelia Velasquez Orozco informo que segün la
inforrnacion recibida por el Gobierno, se concluyo que en ningun mornento existiô por parte de
las autoridades del Ministerio de Salud Püblica arnenaza en contra de Patricia Rosidelia
Velasquez Orozco, sino que de parte de ella hubo un incumplirniento de deberes y violacion de
diversos artIculos del ordenarniento legal al ausentarse de sus labores. Informo que ala fecha
mantuvo el puesto de pararnedico III, especialidad en enfermerla.
221. Respecto al caso del sacerdote Rigoberto Perez Garrido, informo que se adelantaron las
investigaciones correspondientes con el fin de individualizar a los responsables de los hechos
que ocasionaron el incendio del 21 de febrero de 2002. Con relacion a las arnenazas contra el
sacerdote Rigoberto Perez Garrido, el Gobierno inforrno que tales hechos no habrIan sido
puestos en conocirniento de la instancia nacional encargada de la investigaciôn penal.
222. Respecto al caso de Guillermo Ovalle de LeOn informo que el 22 de agosto de 2002 el
rninisterio püblico habrIa presentado la acusaciôn correspondiente contra las personas sindicadas,
por lo que se estarla a la espera de la audiencia ante el tribunal. Asirnismo inforrno que un tercer
sindicado habrIa sido puesto a disposicion del tribunal dejusticia. El Gobierno tarnbién informo
que en coordinacion con la oficina de atenciôn a la vIctirna se habrIa procedido a brindar
atenciôn a las personas afectadas por los hechos y que se continuarla prestando seguridad tanto a
los testigos presenciales corno a los miembros de la thndacion Rigoberta Menchü Turn.
223. Respecto al caso de Rosalina Tuyuc Velasquez y los otros rniernbros de CONAVIGUA
inforrno que una investigaciôn the iniciada que confirrno los hechos denunciados pero que hasta
la fecha no fue posible individualizar a ninguna persona corno responsable de los actos.
Confirrno que la Policla Nacional Civil continuará proporcionando seguridad perirnetral a las
personas afectadas.
224. Respecto al caso de la Coordinadora de Asociaciones y Organizaciones de Desarrollo
Integral (CASODI) informo que una investigaciôn realizada por la Policla Nacional Civil y el
rninisterio püblico no llego a ningün resultado concreto para identificar al irnputado del hecho y
los elernentos probatorios reunidos hasta la fecha eran insuficientes para requerir fundadarnente
la apertura de Juicio.
225. Respecto al caso de Arturo Caniz del Comité de Unidad Campesina (CUC) informo
que el caso fue investigado por el rninisterio püblico y que, al realizar las pesquisas
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correspondientes, no se contô con elementos probatorios suficientes para identificar a! imputado.
Ademas informo que Arturo Caniz a la fecha residio en ci Canada con su esposa e hija menor.
226. Respecto a! caso de Miguel Angel Gómez de Leon, informo que, segün ci denunciante,
las amenazas de muerte habian cesado y asimismo ci caso the desestimado por ci ministerio
pübiico de acuerdo cone! articulo 310 del Codigo Procesal Penal.
227. Respecto a! caso de Servelio Ramos llernández y Eugenio Garcia, informo que tres
personas responsabies del homicidio de Serveiio Ramos Hernández fueron identificadas y una ha
sido puesta a disposicion de los tribunales, pero las restantes eran profugos de lajusticia.
Respecto a! homicidio de Eugenio Garcia, informo que una persona ya recibio prorroga de
prisiôn y que a la fecha, cuatro agentes de la Policia Naciona! Civil se encontraban bajo arresto
domiciiiario quedando pendiente que se fije la fecha de apertura ajuicio pore! delito de
incumplimiento de deberes.
228. Respecto a! caso de Teima Hernández, informo que ala fecha, ci ministerio pübiico
continuaba con una investigaciôn pero asimismo ci Procurador de los Derechos Humanos habia
determinado que no pudo estabiecer la veracidad de la denuncia y estabiecio que no existian
elementos suficientes para seflalar a los agentes de la Policia Naciona! Civil ni agentes de
seguridad gubernamentales como responsabies por los hechos denunciados.
Observaciones
229. La Representante Especial quisiera agradecer las respuestas recibidas del Gobierno,
inciuyendo aigunas muy inmediatas, y las multiples acciones tomadas a favor de los defensores
de derechos humanos, que reflejan una voluntad muy importante por parte del Gobierno de
cooperar con su mandato. Asimismo, la Representante Especial sigue estando muy preocupada
por la gran cantidad de violaciones supuestamente cometidas contra los defensores de los
derechos humanos, incluidos asesinatos, asaitos y otros actos de violencia, amenazas de muerte,
ailanamientos y robos.
Guinea-Bissau
Communications envoyées
230. Le 12 février 2003, la Représentante spéciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special
sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberté d'opinion et d'expression, le Rapporteur
special sur la question de la torture et le Président-Rapporteur du Groupe de travail sur la
detention arbitraire, a envoyé un appe! urgent concernant Joao Vas Mane, vice-président de la
Ligue guinéenne des droits de i'homme (LGDH). Joao Vas Mane aurait été arrété le mercredi 29
janvier 2003 par des membres des services de sCcuritC et se trouverait depuis lors détenu au
secret a la Segunda Esquadra, oü ii aurait subi des interrogatoires, en particulier le 30 janvier
2003 entre une heure et quatre heures du matin. Ii n'aurait pas eu accés a son avocat, n'aurait pu
entrer en contact avec sa familile, et n'aurait été présenté devant unjuge. Scion i'information
reçue, i'arrestation de Joao Vas Mane serait iiée a sa participation, le 28 janvier 2002, a une
emission de la radio Bombolon, <>, pendant laquelie ii aurait critique le
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Président Kumba Yala pour avoir mobilisé des fonds pour le voyage des pélerins a La Mecque
tandis que des fonctionnaires de l'Etat seraient restés sans percevoir leurs salaires depuis quatre a
sept mois.
231. Le 7 aoüt 2003, la Représentante spéciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special sur
la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et d'expression, a envoyé un second
appel urgent concernant Joao Vas Mane qui aurait fait l'objet de menaces de la part d'un haut
officier de la police. Selon les informations reçues, le 9juillet 2003, lors dun programme
hebdomadaire au sujet des droits de l'homme a la radio, “Bombolom”, Joao Vas Mane aurait
parle d'un homme de 18 ans qui aurait été tue par un agent de police, et d'une femme qui aurait
été victime d'une arrestation arbitraire et de violences sexuelles de la part de policiers. En
reaction aux propos de Joao Vas Mane, et lors d'une conference de presse tenue le l4juillet, le
Commissaire general de la police aurait critique les activités de la LGDH et aurait proféré des
menaces a l'encontre de Joao Vas Mane.
Observations
232. La Représentante speciale regrette qu'au moment de la finalisation de son rapport,
aucune réponse a ses communications n'ait été reçue. Elle a été informée de la liberation le 19
février 2003 de Joao Vas Mane, dont elle se felicite, mais regrette les nouvelles allegations de
menaces dont il aurait été l'objet.
ilaiti
Communications envoyées
233. Le 8 janvier 2003, la Représentante speciale, conjointement avec la Rapporteuse speciale
sur les executions extrajudiciaires, sommaires ou arbitraires et le Rapporteur special sur la
promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et d'expression, a envoyé un appel
urgent concernant la situation de danger dans laquelle se trouverait Michéle Montas, journaliste
de radio de renom. D'aprês les informations reçues, le 25 décembre 2002, deux hommes armés
auraient tenté de forcer l'entree du domicile de Michéle Montas a Port-au-Prince, tuant lors de
l'attaque l'un de ses gardes du corps, Maxime Seide. Tout porte a croire que cette attaque
pourrait avoir un lien avec l'assassinat de Jean Dominique, journaliste et époux de Michéle
Montas, en avril 2000. Elle aurait d'ailleurs multiplie les démarches pour que les responsables du
meurtre de son man soient identifies et traduits en justice, en dépit des nombreuses menaces de
mort dont elle aurait fait l'objet depuis lors. Ii nous a par ailleurs ete rapporté que d'autres
journalistes auraient reçu des menaces similaires, notamment aprés avoir enquêté sur des
meurtres qui auraient été commis par des forces de police.
234. Le 17 fevrier 2003, la Représentante speciale, conjointement avec la Rapporteuse
speciale sur les executions extrajudiciaires, sommaires ou arbitraires, a envoyé un appel urgent
concernant Marie Yoléne Gilles, coordinatrice du programme d'observation des droits de
l'homme au scm de la Coalition nationale pour les droits des haltiens. Selon l'information reçue,
Mme Gilles ferait l'objet de menaces telephoniques lui ordonnant de ne plus s'impliquer dans
l'affaire <> relative au meurtre de trois hommes prétendument assassinés par des
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membres de la police nationale haltienne. Ces menaces sont d'autant plus préoccupantes qu'elles
surviennent aprés le meurtre du policier Aspiller Constant, témoin clef dans l'affaire
<>.
Communications reçues
235. Par lettre datée du 25 février 2003, la Mission permanente d'HaIti auprés de l'Office des
Nations Unies a Genéve a répondu a l'appel urgent envoyé le 17 février 2003 concernant le cas
de Marie Yoléne Gilles, coordinatrice du programme d'observation des droits de l'homme au
scm de la Coalition nationale pour les droits des haltiens. La Mission permanente d'HaIti a
informé la Représentante spéciale que cette correspondance a été transmise au Ministére des
affaires étrangêres pour les suites nécessaires.
236. Par lettre datée du 10 janvier 2003, le Gouvernement a répondu a l'appel urgent envoyé
le 8 janvier 2003 concernant le cas de Mme Michéle Montas, journaliste de Radio HaIti Inter et
veuve de Jean Dominique, suite au meurtre d'un de ses gardes du corps, M. Maxime Seide. Le
Gouvernement a informé la Représentante spéciale qu'immédiatement aprés cc drame, certaines
personnalités du Gouvernement se sont rendues sur les lieux. La Direction centrale de la police
judiciaire a ouvert une enquête en vue d'appréhender les criminels pour les traduire en justice.
Selon la réponse du Gouvernement, il parait prématuré au stade de l'enquête d'établir un
quelconque lien entre cette attaque et l'assassinat de Jean Dominique en avril 2000. Le
Gouvernement informe également que Mme Montas continue d'exercer normalement sa
profession et que le Gouvernement a pris de nombreuses mesures pour garantir sa sécurité,
parmi lesquelles le renforcement de la sécurité autour de la Station de Radio HaIti Inter.
Observations
237. La Représentante spéciale remercie le Gouvernement pour la réponse reçue aux deux
communications et pour l'action prise pour assurer la sécurité de Mme Montas.
lloiy See
Communications sent
238. On 10 December 2002, the Special Representative sent an urgent action regarding the
situation of Don Vitaliano Della Sala, a priest serving in the parish of San Giacomo in the
region of Sant' Angelo a Scala, who has been removed from his fhnctions. It is alleged that the
decision to remove him was taken by Bishop Tarcisio Giovanni Nazzaro and was motivated, in
part, by the participation of Don Vitaliano Della Sala in a “gay pride” march in defence of the
human rights of homosexuals.
Communications received
239. By letter dated 24 June 2003, the Vatican responded to the communication sent by the
Special Representative stating that the measures taken against Don Vitaliano Della Sala were
not related to his participation in a “gay pride” march as alleged but for reasons which had been
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duly communicated to him. It fhrther stated that the measures had been preceded by two
admonitions, as prescribed in the Code of canon law of the Catholic Church and that measures
such as those taken were an expression of the self-organizing capacity proper to every religious
community and recognized by the Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and
of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief
Observations
240. The Special Representative thanks the Holy See for its response.
ilonduras
Comunicaciones enviadas
241. El 22 de mayo de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la cuestiôn de la tortura y la Relatora Especial sobre
ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias con respecto a la situaciôn de miembros del
Centro de Prevención, Tratamiento y Rehabilitación de las VIctimas de Ia Tortura y sus
Familiares (CPTRT), una organizaciôn de derechos humanos que, ademas de llevar a cabo
actividades de asistencia a las victimas de tortura, investigaria y dana apoyo a investigaciones
sobre delicados casos de violaciones de derechos humanos por parte de agentes de la policia. En
particular, el CPTRT habria apoyado a Maria Luisa Borjas, antiguajefa de la Unidad de Asuntos
Internos de la Policia Nacional, quien habria denunciado, en septiembre de 2002, la participaciôn
de miembros del Ministerio de Seguridad y de la Policia Nacional en la supuesta ejecuciôn
extrajudicial de al menos 20 jôvenes. Tras hacer püblicas estas denuncias, Maria Luisa Borjas
habria recibido amenazas de muerte por teléfono, su correo habria sido interceptado y, unos
meses más tarde, habria sido destituida de su cargo. El CPTRT también estaria investigando las
muertes que habrian ocurrido durante un motin en el centro penitenciario El Porvenir,
departamento de La Ceiba, el 5 de abril de 2003. Se alega que en el curso de este incidente,
supuestamente provocado por agentes de policia y guardianes de la prisiôn, unos 69 presos
habrian fallecido. El 12 de mayo de 2003 por la mañana, las oficinas del CPTRT ubicadas en el
barrio de San Rafael, Tegucigalpa, habrian sido saqueadas. Algunos documentos confidenciales
y archivos informaticos también habrian sido escudriflados. Los intrusos habrian dejado un par
de zapatos encima de una mesa, acto que, en Honduras, podria ser interpretado como una
amenaza de muerte. Segün la vice-directora del CPTRT, el saqueo de las oficinas está
relacionado con las actividades del centro y tendria por objetivo la büsqueda de informacion
confidencial y la intimidacion de sus miembros.
242. El 26 de mayo de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias con
respecto a la situaciôn de peligro en la que se encuentran el sacerdote José Andrés Tamayo, asi
como los dirigentes comunitarios Gilberto Flores y Orlando Nájera. Segün las informaciones
recibidas José Andrés Tamayo, sacerdote del municipio de Salama, departamento de Olancho,
promoveria una campafla activa, junto con varias comunidades locales, contra la intensa
deforestacion y explotacion de madera en la zona. En este contexto, el sacerdote habria recibido
varias advertencias para que abandone el pais antes de finales de mayo. Se alega que en cuatro
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ocasiones distintas ci 5 y 6 de mayo, ci aicaide de Saiama habria deciarado que <
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China”, de quien se dice que es miembro de la Comunidad Gay Sampedrana y que habrIa sido
testigo en un caso de homicidio. Segün las informaciones recibidas, ci 15 de Julio de 2003, Erick
David Yáflez, persona que tambien serla transexual, conocida como “Ericka” y miembro de la
ONG Comunidad Gay Sampedrana, habrIa sido asesinada en la ciudad de San Pedro Sula por
dos policlas. Segün las informaciones recibidas, Elkyn Suárez MejIa (“la China”) habrIa tenido
conocimiento de las personas implicadas en ci suceso de tal homicidio. Elkyn Suárez MejIa
habrIa denunciado los hechos ante las autoridades y habrIa desempeflado un papel dave en la
investigaciOn posterior. Su testimonio habrIa conducido a la detenciOn y acusaciOn de dos
policlas. Sc alega que ci S de agosto, “la China” y otros transexuales se habrIan encontrado en la
caile donde trabajaban cuando un vehIculo bianco de la marca Isuzu Trooper, sin piacas de
matrIcula y otros tres vehIculos patruila pertenecientes a la Policla Preventiva se habrIan
acercado a elias. Uno de sus ocupantes habrIa hecho una sefla a ‘ia China” para que se acercara,
y ic habrIa advertido que disponla de 24 horas para retirar la denuncia y que irla a su casa por la
tarde para que ic diera una respuesta. El agente de policla se habrIa presentado en ci domiciiio de
‘ia China” a las 18.15. “La China” habrIa contestado que irla a retirar la denuncia sola, pero no lo
habrIa hecho. Tras las amenazas, la Fiscaila General habrIa solicitado al Director general de la
policla en San Pedro Sula que proporcionara protecciOn a la testigo Elkyn Suárez, y finaimente
se ic habrIa asignado protecciOn policial durante 24 horas. El agente de policla acusado dci
homicidio, se habrIa fhgado a mediados de agosto. El 28 de agosto, Elkyn Suárez (“la China”)
habrIa sido informada por la Oficina dci Fiscal Especial de Derechos Humanos de la Fiscaila
General de que se ic iba a retirar la protecciOn pohciai, segün los informes, a peticiOn de
representantes de la pohcIa local. Sc alega que la retirada de protecciOn imphca un serio pehgro
para Elkyn Suárez y que podrIa ser perjudiciai para ci correcto procesamiento de los
responsabies de la muerte de Erick David Yáflez.
245. El 8 de octubre de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un ilamamiento urgente
Juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias, ci
Relator Especial sobre la cuestiOn de la tortura, ci Relator Especial sobre la independencia de
magistrados y abogados y ci Relator Especial sobre la situaciOn de los derechos humanos y las
libertades fundamentaics de los indIgenas con respecto a la situaciOn de Marcelino Miranda y
Leonardo Miranda, dos hermanos dirigentes indIgenas dci Consejo CIvico de Organizaciones
Populares e JndIgenas de Honduras (COPINH), asI como sobre su abogado Marcelino MartInez
Espinal, antiguo miembro de la ONG Comité de Familiares de Detenidos-Desaparecidos en
Honduras (COFADEH). Marcelino y Leonardo Miranda habrIan sido detenidos ci 8 de febrero
de 2003 por agentes armados de policla. Ambos habrIan sido inicialmente acusados de
usurpaciOn de tierras, lesiones y homicidio. Ademas Marcelino Miranda habrIa sido acusado de
hurto de ganado mayor y daflos y Leonardo Miranda de “atentado contra ci Estado de
Honduras”. Varios de estos cargos se habrIan retirado y actualmente, los dos hermanos se
enfrentarlan a los cargos de lesiones y asesinato. En ci momento de su detenciOn y durante su
reclusion en la prisiOn de Gracias, departamento de Lempira, habrIan sido sometidos a actos de
tortura. En este contexto, la Fiscaila Especial de las Etnias habrIa presentado una quereila contra
varios policlas por tortura y abuso de autoridad durante su detenciOn. Sin embargo, segün la
informaciOn recibida, hasta la fecha, no se habrIan realizado progresos en la investigaciOn. Sc
informa que ci 2 de Junio de 2003, dos miembros dci departamento de asuntos internos de la
policla habrIan visitado a Marcelino y Leonardo Miranda amenazando de muerte a Leonardo si
no aceptaba los cargos en su contra. En reiaciOn con la situaciOn de peligro en la que se
encontrarla Marcelino MartInez Espinal, de acuerdo con las informaciones recibidas, ci 22 de
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Julio de 2003, personas no identificadas habrIan llevado a cabo diversas averiguaciones sobre el
abogado Marcelino MartInez que incluirIan detalles sobre su vehiculo. También se informo de
que los mismos individuos habrIan realizado comentarios despectivos en relacion con el
abogado. Asimismo se informo de que, el 18 de septiembre de 2003, un vehiculo Toyota rojo
con los cristales tintados y sin placas de matricula habria seguido al automovil del abogado
Marcelino Martinez en momentos en que se dirigia a efectuar una visita a los mencionados
dirigentes indigenas en la prision de Gracias. Finalmente, se informo que estos actos de
intimidacion afectarian la labor del abogado Marcelino Martinez, quien habria manifestado no
sentirse capaz de continuar con las visitas a los dirigentes indigenas detenidos por razones de
seguridad personal.
Alegaciones
246. La Representante Especial y la Relatora Especial fueron informadas de que el 26 de
agosto de 2002 desconocidos habrian asesinado a J. Santos Callejas, tesorero de una directiva
regional del Comité para Ia Defensa de los Derechos ilumanos en Honduras y Coordinador
de Ia Oficina del Defensor de Ia Niflez en Ia alcaldIa del municipio de Ia Másica, Atlantida.
Segün informaciones proporcionadas, algunos sujetos le habrian disparado utilizando fusiles
AK-47, cuando salia de la escuela en la que prestaba sus servicios como alfabetizador. Segün la
informacion proporcionada, J. Santos Callejas atendia a las victimas de la violencia
presuntamente perpetrada por redes criminales y terratenientes en la region.
247. Segün informaciones proporcionadas a la Representante Especial y la Relatora Especial,
tras la visita de esta ültima a Honduras, varios miembros de la organizaciOn Xibalba habrIan
sido intimidados y amenazados por desconocidos que se desplazan en vehiculos con vidrios
polarizados. En este contexto Sandra Isabel Romero Barahona, encargada de relaciones
püblicas en Xibalba, habrIa sido victima de un intento de asesinato y repetidas amenazas. Segün
las informaciones proporcionadas a raiz de estos incidentes Sandra Isabel Romero Barahona se
habrIa sentido en la obligaciOn de salir de Honduras para pedir asilo en Mexico.
248. La Representante Especial ha recibido informaciones sobre la situaciOn de la
organizaciOn de los Gays, Lesbianas, Bisexuales, TravestIs, Transgéneros y Transexuales
(LGBT). El 4 de abril de 2000, el Grupo Prisma de la organizaciOn de LGBT habria solicitado
la personeriajurIdica y la aprobaciOn de sus estatutos al Ministerio de Interior y Justicia. En la
solicitud se habrian reseflado los objetivos de la organizaciOn, entre los cuales se encontraria el
de agrupar la comunidad LGBT de Tegucigalpa para emprender actividades que permitieran
fomentar la autoestima de la comunidad. El 2 de agosto, el Departamento de Servicios Juridicos
habrIa emitido un dictamen por el cual se denegaba la peticiOn porque los estatutos violentaban
la moral y el orden püblico.
Comunicaciones recibidas
249. Por carta fechada el 29 de Julio, el Gobierno contestO a la comunicaciOn transmitida por
la Representante Especial en relaciOn con José Andrés Tamayo y los dirigentes comunitarios
Gilberto Flores y Orlando Nájera. InformO que el 22 de Julio el Presidente de la Repüblica se
reuniO con representantes de los grupos ambientalistas de Olancho, encabezados por José Andrés
Tamayo y ademas enviO los Ministros de GobernaciOn y Justicia y Seguridad para ofrecer
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seguridad a! padre Tamayo tanto como a los otros activistas. En adicion, ci Presidente del
Congreso, Porfirio Lobo, organizô una reunion en Juticaipa entre los ambientalista y los
funcionarios de la CorporaciOn Hondurefla de Desarroilo Forestal donde ilegaron a decidir sobre
las medidas a tomar —entre elias una mayor participaciOn de los municipios en los beneficios del
bosque y en la auditoria de los planes de manejo del bosque. Tambien fue creada una ComisiOn
Evaluadora sobre la situaciOn forestal en la regiOn y ci Presidente iba a hacer una deciaraciOn
pübiica y fuerte contra la violencia en Olancho.
250. Respecto a las amenazas contra ci abogado José Leonardo Miranda Espinoza, ci
Gobierno informO que una denuncia fue interpuesta ci 16 de octubre ante la DirecciOn General de
JnvestigaciOn Criminal de Gracias Lampira y un requerimiento de investigaciOn habla sido
emitido ci 28 de octubre a la DirecciOn General de JnvestigaciOn Criminal. La investigaciOn
sigue en curso.
251. Por carta fechada ci 27 de octubre, ci Gobierno contestO a la comunicaciOn transmitida
por la Representante Especial en relaciOn con Elkyn Suárez. El Gobierno afirmO que la Fiscal
Especial Regional de los Derechos Humanos en San Pedro Sula habla realizado una serie de
diligencias a fin de hacer averiguaciones sobre la muerte de Eric David Yánez, las cuales
conciuyeron que los policlas Jairo Mejia Castillo y Carios Ivan Contreras participaron en ci
delito de homicidio. Un formal requerimiento fiscal contra los policlas the presentado por ci
ministerio pübiico ci 24 de Julio y con fecha 20 agosto la Fiscalia Especial Regional de los
Derechos Humanos solicitO a! Juzgado de Letras de lo Penal de la SecciOn Judicial de San Pedro
Sula que se tomara la deciaraciOn a! testigo Elkyn Suarez y ci 21 de agosto se ilevO a cabo la
audiencia inicial en dichojuicio, compareciendo ünicamente ci imputado Jairo Mejia Castillo y
no asI Carios Ivan Contreras que se habla fugado dci lugar en ci cual estaba detenido.
252. Por carta fechada ci 19 de diciembre de 2003, ci Gobierno informO a la Representante
Especial respecto a! ilamamiento urgente enviado ci 8 de octubre sobre Marcelino Miranda y
Leonardo Miranda y dci abogado Marcelino MartInez Espinal. El Gobierno estabieciO que
varias investigaciones acerca de las denuncias hablan sido iniciadas. Con respecto a los delitos
cometidos contra los hermanos Leonardo Miranda y Marcelino Miranda, ci Gobierno informO
que un requerimiento fiscal fue presentado ante ci Juzgado Primera de Letras Departamental de
Gracias contra 28 personas por suponeries responsabies de cometer delitos de abuso de
autoridad, torturas, lesiones y daflo en perjuicio de Marcelino Miranda, Leonardo Miranda y la
comunidad indIgena de Planes de Montafla Verde. Hizo saber que la audiencia inicial se celebrO
ci 23 de septiembre, en la cual, eijuzgador ordenO ci sobreseimiento definitivo a favor de los
imputados. Con fecha 29 de septiembre la Fiscaila interpuso recurso de reposiciOn y subsidiaria
apelaciOn ante la Corte de Apelaciones de Santa Rosa de Copán y ci 29 de octubre, la misma
Corte reformO ci sobreseimiento definitivo dictado por ci Juzgado de Primera Jnstancia y ordenO
que ci mismo se decrete de manera provisional. Con respecto a las acusaciones contra Marcelino
Miranda y Leonardo Miranda, ci Gobierno hizo saber que pronto se dictara sentencia por
cargos de tentativa de homicidio, asesinato y con respecto a! cargo de lesiones y atentado.
Observaciones
253. La Representante Especial quisiera agradecer las respuestas dci Gobierno, y las acciones
tomadas. La Representante Especial lamenta no haber recibido respuestas a aigunas de sus
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comunicaciones y tambien lamenta las amenazas de muerte supuestamente dirigidas contra los
defensores de derechos humanos.
India
Communications sent
254. On 15 September 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, transmitted an urgent appeal
regarding Teesta Setalvad, Rais Khan Azeezkhan Pathan and Suhel Tirmizi. As members of
the civil society organization Citizens for Justice and Peace, they reportedly helped document
and expose the participation of the police and other government officials during the anti-Muslim
violence in Gujarat. They also allegedly assisted the National Human Rights Commission in its
inquiry into the massacres, in particular the so-called “Best Bakery” case. On 29 August 2003,
Pathan was allegedly surrounded and physically threatened by a group of Hindu nationalists
while he escorted witnesses to an official inquiry into the massacres. Zahira Sheikh, a prime
witness in the “Best Bakery” case, allegedly said on 11 July 2003 that she was forced to change
her testimony as a result of threats against her during the trial. On 20 August 2003, the three
human rights defenders allegedly requested police protection from Gujarat's chief secretary and
director- general of police and the police commissioner of Ahmedabad. There was reportedly no
reply to that request to date. They also reportedly filed an application for protection before the
Supreme Court of India on 1 September2003.
255. On 13 November 2003, the Special Representative sent a fhrther urgent appeal regarding
alleged death threats against Rais Khan Azeezkhan Pathan, coordinator of the Citizens for
Justice and Peace, a civil society organization based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which has been
working to help document and expose the alleged participation of police and other government
officials during reported anti-Muslim violence in Gujarat. According to the information received,
on 4 November 2003, at approximately 9.30, Rais Khan Azeezkhan Pathan allegedly received a
call on his mobile phone during a visit to the town of Viramgam to investigate the alleged killing
of three civilians by police fire during an outbreak of communal violence in the area on 2
November 2003. The caller reportedly informed Mr. Pathan that his visit to the area had “vitiated
the atmosphere” and allegedly threatened him with death if he did not leave the State. It is
reported that on 7 November 2003, at approximately 17.30, he received another similar threat.
According to the information received, a complaint regarding the threats has reportedly been
lodged with the Director- General of the Police of Gujarat. Mr. Pathan is reported to have already
been subjected to death threats, along with his colleagues. They were the subject of an urgent
appeal by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and the
Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders sent
on 15 September 2003. While the Special Representative and the Special Rapporteur welcomed
the fact that Mr. Pathan and his colleagues were granted police protection after filing an
application in the Supreme Court on 1 September 2003, concern has been expressed he is still
being targeted on account of his human rights work. Concern has equally been expressed that
other human rights defenders working with Mr. Pathan may also be at risk.
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256. On 13 November 2003, the Special Representative sent an urgent appeal regarding the
situation of Mallika Sarabhai, director of the Darpana Academy, an arts centre which uses
artistic expression to draw attention to social issues. According to the information received, on 1
April 2002, Mallika Sarabhai allegedly filed a public interest litigation in relation to the inaction
of local authorities to reported killings of Muslims in Gujarat. In April and May 2002, Mallika's
brother was allegedly telephoned several times by the then Minister for Health, and pressured to
persuade her to drop the case. On 16 April 2003, an article in the Gujarat newspaper Sandesh
allegedly accused Mallika Sarabhai of reportedly fraudulently attempting to bring people to the
United States under the cover of a dancing tour. This article was reportedly related to the
Darpana Academy cancelling the part of a dancing tour in the United States, after the United
States consulate and Darpana reportedly became suspicious as to the motives of the students
participating in it and in view of the fact that students on a previous tour had reportedly illegally
remained in the United States. Most of the money was reportedly returned to the students, except
for a non-refhndable tuition fee. On 18 October 2003, one of the Darpana Academy students
reportedly filed a complaint with the police, accusing Mallika Sarabhai of promising against
payment of money to help her to immigrate illegally to the United States while on a dancing tour.
It is alleged that at least seven of the students mentioned in the complaint have since then stated
that they had no complaint against Mallika Sarabhai, and that they never consented to having
their names used. The case against Mallika Sarabhai is reportedly scheduled to be heard on 14
November 2003. Concern has been expressed that the alleged prosecution and media campaign
against Mallika Sarabhai may have been a form of reprisal against her filing a public interest
litigation on 1 April 2002. This concern is heightened by reports that on 30 June 2003, the Press
Council of India reportedly asked Sandesh to withdraw the defamatory statements made against
her in 2002. Concern is equally heightened by reports that after a previous public interest
litigation filed by Mallika Sarabhia in February 2001 in relation to alleged official corruption in
handling earthquake relief funds, the then Minister for Health allegedly telephoned her and her
brother on several occasions in March and April 2001, in an effort to try to persuade them to
drop the case.
257. On 29 July 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal on the situation
of Dr. Debabrata Roy Laifungbam, Director of the Health and Human Rights Section of the
Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) and Dr. Lamabam Pardesi, Convenor
of the Committee on Human Rights (COHR). Both of these human rights defenders were
reportedly summoned to appear before the police. Concern was expressed that the summons are
related to statements reportedly made by COHR on 6, 13 and 14 July 2003 on the alleged extra-
judicial execution of Mr. Ningthoujam Mangoljao by State police. This alleged execution was
the subject of an urgent appeal issued by the Special Rapporteur onextrajudicial, arbitrary or
summary execution on 6 July 2003. Dr Laifungbam was reportedly summoned by the Imphal
West Police Station on 14 July 2003, to appear the same day before the Lamphel Police Station
(Jmphal, Manipur) under section 166 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The summons was
reportedly received in his absence at his residence by his mother, who was reportedly questioned
about her son's work and family situation. Dr. Pardesi reportedly went to Lamphel Police Station
in response to a summons issued on 14 July 2003, and was allegedly asked to dismiss the
allegation reportedly issued by COHR on the same day that Ningthoujam Maangoljao was killed
in police custody. Dr. Pardesi has reportedly continued to receive calls from the police station to
report to Lamphel Police Station. Concern has been expressed that the summons may also be a
response to a recent press statement by Dr. Laifungbam regarding police use of firearms in the
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ease of Naoram Nanao, who was reportedly shot and injured by police on 24 June 2003. The
Senior Superintendent of Police (Jmphal West) allegedly wrote to CORE enquiring, inter alia, as
to the source of information for the press release. Both the Health and Human Rights Section of
CORE and COHR are reportedly working to protect the rights of indigenous peoples in North
East India.
Observations
258. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of this report, the
Government had not transmitted any replies to her communications. She calls on the
Government to take all necessary measures to ensure that the rights enshrined in the Declaration
on human rights defenders are respected. She regrets that no response has yet been received to
her request for an invitation to conduct an official visit, first sent on 8 July 2002 and renewed on
14 October 2003.
Indonesia
Communications sent
259. On 2 April 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on the
promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, transmitted an
urgent appeal concerning Mukhlis Ishak, aged 27, and Zulfikar, members of the non-
governmental organization Link for Community Development (LCD), which assists internally
displaced people. According to information received, Mukhlis Ishak and Zulfikar were detained
on the morning of 25 March 2003 by plain-clothes men. They were reportedly arrested while
accompanying villagers, who were demonstrating outside the office of the District Head (Bupati)
of Bireuen District, to protest against plans to establish a Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) post in
their village. They are believed to be detained by the Indonesian Military, Tentara Nasional
Indonesia, and held in the SGI military post in Bireuen District, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam
Province.
260. On 23 May 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal concerning the
alleged disappearance of Abdussalam Muhamad Deli, a member of the East Aceh branch of the
Human Rights and Legal Aid Post (PB-HAM) and the Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah
Indonesia, PMI). On 11 May, Abdussalam Muhamad Deli was allegedly forced out of a bus and
into a vehicle with tainted windows in Langsa Lama Village, in the Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam
(NAD) Province, by unidentified armed men. The vehicle was then reportedly driven towards
Langsa Town. Local organizations allegedly enquired about Abdussalam Muhamad Deli's
whereabouts of the local police and military, who reportedly denied holding him. According to
information received, the alleged disappearance of Abdussalam Muhamad Deli may be related to
his activism against human rights violations in NAD Province. On the same day, Raja Ismail,
also a volunteer with PB-HAM East Aceh, reportedly went missing after leaving his home in
Kuala Simpang village, allegedly to deliver information on human rights violations to the PB-
HAM in Langsa town. His body was reportedly found on 13 May in the Titi Kembar River in
Langsa Lama village, raising fears about Abdussalam Muhamad Deli's safety.
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261. On 6 June 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on the
question of torture and the Chairman-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention,
transmitted an urgent appeal concerning M. Riza Falevi Kirani, Fuadi, Yudi Feriza,
Taurisman, Jakfaruddin, Fayasar, Zainal Abidin, Iskandar, Jakiyatuddin, Yusran, T.
Bahrum and Fakhrulzazi, students at lAIN Ar-Raniry University, Mulyadi Rusydi, a former
student at lAIN Ar-Raniry University, and internally displaced persons, Pak ilarun, Muliadi
and Adam. They were reportedly arrested and brought to an unknown place on 24 May 2003 in
Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) Province, by members of the Police Mobile
Brigade (Brimob), during a two-hour raid on a student activitiescentre. The detainees were
allegedly accused by the military of belonging to the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), a pro-
independence armed opposition group. According to the information received, three of the
arrested students are believed to be volunteers with the Indonesian Red Cross and five of them to
be activists in an environmental group. In view of the alleged incommunicado detention of the
above-mentioned persons in an unknown place, concerns were expressed for their physical and
mental integrity.
262. On 10 June 2003, the Special Representative sent an urgent appeal concerning the alleged
recent attacks against the offices of two Jakarta-based human rights organizations: Kontras (the
Commission for Disappearances and Victims of Violence) and Perhimpunan Bantuan Hukum
dan Hak Asasi Manusia Indonesia (the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association,
PBHI). According to the information received, on 26 May 2003, approximately 20 members of a
youth association, with reported links to the Indonesian military, allegedly came to Kontras's
headquarters in central Jakarta and physically assaulted Usman ilamid, a Kontras senior staff
member. A group of approximately 100 people allegedly returned the following day and
reportedly assaulted Usman Hamid again, together with two other staff members, On Rahman
and Gian Moko. The office was allegedly vandalized and some equipment destroyed. The police
allegedly failed to intervene, despite having been informed of the attacks by Kontras staff Later
the same day, the same group allegedly attacked the offices of PBHI, reportedly demanding to
see its Executive Director, Hendardi, and another senior staff member, Johnson Panjaitan.
Neither were in the office at the time, but six staff members were allegedly verbally, and in once
case physically, assaulted. While the attacks have been condemned by the authorities, the
Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces allegedly publicly declared that, although the
attacks may represent a violation of the law, Kontras should reflect upon the reason for these
attacks. According to the information received, these attacks against Kontras and PBHI may be
linked to their human rights activities, in particular their public criticism of the actions of the
security forces and their opposition to the current military emergency in parts of the country.
263. On 25 June 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on the
question of torture and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers,
transmitted an urgent appeal regarding Nuraini (f), Volunteer Coordinator of the Commission
for Involuntary Disappearances and Victims of Violence in Aceh (Kontras), Zakaria Ismail, her
65-year-old father, and Zulkifli, a 50-year-old neighbour, who were reportedly arrested and
detained on 19 June 2003 at around S a.m. in Lueng Dama Village, Pidie District, by members of
the military from Delima Sub-district Military Command and police officers from Delima Police
Sector. Nuraini and Zakaria Ismail were allegedly blindfolded and beaten and their house
searched. They are reportedly believed to have been taken to Polsek Delima. Zakaria Ismail was
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allegedly accused by the military commander of Pidie District of being a former member of the
armed group Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and Zulkifli of being a fund-raiser for GAM. (Since
the declaration of a military emergency on 19 May 2003, members of Kontras and other human
rights organizations have reportedly been directly warned by the local military commander that
they will be targeted for arrest.) The three persons named above were then allegedly detained in
incommunicado detention in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province (NAD).
264. On 3 July 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on the
question of torture, transmitted an urgent appeal reiterating her concerns about Nuraini, Zakaria
Ismail and Zulkifli, and expressing concern that according to more recent information, Nuraini
was transferred from police detention in Pidie District to the Police Headquarters (Polda) in
Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) Province on 28 June, where it is believed she
was beaten and forced to strip. She was reportedly visited by lawyers there. The Special
Representative also expressed concern about information received with regard to Asiah (f),
Coordinator of Investigations for the Commission for Involuntary Disappearances and Victims
of Violence (Kontras), Afridal Darmi and Syarifa Murlina (f), both lawyers for the Aceh
Branch of Legal Aid Association (LBH-Aceh), as well as other members of Kontras and LBH-
Aceh. It was alleged that on 28 June 2003, seven men in plain clothes, but who are thought to be
members of the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) visited the offices of LBH-Aceh on two
occasions. The first time they reportedly indicated they were looking for Asiah, the second time,
Afridal Darmi and Syarifa Murlina, who were also not present at the time. The men allegedly
proceeded to search the office, breaking down a door and throwing things onto the floor, and
reportedly left saying that they would return. According to the information received, the
enquiries about Asiah relate to her role in gathering information on human rights violations, and
the men's reported interest in Afridal Darmi and Syarifa Murlina may be related to the work of
LBH-Aceh providing legal representation to detainees and prisoners, including Nuraini. The
Special Rapporteur expressed concern that given the alleged ill-treatment of Nuraini, Afridal
Darmi and Syarifa Murlina might be arrested and subjected to similar ill-treatment.
265. On 22 August 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal regarding
Asraf(m), ilermanto (m), Imam (m), Risma (f) Irawati (f), Juanda (m) and Linda Wahina
(O all reportedly members of the People's Crisis Centre (PCC), an Aceh-based organization
which distributes aid to internally displaced persons and monitors human rights violations. On
the morning of 13 August 2003 about eight unarmed plain-clothes officials of the Regional
Military Emergency Administrator (Satgas PDMD) allegedly arrived at the PCC office in Banda
Aceh. The officials reportedly introduced themselves as members of Satgas PDMD and asked to
see Mr. Imam and Ms. Risma. Neither was reportedly present at the time and the officials
reportedly left to return later, at around 3 p.m. On this second visit, the officials allegedly
detained MessrsAsraf, Hermanto and Imam, and Ms. Risma, and allegedly took them to the
Satgas PDMD base, where they were allegedly interrogated for approximately five hours on the
activities of their organization, its financial arrangements and its relationship with other
organizations. The four were reportedly also questioned about the activities of Mr. Juanda and
required to provide the telephone numbers of the office, as well as the mobile telephone numbers
of the staff. After the interrogation, these persons were reportedly returned to the PCC office, but
were told that they would be summoned to the Satgas base on the following day, together with
Ms. Irawati and Ms. Linda Wahina. As at 15 August, the PCC staff had reportedly not been
contacted, but reportedly remained concerned that they could be summoned at any time.
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266. On 10 October 2003 the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, sent an
allegation letter on the cases below.
267. Susyanti Kamil, An'am Jaya, Sahabuddin, Ansar Suherman, llariansyah and
Muhammad Akman, activists with the Governing Front of the Poor, a coalition of Indonesian
political organizations, reportedly participated in a peaceful demonstration in Kendari town,
South-east Sulawesi Province, on 23 January 2003. On 25 January 2003, the police allegedly
arrived at the house where Susyanti Kamil, An'am Jaya, Sahabuddin, Ansar Suherman,
Hariansyah, and Muhammad Akman were sleeping at 2 a.m. with three arrest warrants. It is
alleged that despite only having three arrest warrants, the police arrested all six people who were
in the house at that time. According to the information received, Susyanti Kamil, An'am Jaya,
Sahabuddin, Ansar Suherman, Hariansyah and Muhammad Akman were taken to Kendari Police
resort (Polres) where they were allegedly beaten by police officers, had objects thrown at them
and were interrogated, often at night. The six were reportedly allowed only very restricted access
to lawyers. It is alleged that on one occasion, on 14 February 2003, Sahabuddin was beaten
repeatedly at two-hourly intervals for a period of around 11 hours. Although one police officer
was reportedly transferred to another police station as a result, it is alleged that no further
disciplinary steps were taken. On 20 March 2003, Susyanti Kamil, An'am Jaya, Sahabuddin,
Ansar Suherman, Hariansyah and Muhammad Akman were allegedly moved to Kendari Prison
after formal charges were filed against them. It is reported that access to families and lawyers has
since improved although they reportedly continue to be beaten. Their trial reportedly began on 8
April 2003, and on 4 June 2003 all six were reportedly sentenced to four months and fifteen days
in prison for “insulting the President”. They were reportedly released five days after sentencing
for having already served the time in pre-trial detention. Concern has been expressed that these
defenders were sentenced solely because of participating in a peaceful demonstration in favour of
the rights of the poor.
268. Amrisaldin, a 24-year-old volunteer with the humanitarian organization, Save
Emergency for Aceh (SEFA), was reportedly detained by members of Brimob during a “stop and
search” operation in Meukek Sub-district, South Aceh. It is alleged that during his detention in
the Meukek Police Sektor (Polsek), Amrisaldin was interrogated and tortured for several hours
from 21.45 on 5 September 2000 until 04.00 on 6 September 2000. According to the information
received, Amrisaldin's forehead was cut with a knife, his pubic, chest and armpit hair was burnt
with matches, he was punched in the mouth and kicked in the ear and stomach, and he was
threatened with death. It is alleged that Amrisaldin was also accused of being a GAM activist.
Before being released, he allegedly had to sign a letter in which he promised not to make public
the treatment he had suffered. He was also reportedly ordered to stay in Tapaktuan Sub-district in
South Aceh for five days and to report to the South Aceh District Police Resort (Polres). Concern
has been expressed that Amrisaldin's alleged detention and torture may have been a response to a
report he was preparing on alleged human rights violations by the security forces against
internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South Aceh and because he was carrying medical supplies
for distribution among IDPs in the district.
269. On 13 October 2003, the Special Representative transmitted a letter of allegation
regarding the alleged arrest, secret detention and torture of Anwar Yusuf, a volunteer with the
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human rights group, FP HAM. According to the information received, on 3 February 1999,
Anwar Yusuf was investigating an incident in which the military allegedly opened fire on
unarmed civilians making their way home from a pro-independence meeting in Matang Ulim, Idi
Cut, East Aceh. His investigations reportedly included a visit to the Arakundo River where the
victims' bodies were allegedly found. On 7 February 1999, Anwar Yusuf was allegedly arrested
at his home in East Aceh by men who identified themselves as belonging to Idi Rayeuk Sub-
district Military Command (Koramil). According to the information received, Anwar Yusuf was
taken to Koramil and then to a private house where he was interrogated by four members of the
TNT about his visit to the Arakundo River and was accused of being a member of GAM. During
his interrogation, it is alleged that Anwar Yusuf was beaten with a wooden block, a broom and a
chair, had hot coffee poured over him and was forced to squat on the floor with a wooden block
wedged behind his knees. He was also allegedly threatened that he would be shot. Anwar Yusuf's
mother reportedly tried to trace him at both Koramil and the police station from which he was
ultimately released, and officials in both places allegedly denied any knowledge of his
whereabouts. On 8 February 1999, Anwar Yusuf was reportedly transferred to the East Aceh
District Military Command (Kodim), and on 10 February 1999, he was reportedly taken into
police custody, and then released without charge. Concern has been expressed that Anwar Yusuf
was targeted because of his work as a human rights defender, in particular because of his
investigations of the alleged incident on 3 February 1999.
270. On 13 October 2003 the Special Representative transmitted a letter of allegation
regarding the alleged killing and torture of Tdriss, Ernita binti Wahab, Bakhtiar and
Nazaruddin all of whom work for the NGO Rehabilitation Action for Torture Victims in Aceh
(RATA). According to the information received, on 6 December 2000, these four men were on
their way by car to visit some patients in Jambu Air at around 12.30, when they were forced to
stop by a Taft make of car with a black top, which allegedly stopped in front of them. Two other
cars allegedly stopped behind them, one green Kijang and another darker car. Tt is alleged that a
group of at least 14 men in the three cars, who appeared to be soldiers, abducted them and
interrogated them on their work, accusing them of being sympathizers with the Free Aceh
Movement (GAM). The four men were allegedly beaten with rifle butts and driven to two
military command posts. According to our information, the men were then reportedly driven to
the Kandang High School, SMA Kandang, where their hands were tied. Tdris and Ernita were
reportedly forced to lie down and were then allegedly shot. One of the abductors reportedly
filmed the executions on a video camera. Nazaruddin reportedly managed to get his hands untied
and run away. The abductors reportedly shot after him and then shot and killed Bachtiar. Concern
has been expressed that these men were targeted because of their work in counselling victims of
torture.
271. On 29 October 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an allegation regarding the
alleged break-up of a training workshop on human rights monitoring facilitated by MM BiIIah,
director of a body appointed by the Human Rights Commission (KOMINAS HAM), which
conducts human rights monitoring in Aceh since the imposition of martial law on 19 May 2003.
According to the information received, the training workshop was scheduled to be held from 19
to 23 October 2003 in Pavilion Seulawah, Banda Aceh. The martial law authority, PDMD, and
the police authority in Banda Aceh, Polresta, were reportedly informed in advance. On 20
October 2003, two military representatives from PDMD were reportedly included in the morning
session, having reportedly requested permission to participate. The two military representatives
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reportedly left the training workshop at the lunch break. According to the information received,
at 15.00, about 20 soldiers and 20 police officers reportedly arrived at the training workshop. It is
alleged that the military and police turned off the lights in order to prevent the workshop from
continuing. They then allegedly attempted to enter the workshop, and requested a list of the
participants, but MM Billah reportedly prevented them from entering and refhsed to give them a
list. Concern has been expressed that the training workshop was targeted because of its human
rights content. Concern has equally been expressed as to the safety of the training participants,
having regard to the alleged request for a list of participants in the workshop.
Communications received
272. By letter dated 14 July 2003, the Government responded to an urgent appeal sent by the
Special Representative on 10 June 2003 regarding the alleged attacks on Kontras (the
Commission for Disappearances and Victims of Violence) and Perhimpunan Bantuan Hukum
dan Hak Asasi Manusia Indonesia (the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association,
PBHI). The Government informed the Special Representative that, following information
received from the police headquarters, it could confirm that contrary to the allegations made, the
incident on 26 May had been a peacefhl demonstration held by members of the Pemuda Panca
Marga (PPM) outside the office of Kontras. It could also confirm that a similar demonstration
on 27 May did in fact turn violent and that members and the property of both the aforementioned
organizations had been attacked. However, the Government informed the Special Representative
that, contrary to the allegations made, the police had done their utmost to monitor the protests
and prevent the violence and as a result seven people had been detained in connection with the
incident and a full dossier had been completed.
Observations
273. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its reply regarding the alleged
attacks on Kontras and PBHI. She strongly regrets, however, the absence of replies to her many
other communications, preventing her from taking into consideration the Government's analysis
of the alleged facts in these cases. Based on the information that she has received, the Special
Representative is deeply concerned by the very large number of violations allegedly committed
against human rights defenders in Indonesia, including most notably the alleged killing,
disappearance, beating, arrest and detention of defenders by security forces in Aceh. The Special
Representative urges the Government to make every effort to implement the standards set out in
the Declaration on human rights defenders and would welcome additional efforts by the
Government to enter into a dialogue with her in this regard.
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Communications sent
274. On 25 June 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on the
question of torture, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning Manuchehr Mohamaddi, a student
activist affiliated to the National Union of Students and Graduates (Ettehadlych Melli-yc
Danesh ouyan va Fareqoltahsilan-e Iran), who was reportedly arrested on 13 July 1999 in
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connection with his participation in student demonstrations against press laws limiting freedom
of expression and the closure of the newspaper Salam (“Peace”). According to the information
received, he was removed from Evin Prison, Tehran, to an undisclosed location after he had
returned to the prison following a six- day temporary leave. During his leave, he reportedly gave
radio and television interviews and stated that people from Iran should struggle for freedom and
democracy in a non-violent manner. Shortly after his return to prison on 17 June 2003 he was
allegedly beaten by officials from the Revolutionary Guard, who are thought to have strongly
criticized the media interviews he had given.
275. On 20 November 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on the question of torture, sent an urgent appeal concerning the alleged imprisonment of Ahmed
Batebi, a student activist, during an approved period of leave from prison. The original detention
of Ahmed Batebi in July 1999 for his participation in student demonstrations was the subject of a
letter of allegation by the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights on the
situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran on 6 October 2000. According to the
information received, on 8 November 2003, Ahmed Batebi was reported missing after he
allegedly took part in an ftar at Tehran University. Ahmed Batebi was reportedly on leave from
prison for medical reasons since 20 October 2003 and his leave was reportedly due to expire on
10 November 2003. On 17 November 2003, the father of Ahmed Batebi was allegedly
interrogated by the Chief Prosecutor of Tehran, when he visited his office to enquire about his
son's whereabouts. He was allegedly accused of kidnapping his own son and threatened with
arrest. The Chief Prosecutor then allegedly informed him that Ahmed Batebi had been sent back
to prison. The place of his detention has reportedly not been disclosed and the reasons for his
arrest are allegedly unknown. His family reportedly received a telephone call from him, during
which he allegedly sounded very feeble. Concern has been expressed that Ahmed Batebi may
have been targeted for meeting with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of
the right to freedom of opinion and expression, who had visited Iran on a fact-finding mission
from 4 to 10 November 2003.
276. On 5 December 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the
Special Rapporteur on the independence ofjudges and lawyers, sent a letter of allegation
regarding the situation of Mr. Nasser Zarafchan, a lawyer of the Bar of Tehran. According to
the information received, on 18 March 2002, Mr. Zarafchan had reportedly been sentenced to
three years in jail by the Military Tribunal of Tehran for “possessing weapons and alcohol” and
to two years in prison for his statements to the press regarding the lawsuit of the alleged
murderers of intellectuals, which ended in January 2002. Following an appeal, this decision was
reportedly upheld by the Military Court of Tehran on 15 July 2002, and on 25 November 2003,
Nasser Zarafchan's appeal to the Supreme Court was dismissed, thereby confirming his five
years' imprisonment sentence. It has been alleged that the case against him was fabricated by the
police and that his sentence reportedly aimed at sanctioning his activity as a lawyer for the
families of the intellectuals murdered by intelligence services agents in 1998. Reports indicate
that Mr. Zarafchan is being detained at Evin Prison, and that he was not allowed to meet his
counsel, Mrs. Chirin Ebadi, during the process. Concerns were expressed that Nasser Zarafchan
may have been targeted in retaliation for his work as a lawyer and a human rights defender.
Concerns are heightened by the fact that the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of
opinion and expression was not able to meet with him during his visit in Iran in November 2003.
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However, the Special Rapporteur notes that on this occasion, the authorities made a pledge to
review Mt Zarafchan's case.
Observations
277. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of her report no
reply had been received from the Government. She calls on the Government to ensure that all
rights enshrined in the Declaration on human rights defenders are respected.
Israel
Communications sent
278. On 30 January 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,
the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Chairman-Rapporteur of the Working
Group on Arbitrary Detention, transmitted an urgent appeal regarding ‘Abla Sa'adat, a human
rights defender, and Iman Abu Farah and Fatma Zayed, both fourth- year students at the
Religious Studies College of al-Quds University in Abu Dis, Jerusalem. According to the
information received, on 20 January 2003, Jman Abu Farah and Fatma Zayed were reportedly
arrested from their apartment in Um al-Sharayit and taken to Beit El. On 21 January 2003, ‘Abla
Sa'adat was reportedly arrested at the border crossing into Jordan, while she was on her way to
Brazil for the World Social Forum as a delegate representing the Palestinian human rights
organization Addameer. It is believed that she was also taken to the Beit El Military Detention
Centre (near Ramallah, West Bank), and placed in an isolation cell without being questioned. All
her personal belongings were allegedly taken from her. On the evening of 22 January 2003, ‘Abla
Sa'adat, Jman Abu Farah and Fatma Zayed were reportedly all served with four-month
administrative detention orders. It was reported that they are held in extremely harsh conditions.
In protest at their detention conditions, the three detainees have reportedly been on hunger strike
since 23 January 2003, and their health is reportedly deteriorating. Iman Abu Farah has
reportedly subsequently been transferred to the Moskobiyye Interrogation Centre. According to
the information received, in sworn affidavits, Abla Sa'adat and Jman Abu Farah described the
harsh conditions of their arrest, and reaffirmed that they would not end their hunger strike until
they were transferred to more adequate facilities for female detainees.
279. On 19 February 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal concerning
Dr. Azmi Shuaibi, a Commissioner with the Palestinian Independent Commission for Citizens'
Rights (PICCR), and ilusein Sholi, the coordinator for complaints at PICCR, who have
reportedly been refused permission to leave to attend human rights events abroad. Dr. Azmi
Shuaibi has been invited to attend the eleventh United Nations Workshop on Regional
Cooperation for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Asia and Pacific Region,
to be held in Islamabad at the end of February 2003. According to the information received, Dr.
Azmi Shuaibi was informed by the relevant Israeli authorities that, because he is a Palestinian
Parliamentarian, he would require a special permit to leave, but that given the limited time
available it would be very difficult to obtain such a permit. Husein Sholi was reportedly invited
in October 2002 to attend a human rights training course in Sweden from 17 February to 21
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March 2003. He was reportedly provided with the relevant visa by the Swedish consulate in
Jerusalem, but the Israeli Ministry of Defence allegedly informed him that he would not be
allowed to travel for security reasons.
280. On 28 February 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges
and lawyers, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning Daoud Dirawi, who was reportedly
detained on the evening of 21 February 2003 in Jerusalem while on his way to purchase
medicine from a pharmacy for his daughter who was ill. Reports indicate that he was stopped by
Israeli soldiers, who asked to see his identification. He reportedly had left his identity card with
his wife and was only able to show an official document indicating that he had moved to
Jerusalem so as to be with his wife, who is a resident of the city. His wife, Fatmi Dirawi,
reportedly brought the identification card and was then required by the soldiers to wait outside
with her husband for two hours. Daoud Dirawi was then reportedly taken by Israeli soldiers to
Qeshle Police Station in Jerusalem. Fatmi Dirawi was reportedly told by officers at the police
station that her husband would be held for 24 hours and then brought before a judge. The
following morning, she was reportedly told that her husband had been taken away by personnel
from Shin Bet (the Israeli Secret Intelligence Service), that he would be detained for
interrogation purposes for 12 days, that his place of detention would not be disclosed and that he
would not be able to meet with a lawyer during this period. According to the information
received, Daoud Dirawi had already been arrested on 10 September 2001 and allegedly tortured
while being detained in Ashkelan in poor conditions of detention and was the subject of an
urgent appeal on 17 September 2001, under the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the
question of torture and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of
human rights defenders, to which the Government of Israel responded on 21 June 2002.
281. On 3 June 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal concerning a
statement made on 21 May 2003 by the Israeli Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Knesset's
Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, accusing “most human rights offices in the West Bank
and Gaza Strip of providing shelter to terrorists”. The Special Representative pointed out that
while her information indicated that those accusations were false, general statements against
human rights organizations and actors, such as the one alleged, were contrary to the spirit of the
Declaration on human rights defenders. In addition, she expressed concern that in the current
context of tension in the region such public accusation by a government official might increase
the vulnerability of human rights defenders to threats to their work and personal safety.
282. On 16 September 2003, the Special Representative transmitted a letter of allegation
concerning the alleged killing of Rachel Corrie, a volunteer from the United States of America
with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM). On 16 March 2003, Rachel Corrie was
reportedly opposing the bulldozing of a Palestinian home in the Rafah refugee camp in Gaza,
when an Israeli army bulldozer allegedly ran her over, reportedly causing her death. It is reported
that Rachel Corrie and the seven other ISM activists working with her in the Rafah area had
clearly identified themselves as unarmed international peace activists. The driver of the bulldozer
was reportedly aware of her presence, as she was reportedly carrying a loudspeaker and sitting in
the path of the bulldozer as it advanced towards her. When the bulldozer allegedly refhsed to stop
or turn aside she reportedly climbed up onto the mound of dirt and rubble being gathered in front
of it wearing a fluorescent jacket to look directly at the driver. The bulldozer allegedly continued
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to advance so that she was pulled under the pile of dirt and rubble. It is alleged that after she had
disappeared from view, the driver kept advancing until the bulldozer was completely on top of
her, without lifting the bulldozer blade.
283. On 2 December 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Chairman-Rapporteur of the Working Group on
Arbitrary Detention, transmitted an urgent appeal regarding Abed Rahman aI-Ahmar, a field
researcher with the Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group (PHRMG). According to the
information received, Abed Rahman al-Ahmar, who has been imprisoned by Israeli authorities
several times in the past, was reportedly arrested again on 22 November 2002, at his home in the
Daheishe Refugee Camp. He was reportedly detained at the Etzion Detention Centre. Concerns
have been expressed that Abed Rahman al-Ahmar's recent detention and imprisonment may be a
response to his human rights activities. It was reported that on 22 November at 4 a.m., members
of the Israeli Security Forces entered his house and proceeded to shoot in the air and ordered
everyone to leave the house before searching the al-Ahmar's home for several hours.
Approximately 30 persons, including women and children, were reportedly kept outside in the
cold at gunpoint for about three hours. It was reported that the Security Forces stated that they
were looking for a relative of Mr. al-Ahmar, but as they did not find him, they arrested Mr. al-
Ahmar instead, explaining that they wanted to question him for a short time. Mr. al-Ahmar was
then reportedly taken to the Etzion Detention Centre, where his detention was set to end on 3
December 2002. According to the information received, Mr. al-Ahmar was not questioned so far
on anything other than his marriage to Attorney Allegra Pacheco, who currently works for the
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNWRA). Furthermore, he
reportedly was not receiving proper medical care or the medication he had to take on a regular
basis despite reports that he was suffering from severe back and stomach aches. His fragile
health reportedly results from the alleged torture to which he was subjected by the General
Security Services (GSS) while he was in detention during the first Jntifada. According to the
information received, Attorney Pacheco has visited Mr. al-Ahmar at the Etzion Detention Centre
and Attorney Lea Tsemel was appointed to represent Mr. al-Ahmar and filed a request on 27
November 2002 to the Beit El Military Court demanding that Mr. al-Ahmar be released on bail.
284. On 8 December 2003, the Special Representative sent a letter of allegation regarding the
alleged shooting of Tom llurndall, a volunteer with ISM. According to the information
received, on 11 April 2003, Tom Hurndall was reportedly preparing for an ISM “action”,
involving the positioning of a tent in order to protect a house in the Yibnah District of the City of
Rafah, with a group of 10 ISM volunteers. He was allegedly shot on Kir Street, while he was
reportedly carrying children away from gunfire allegedly emanating from an Israeli Defence
Forces (IDF) watchtower. In addition, according to the information received, Tom Hurndall was
reportedly taken by taxi to the local hospital and then to a hospital in Gaza, and finally by
helicopter to the Soroka Medical Centre in Beer Shiva, where he reportedly received a CAT
scan. The scans from the hospital in Beer Shiva have reportedly been repeatedly promised to his
family, but have allegedly not been given. Concern has been expressed that Tom Hurndall may
have been targeted as a result of his work with ISM. Concerns are heightened by the fact that, at
the time of the shooting, Tom Hurndall was reportedly wearing orange clothes with fluorescent
markings to indicate his status as an international peace volunteer which were allegedly fhlly
visible from the IDF watchtower, and that the ISM banner had reportedly been hung directly in
front of the watchtower.
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Communications received
285. By letter of 12 March 2003, the Government responded to the communication sent by the
Special Representative on 19 February 2003 regarding the case of ilussein Sholi. The
Government stated that following the clarification of certain security issues, Hussein Sholi had
been given authorization to travel and would be leaving for Sweden on 12 March 2003 to attend
the human rights training course.
286. By letter of 16 June 2003, the Government responded to the communications sent by the
Special Representative on 2 December 2002 regarding the arrest of Abed Rahman AI-Ahmar.
The Government informed the Special Representative that the person concerned had been
arrested in relation to his activities with a terrorist organization, the Popular Front for the
Liberation of Palestine, for which he held previous convictions for involvement in terrorist
attacks against Israelis. The Government stated that following an appeal filed on his behalf by
the Military Court of Appeals, it was found that he posed an imminent and significant danger to
security and that his claims to be a human rights activist were inaccurate. It further stated that the
Ofer detention facility where he was being held fully complied with the applicable standards of
international humanitarian law and had permanent medical staff whom he was entitled to
approach with regard to his medical needs. It also stated that he was entitled to have recourse to
Israel's judicial system, including the Israeli Supreme Court sitting as High Court of Justice, with
regard to any aspect of his detention.
Responses received to communications sent by the Special Representative in previous years
287. By letter dated 27 June 2003, the Government responded to the communication sent by
the Special Representative together with the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture on 13
September 2002 regarding the situation of Dr. Mustafa Barghouti. The Government stated that
the Ministry of Justice Department of Investigation of Police Misconduct had carried out an
investigation, which concluded that there was insufficient evidence to justify criminal
proceedings against the police officers in question regarding the allegations of Dr. Mustafa
Barghouti and that this was due, inter alia, to the lack of cooperation by Dr. Barghouti and his
attorney. The Government further stated that Dr. Barghouti had been entitled to submit an
appeal to the State Attorney within 30 days of receipt of the letter informing him of the above-
mentioned decision and that no such appeal had been submitted.
Observations
288. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its responses and in particular for
its rapid response to the situation of ilusein Sholi. She welcomes the fact that through the Israeli
Foreign Ministry and the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations Office at Geneva,
which entered into direct contact with its support staff at OHCHR, Husein Sholi was able to
travel to Sweden. She regrets that time did not allow Dr. Azmi Shuaibi to travel to Islamabad to
attend the eleventh United Nations Workshop on Regional Cooperation for the Promotion and
Protection of Human Rights in the Asia and Pacific Region. The Special Representative regrets
the absence of responses to her other communications. She remains deeply concerned by the
many violations allegedly committed against human rights defenders by Israeli authorities over
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the past year, including notably the reported killings of peace activists in the occupied territories.
She calls on the Government to ensure that all rights enshrined in the Declaration on human
rights defenders are respected.
Jordan
Communications sent
289. On 14 January 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, transmitted an
urgent appeal concerning the reported arrest of Hisham Bustani, a human rights activist and a
member of the outlawed Union of Professional Associations, who denounced the detention
conditions at the Jweidah Prison, near Amman, in an article published in the latest issue of the
magazine Al-Adab published in Lebanon. According to information received, Mr. Bustani was
arrested on 24 December 2002 and is reportedly being held at Jweidah Prison . His article,
entitled “Mechanism of oppression: the Jweidah Prison case”, was based on his five-day
imprisonment at Jweidah a few months earlier. It is further reported that the November-
December edition of the magazine has been banned in Jordan.
Observations
290. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of this report, the
Government had not transmitted a reply to her communication.
Kazakhstan
Communications sent
291. On 5 December 2003, the Special Representative sent an urgent action regarding the
alleged sentencing of Sergey Duvanov, a journalist and editor of the Bulletin “Human Rights in
Kazakhstan and in the World”. According to the information received, on 28 January 2003,
Sergey Duvanov was allegedly sentenced by the Karasai District Court to three and a half years
of detention in a general regime colony for rape under article 120 of the Criminal Code. Reports
by international observers allege that there was insufficient evidence of his guilt to convict him
and serious violations of criminal procedure during the hearing. On 11 March 2003, the Criminal
Collegium of the Almaty Oblast Court reportedly upheld the verdict, and allegedly considered
his guilt to be proved for raping a minor under article 120(2) of the Criminal Code. Tn June and
November 2003, Sergey Duvanov's lawyers reportedly received letters from the Almaty Oblast
Court Chief Justice and the Supreme Court indicating that there were no reasons for legal
investigation of the case in supervisory procedure, and alleging that all legal remedies have been
exhausted. Concern has been expressed that Sergey Duvanov may be in detention after an unfair
trial as a result of his journalistic work on behalf of human rights. Due to the reported lack of
sufficient evidence against Sergey Duvanov, it is feared that the trial was politically motivated.
Observations
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292. The Special Representative is grateful for the detailed response received on this case
from the Government on 22 December 2003. Unfortunately, the English translation was not
available in time to be examined and included in this report, and will thus be reported next year.
Kyrgyzstan
Communications sent
293. On 30 January 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,
transmitted an urgent appeal concerning the reported harassment of NGO activists, which
appears to be linked to the release of an appeal signed by 22 NGOs on 15 January 2003 calling
for the referendum on the Constitution which is due to take place on 2 February to be
rescheduled, and to the media attention this has generated. It is reported that several of these
activists have been summoned by the State authorities and secret service representatives to sign
letters denying their position on the referendum. It is reported in particular that on 27 January, an
officer of the criminal investigation department of Pervomai police unit visited the neighbours of
Aziza Abdrasulova, a Coalition member in Bishkek, and questioned them about her family's
lifestyle and social activities. In the absence of her parents, Aziza Abdrasulova's 12-year-old
daughter was interrogated about where she and her younger brother went to school.
294. On 8 May 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, transmitted an urgent appeal regarding the
alleged harassment of the Kyrgyz Committee for Human Rights (KCHR) and its President
Ramazan Dyryldaev. According to the information received, in March 2003 Mr. Dyryldaev,
who had left the country three months earlier after having allegedly received information that
there might be an attempt to kill him, reportedly returned to Kyrgyzstan where he stayed with his
brother. On 26 March 2003, former KCHR employees, accompanied by unknown men in
uniforms, allegedly entered the KCHR office in an attempt to steal some computers and data.
From 29 March until 10 April 2003, after Mr. Dyryldaev had left his brother's home where he
had been staying, two men were allegedly noticed watching the house, and on 21 April 2003,
Officers from the State Department on Organized Economic Crime reportedly went to the home
of KCHR staff member, Vladimir Tihonov, to enquire about Ramazan Dyryldaev's whereabouts.
On the same day, Ramazan Dyryldaev was reportedly accused by former employees of financial
misdoings.
Communications received
295. By letter dated 16 April the Government responded to the communication sent on 30
January 2003 regarding the reported harassment of NGOs. The Government informed the
Special Representative that an inquiry had been carried out by the Office of the Procurator-
General which concluded that no such harassment had taken place and further that no complaints
had been lodged with any judicial bodies by any of the alleged victims. As regards the visit of a
militia officer to the house of Aziza Abdrasulova, the Government confirmed that an officer had
visited her house as well as other houses in the vicinity to gather information, in accordance with
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routine crime detection measures provided for by law about a theft committed in the area. The
Government also informed the Special Representative that the new version of the Constitution
that came into force following a nationwide referendum on 2 February was devoted to the
strengthening of democracy, adherence to human rights and freedoms and greater effectiveness
in the operation of government bodies.
Observations
296. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its response in the Aziza
Abdrasulova case but regrets the absence of reply to her other communications.
Lebanon
Communications sent
297. On 13 August 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal concerning
internationally recognized lawyer and human rights activist, Dr. Mugraby. According to the
information received, on 7 August 2003, Dr. Mugraby was instructed by two policemen to report
to the Public Prosecutor. On 8 August 2003, after reportedly presenting himself at the
Prosecutor's office, he was allegedly questioned for approximately four hours on charges of
“impersonating a lawyer”, and was allegedly taken into custody and detained in a prison inside
the Ministry of Justice or the Palace of Justice. Prior to his alleged arrest, the Beirut Bar
Association reportedly repeatedly attempted to prevent Dr. Mugraby from practising as a lawyer
in Lebanon. On 4 April 2002 and on 17 January 2003, two of the Bar's disciplinary committees
reportedly ruled that Mugraby should be barred from practising law. Dr. Mugraby reportedly
appealed both decisions, but the appeals were reportedly never heard. Decisions of the Bar's
disciplinary committees are reportedly not final until the appeals process is completed. It is
further reported that following the decisions of the two disciplinary committees, Dr. Mugraby
reportedly continued to practise as a lawyer, paid his annual Bar Association dues, which were
reportedly accepted, and he continued to register his power of attorney at the Bar, which was also
reportedly accepted. Concern has been expressed that the arrest and the attempts to disbar Dr.
Mugraby may be linked to his activity as a human rights defender. Dr. Mugraby is a founding
member of MIRSAD (Multi Initiative on Rights Search, Assist, and Defend), an NGO working
on combating corruption in the judiciary and creating a media human rights network. Dr.
Mugraby has also reportedly provided legal advice to families of disappeared persons in
Lebanon.
298. On 16 September 2003, the Special Representative transmitted a letter of allegation on
the reported interrogation and detention of Samira Trad, a member of the Frontier Centre, an
organization working on the rights of refugees in Lebanon. On 3 September 2003, upon her
return to Beirut from a working trip to several European countries, Samira Trad reportedly
received a request to meet with Lebanese security officials on 10 September 2003. Onthat day,
she was allegedly interrogated, accused of tarnishing the reputation of the State of Lebanon and
founding an illegal organization, and detained until the day after. It is alleged that although no
formal charges were filed against her she was told not to leave the country. Samira Trad had
reportedly also been called in for questioning six months before and allegedly been told that she
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should stop her efforts to provide legal assistance and advice to non-Palestinian refugees.
Concerns have been expressed that her arrest may be related to her work on refugee rights in
Lebanon.
299. Le 24 septembre 2003, la Représentante spéciale a envoyé un appel urgent sur la situation
de Mohamad Fakihr et Jihad Abou Nader, avocats et représentants de Me Mugraby, au sujet
duquella Représentante spéciale avait déjà envoyé un appel urgentle 13 aoüt 2003. Le 18 aoüt
2003, le président du barreau de Beyrouth aurait demandé la misc en ieuvre de poursuites
disciplinaires contre Mohamad Fakihr et Jihad Abou Nader pour avoir représenté leur client, Me
Mugraby, sans avoir auparavant obtenu l'autorisation du président du Barreau. Le 20 aoüt 2003,
les deux avocats auraient été convoqués par le barreau pour être interrogés dans le cadre de la
procedure disciplinaire engagée a leur encontre. L'audience du comité de discipline devant
statuer sur leurs cas aurait été fixée au 30 septembre 2003. Des craintes ont été exprimées quant
au fait que ces poursuites disciplinaires ne représentent une forme de punition et d'intimidation a
l'encontre des deux avocats, en raison de leur activité de conseil auprés de Me Mugraby, et
qu'elles ne visent a priver cc dernier de representation légale.
Communications received
300. By letter dated 14 November 2003, the Government responded to the communication
sent on 16 September 2003 regarding the situation of Samira Trad. The Government informed
the Special Representative that on 14 December 2002 Samira Trad had been informed that, as
she had failed to comply with Lebanon's procedural rules which regulate the activities and
methods of representation of foreign associations in Lebanese territory, her activities were
illegal. The Government stated that she had signed a notice undertaking to refrain from canying
out any fhrther activities until she had received the requisite permit but had resumed her former
activities shortly thereafter. The Government further indicated that she had severely criticized the
Government of Lebanon for effecting the voluntary repatriation of 600 Iraqis to northern Iraq,
characterizing the operation as a violation of refugee rights. The Government added that she had
carried out other propaganda activities in her capacity as a member of the Frontier Centre, an
organization devoted to safeguarding the rights of refugees in Lebanon and which, upon closer
inspection, turned out to be registered as an unlicensed commercial enterprise. On 11 September
2003, she was again summoned to the General Directorate of Public Security. An official report
was written on her activities. On the basis of this report the Public Prosecutor of the Appellate
Court in Mount Lebanon decided that she should be detained and transferred to his Office. On 12
September she was released, placed under house arrest and charged with tarnishing the
reputation of the Lebanese authorities. The Government also stated that there had not been any
administrative or court order prohibiting Samira Trad from leaving Lebanese territory and that
the authorities had no objection to her resuming her activities, provided that she abided by the
law.
Observations
301. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its response but regrets the
absence of replies to the remaining cases.
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Liberia
Communications sent
302. On 24 December 2002, the Special Representative sent an urgent action regarding
Aloysius Toe, Executive Director of the Movement for the Defence of Human Rights
(MODHAR), and leading member of the National Human Rights Centre, which brings together
several human rights organizations. Aloysius Toe is also Secretary- General of the Liberia
Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, a coalition of 19 human rights organizations. According
to the information received, on 4 November 2002 Aloysius Toe was allegedly arrested, brought
before a magistrate's court and charged with treason. It was further alleged that there was no
basis to the charges against him and that he had been specifically targeted because of his
persistent and legitimate work in the defence of human rights. It was reported that at the time he
was imprisoned in the Central Prison in Monrovia. It was reported that Aloysius Toe was
arrested after he emerged from almost a week in hiding. On 29 October 2002, in the early hours
of the morning, his home was reportedly raided by police. In his absence, his wife, Vivian Toe,
was allegedly arrested and released later that day. The information provided indicates that the
authorities allegedly announced that Aloysius Toe was wanted in connection with documents
found at his home which, they alleged, linked him to the armed opposition Liberians United for
Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD). It is further reported that the alleged document is a
public statement by LURD entitled “LURD's Blueprint for Liberia” which has been widely
diffused, including on the Internet. It is reported that no other evidence of the offence of treason
has been cited.
303. On 29 April 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special
Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges
and lawyers, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning Sheikh 1CM. Sackor, the Executive
Director of the human rights NGO Humanist Watch, who was reportedly arrested on 25 July
2002 in Monrovia. She had sent an urgent appeal on his case on 30 September 2002, along with
the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and
protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the Chairman-Rapporteur of the
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. At the time of sending the urgent appeal of 29 April, no
response had been received from the Government. According to new information received, on 23
October 2002, the Minister of National Defence announced that a military tribunal had
concluded that Sheikh KM. Sackor was a prisoner of war. The consideration of his case was
reportedly held in camera, in the absence of the accused, with no evidence produced against him
or tested before a competent, independent and impartial court. It was further alleged that despite
the announcement by the Government on 28 October 2002 that he would be released under
certain conditions, Sheikh K.M. Sackor was reportedly still held in incommunicado detention at
an unknown place.
Observations
304. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of her report no
response had been received from the Government.
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Malaysia
Communications sent
305. On 15 January 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,
transmitted an urgent appeal concerning Irene Fernandez, director of the women's NGO
Tenaganita. According to information received, Ms. Fernandez is currently facing a trial which
has been going on since 1996, when she was charged under Section 8A(2) of the Printing Presses
and Publications Act (1984) (PPPA) with “maliciously publishing false news.” In accordance
with Malaysian law, a conviction under this provision can lead to up to three years' imprisonment
and/or a fine of up to RN'l 20,000. It is believed that the charges against Ms. Fernandez were
brought following the release by Tenaganita of a report entitled “Abuses, Torture and
Dehumanized Treatment of Migrant Workers at Detention Camps” on alleged human rights
violations. According to information received, this report was compiled from over 300
interviews of migrant workers, mainly from Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines, after
their release from detention camps in Malaysia in 1994-1995. It gave details of alleged patterns
of human rights violations within the camps, including beatings, sexual abuse, malnutrition,
dehydration and denial of access to medical treatment.
306. On 14 October 2003, the Special Rapporteurjointly with the Special Rapporteur on the
promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the Special
Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders sent a follow-
up urgent appeal regarding the case of Irene Fernandez. According to new information, on 9
October 2003, Irene Fernandez's lawyers reportedly received a letter from the magistrate,
requesting them to send all written submissions by 11 October 2003 because the date of the trial
had been brought forward to 14 October 2003. A deadline for the defence submissions was also
fixed for 10 October 2003. The senior counsel for the trial, Mr. M. Puravalen, was not in the
country and would have only been on 20 October 2003. Thus, it would have been impossible for
him to send in the written submissions or to be present in court on the date of the trial.
307. On 6 November 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the
Special Rapporteur on violence against women, sent a further urgent appeal regarding the
situation of Irene Fernandez. According to the information received, on 16 October 2003, the
Kuala Lumpur magistrate's court reportedly convicted Irene Fernandez of “maliciously
publishing false news” in connection with a 1995 report that documented beatings, sexual abuse
and inadequate food in detention camps for migrant workers. Her one-yearjail sentence has
reportedly been stayed pending appeal. On November 4, the magistrate's court reportedly
rejected the application by Irene Fernandez for the issuance of a passport despite reportedly
conceding that she was not likely to flee. It is reported that the denial came at the request of the
prosecutor, who had reportedly urged the court to deny her request on the grounds that she would
likely “tarnish the image of the country” if allowed to speak about Malaysia's human rights
situation at international conferences she is scheduled to attend that month. Irene Fernandez has
been invited to attend two conferences on human rights issues in the United States and Canada in
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the weeks to come, including a conference on human rights defenders to be held in Atlanta on
the 11 and 12 November 2003. Irene Fernandez is reportedly appealing the decision.
308. On 4 December 2003, the Special Representative together with the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression sent a letter of
allegation regarding the case of Ahmad Kamal bin Abdul ilamid, Nik Noor ilafizi bin Nik
Ibrahim, Dzulkifli bin Idris, Khairul Amar bin Mahmud, Wan Mohamad Sanusi bin Wan
Mohd Noor, Rafzan bin Ramli and llermaan Saruddin. According to the information
received, they were arrested during a peaceful demonstration on 8 June 2001 in front of the
National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur in protest against the Internal Security Act and the limitations
that they consider the Act imposes upon respect for human rights. The students were reportedly
charged on 19 July 2001 with illegal assembly and subsequently suspended from their university
education, in application of the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA). According to
available information, the students' trial continued in July 2003. The Special Representative is
concerned that the students may have been arrested and charged for exercising their right to
defend human rights, as defined in the Declaration.
Communications received
309. By letter dated 11 February 2004, the Government responded to the letter of allegation
sent on 4 December 2003. The Government informed the Special Representative that the
students had been arrested on 8 June 2001 for participating in an illegal assembly and were
charged in court on 19 July 2001 with the same offence. The Government stated that as their case
was currently being heard, it felt it could not comment at this time and urged the Special
Representative to allow due process of the law to be respected.
310. By letter of 17 December 2003 the Government responded to the urgent appeals sent by
the Special Representative together with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of and
protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the Special Rapporteur on the
human rights of migrants on 15 January 2003 and 14 October 2003 regarding the case of Irene
Fernandez. The Government confirmed that Irene Fernandez had been arrested on 18 March
1996 on the charge of publishing false news on the condition of migrant workers at the Semenyih
detention camp. The Government stated that the case had been heard by magistrate Juliana
Mohamed at the Magistrate Court of Kuala Lumpur and that, according to the notes of evidence
dated 13 June 2003, the Court had directed the defence to file their written statement before 30
June 2003 but that they had failed to do so. On 7 October 2003, magistrate Juliana Mohamed
announced that she would be resigning from her post and that, as she had been the presiding
magistrate in the case, requested that the date of trial be brought forward to 11 October 2003. For
this reason, Irene Fernandez had been given permission to make an oral submission from the
dock which she concluded on 15 October 2003. The Magistrate found that the prosecution had
been able to prove beyond any reasonable doubt the falseness of the information contained in the
memorandum as well as the malicious intent of I rene Fernandez' actions in making it public. The
court had also conducted a visit to the Semenyih detention camp and concluded that the
information contained in the memorandum was false. While affirming that the right to freedom
of opinion and expression is guaranteed in Malaysia under article 10 of the Federal Constitution,
the Government stated that this did not imply that the right could be abused nor exercised with
due regard to the implications it may bring. It was in this respect that the Court had found I rene
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Fernandez guilty of publishing a memorandum with false information under Section 8A (2) of
the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984. The Government stated that she had been tried in
an open court in a fair and impartial manner and that avenues to appeal were still available to her
and that, for this reason, further comments on the case should be reserved until all avenues of
redress and appeal have been exhausted. Finally, the Government stated that gender had never
been an issue in the case.
Observations
311. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its response on the case
transmitted on 4 December 2003. While the Special Representative recognizes the need to allow
due process to function, she expresses concern about allegations of limitation of the right to
peaceful protest.
Mauritania
Communications envoyees
312. Le l6juillet 2003, la Representante speciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special
sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et d'expression et le Rapporteur
special sur l'independance des juges et des avocats, a envoye un appel urgent sur la suspension
presumee pour trois ans du batonnier Mahfoudh Ould Bettah par le conseil de l'ordre de
Mauritanie, le 7juillet 2003. Le 27juin 2002 a Nouakchott, Me Bettah, batonnier depuis plus de
12 ans, aurait etc reelu batonnier de l'ordre national des avocats de Mauritanie ala majorite
absolue. Ce scrutin aurait etc invalide, en violation du Code de procedure penal mauritanien, et
un second tour aurait etc organise par les autorites. Des pressions auraient etc exercees sur les
avocats, et les partisans de Me Bettah auraient prefere ne pas prendre part au vote, contestant les
li-regularites de la procedure. Le 16 decembre 2002, un batonnier proche du pouvoir aurait etc
officiellement reconnu par le parquet general. Le 24 avril 2003, le conseil de l'ordre aurait cite
Me Bettah a comparaitre, aux motifs qu'il se considérerait batonnier en violation des resultats des
elections du second tour dejuin 2002. Cependant, l'audience du conseil de discipline prevue pour
le 12 mai 2003 pour la radiation de Me Bettah ne se serait pas tenue et depuis, il n'aurait reçu
aucune nouvelle citation. Sa suspension serait intervenue sans convocation ni comparution, le 7
juillet 2003. Des craintes ont etc exprimees que cette suspension, qui intervient peu de temps
avant l'ouverture dune serie de procés a l'encontre d'opposants politiques, ne constitue une
tentative de restreindre l'independance du barreau.
313. Le 5 decembre 2003, la Representante speciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special
sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et d'expression, a envoye une
lettre d'allegation concernant les arrestations et condamnations supposees de Boubacar Ould
Messaoud, President de SOS-Esclaves, une organisation qui travaille contre l'esclavage et la
torture, Brahim Ould Ebetty, membre de SOS-Esclaves, Cheikh Saad Bouh Kamara,
president de l'Association mauritanienne des droits de l'homme (AMDH), une organisation des
droits humains affiliee a la FIDH, et de Fatimata M'Baye, vice-presidente de l'AIvIDH, et
Abdel Nasser Ould Ethmane, secretaire aux relations exterieures de SOS-Esclaves. Selon les
informations reçues, le 17 janvier 1998, Boubacar Ould Messaoud, Brahim Ould Ebetty et
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Cheikh Saad Bouh Kamara auraient été arrétés a leurs domiciles a Nouakchott et mis en examen
sur la base d'une loi de 1973 en relation avec leurs activités au sein d'organisations non
reconnues en Mauritanie en dépit de leur affiliation a la Commission africaine des droits de
l'homme et des peuples. Le méme jour, Abdel Nasser Ould Ethmane aurait été mis en examen
par contumace sur la base de la méme loi. Boubacar Ould Messaoud, Brahim Ould Ebetty et
Cheikh Saad Bouh Kamara auraient été détenus pendant quatre jours sans contact avec
l'extérieur. Le 5 février 1998, Fatimata M'Baye, leur avocate, aurait été arrétée pendant une
manifestation en faveur de leur liberation. Le 12 février 1998, Boubacar Ould Messaoud, Brahim
Ould Ebetty et Cheikh Saad Bouh Kamara, Fatimata M'Baye et Abdel Nasser Ould Ethmane
auraient été condamnés i treize mois en prison, dont Abdel Nasser Ould Ethmane par
contumace. Des craintes ont été exprimées que ces personnes seraient visées a cause de leur
travail en faveur des droits humains. En particulier, des craintes ont été exprimées que leurs
arrestations soient liées a un sujet d'actualité de la télévision du 15 janvier 1998 sur l'esclavage
en Mauritanie, dans lequel Boubacar Ould Messaoud aurait été interviewé.
Observations
314. La Représentante speciale regrette qu'au moment de la finalisation de son rapport aucune
réponse a ses communications n'ait été reçue.
Mexico
Comunicaciones enviadas
315. El 23 de enero de 2003, la Representante Especial envió un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la situación de los derechos humanos y las libertades
fundamentales de los indigenas en relaciôn con Ledesma Arronte, director y fundador del
Centro de Análisis Politico de Investigaciones Sociales y Económicas (CAPISE), una
organizaciôn que se dedica a la investigaciôn y denuncia de casos de violaciones de los derechos
humanos relacionados con la presunta actuación de las Fuerzas Armadas y grupos paramilitares
contra las comunidades indigenas del Estado de Chiapas. De acuerdo con la información
recibida, el 1.0 de enero de 2003 Ledesma Arronte habria recibido en su casa una llamada
telefónica en la que habria sido amenazado de muerte. Una voz masculina le habria dicho: “te
vamos a matar” e inmediatamente cortô la linea. Además, se informó de que el 3 de enero por la
maflana, al llegar a las oficinas de CAPISE, Ledesma Arronte habria encontrado la puerta
abierta, a pesar de que todavia ningün colaborador de la organización habia llegado. No habria
sido robado objeto alguno, por lo que los miembros de la organizaciôn sospecharon que el
obj etivo era intimidarlos. Una denuncia penal habria sido presentada ante el ministerio püblico
de la zona Altos de la Procuraduria General de Justicia del Estado de Chiapas. Esta no habria
sido la primera vez ctue Ledesma Arronte habria recibido amenazas: el 18 de noviembre de
2002, al regresar a su domicilio, se habria percatado de un fuerte olor a gas y habria comprobado
que dos llaves de la estufa habrian sido abiertas mientras que la ventana de la cocina estaba
cerrada. Se alega que estas acciones reflejan la situación general en la que se encontrarian los
defensores de derechos humanos en Chiapas.
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316. El 24 de enero de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente en
relacion con la situaciôn de inseguridad en la que se encuentra Arturo Lopez Magafla,
colaborador de la Liga Mexicana para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos (LIMEDH) en Playa
del Carmen, Estado de Quintana Roo. Segün la informaciOn recibida, el 20 de enero de 2003, el
Sr.LOpez Magafla habrIa sido interceptado a dos cuadras de su casa por agentes policiales de
Playa del Carmen, quienes sin presentarle ninguna orden judicial, le habrIan despojado de su
automOvil. El Sr. LOpez Magafla habrIa denunciado estos hechos ante el ministerio püblico de
justicia del Estado de Quintana Roo por los delitos de robo y abuso de autoridad. Un dIa despues,
el St LOpez Magafla habrIa recibido un recado con un mensaje de Henry Boldo Osorio, Director
de Policla y Tránsito Municipal, pidiendole que se calmara ya que habla una consigna de
perjudicarlo. Tambien se habrIan seflalado patrullajes de vehIculos policiales en torno al
domicilio del Sr. LOpez Magafla. Estas amenazas podrIan estar relacionadas con la labor del Sr.
LOpez Magafla para la defensa del medio ambiente y de los derechos y libertades fundamentales,
en particular por su acompaflamiento y apoyo a las demandas contra la construcciOn de un
muelle en Playa del Carmen. Se informa que durante el mes de diciembre de 2002, el Sr. LOpez
Magafla ya habrIa recibido amenazas por parte de agentes de la Policla Judicial del Estado
supuestamente por su actuaciOn de defensa de los habitantes de la Colonia Colosio en el proceso
de regularizaciOn de sus terrenos y para evitar que fueran desalojados.
317. El 6 de marzo de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la cuestiOn de la tortura y el Relator Especial sobre la
independencia de magistrados y abogados en relaciOn con la situaciOn de Samuel Alfonso
Castellanos y Beatriz Casas Arellanas, ambos abogados y respectivamente empleado y
voluntaria de la organizaciOn AcciOn de los Cristianos para la AboliciOn de la Tortura (ACAT)-
Oaxaca, Carlos Cruz Mozo e Inocencio Lopez Michel, miembros de la OrganizaciOn IndIgena
de Derechos Humanos de Oaxaca (OIDHO). Se alega que una carta conteniendo amenazas de
muerte contra estas personas habrIa sido encontrada el 1.0 de marzo de 2003 en la oficina de
ACAT-Oaxaca. Este mismo dIa tres desconocidos armados habrIan seguido a Samuel
Castellanos tras esperarle en la puerta de las oficinas de ACAT-Oaxaca. Estas amenazas e
intimidaciones habrIan sido el objeto de una denuncia ante la Procuradurla General de Justicia
del Estado (PGJE) y la ComisiOn Estatal de Derechos Humanos (CEDH). La carta de amenazas
supuestamente presionaba a los trabajadores de ACAT para que dejaran de trabajar en el caso de
16 personas que habrIan sido torturadas y acusadas de la matanza que tuvo lugar en Agua FrIa a
inicios de 2002. Mientras seis de ellas habrIan obtenido la libertad condicional, las otras todavIa
permanecerlan bajo custodia. En octubre de 2002, Samuel Alfonso Castellanos y Beatriz Casas
Arellanas se habrIan convertido oficialmente en abogados defensores de los acusados,
impugnando su detenciOn y denunciando su tortura. En febrero de 2003, despues de que los
tribunales habrIan concedido un recurso a favor de las 10 personas que permaneclan detenidas,
Samuel Castellanos habrIa hecho declaraciones püblicas en las que habrIa subrayado supuestas
irregularidades y violaciones de los derechos humanos en el proceso en contra de estas 16
personas.
318. El 17 de abril de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Presidente-Relator del Grupo de Trabajo sobre la DetenciOn Arbitraria y el
Relator Especial sobre la situaciOn de los derechos humanos y las libertades fundamentales de
los indIgenas con respecto a la represiOn sufrida por las comunidades indIgenas de iluazulco y
Amilcingo, Morelos. El 10 de abril de 2003, por la maflana, unos 300 campesinos habrIan
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solicitado soiucion a sus demandas no resueltas por la construcciôn de un pozo de agua por ci
ayuntamiento de Temoac presidido por Mary Paz Barreto. La presidenta municipal habria
levantado una demanda penal ante la Procuraduria General de Justicia (PGJ) y habrian sido
detenidos Abraham Romero Zamora, Ruperto Zamora, Pedro Garcia y otra persona, todos elios
integrantes del Comité del agua potable y obras püblicas. Hacia las 14.00 del 10 de abril, habrian
ilegado más de 80 patrullas y habrian realizado un operativo, deteniendo y goipeando a 11
personas. Un poco más tarde, como a las 18.30, se habria incrementado ci nümero de policias y
habrian vuelto a hacer otro operativo, suscitandose un enfrentamiento con ci pueblo que habria
respondido con piedras daflando aigunas patruilas. La policia habria entrado violentamente en
varios negocios y casas-habitacion, rompiendo camas, roperos y muebies, como en la tienda dci
centro yen ci molino de Nixtamal, deteniendo a 35 personas más y lesionando a otras 50. Sotero
LavIn, de 57 aflos de edad, habria sufrido severos goipes en la boca y ci rostro. A unjoven de
nombre Cornelio lo habrian trasiadado inconsciente por los goipes. Habrian goipeado
severamente a Lázaro LavIn, de 22 aflos. Entre los detenidos están Catarino Romero Cerezo y
Antonia, la esposa de ilumberto Sandoval Zamora, a quien se considera uno de los principaics
dirigentes dci movimiento. También se habria realizado un retén policiaco a medio kiiometro de
Amilcingo, en donde los policias seflalaban, bajaban a los hombres que viajaban en ci servicio
pübiico y después de goipearios los detenian, conduciéndoios con rumbo desconocido, por lo que
hasta ci momento se consideran desaparecidos, aunque segün informes, habrian sido conducidos
a los separos de la PGJ. Sc habia de que se habrian escuchado disparos aisiados.
319. El 23 de abril de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un ilamamiento urgente
juntamente con ci Relator Especial sobre la cuestiôn de la tortura, ci Relator Especial sobre la
independencia de magistrados y abogados y ci Relator Especial sobre la situaciôn de los
derechos humanos y las libertades fundamentaics de los indigenas con respecto a la situaciôn de
Samuel Alfonso Castellanos Piñon y otros miembros de la oficina regional en Oaxaca de ACAT
y de OIDHO, cuyo caso ya fue objeto de un ilamamiento urgente enviado ci 6 de marzo de 2003
por la Representante Especial dci Secretario General sobre la situaciôn de los defensores de los
derechos humanos, ci Relator Especial sobre la cuestiôn de la tortura y ci Relator Especial sobre
la independencia de magistrados y abogados. Sc informa de que estas personas, que trabajan
como abogados defensores de los acusados de la masacre de 26 indigenas en Agua Fria en mayo
de 2002, habrian sido repetidamente amenazadas. Sc ha recibido nueva informacion que indica
que Samuel Aifonso Casteilanos Piñon habria recibido otra amenaza de muerte anOnima ci 31 de
marzo de 2003. La carta habria sido enviada a la oficina regional de ACAT. Sc alega que su
contenido era muy agresivo y hacia suponer que quien la redactO conoce bien las actividades
diarias de los trabajadores de ACAT-Oaxaca. En la carta Samuel Aifonso Casteilanos seria
advertido de que si no dejaba de trabajar como abogado defensor de dichas personas, seria
asesinado. Como se comunicO en ci precedente ilamamiento urgente, dichas amenazas habrian
empezado cuando Samuel Aifonso Casteilanos PiñOn y sus colegas habrian denunciado
pübiicamente que las personas acusadas de la masacre de Agua Fria fueron torturadas durante la
investigaciOn.
320. El 7 de mayo de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un ilamamiento urgente
juntamente con ci Relator Especial sobre la situaciOn de los derechos humanos y las libertades
fundamentaics de los indigenas en relaciOn con la desapariciOn forzada de Marcelino Santiago
Pacheco, indigena zapoteco perteneciente a la OrganizaciOn de Pueblos Jndigenas Zapotecos
(OPJZ). Segün la informaciOn recibida, ci 28 de abril de 2003, en Oaxaca, Marcelino Santiago
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Pacheco habrIa salido rumbo a! centro y no se le habrIa vuelto a ver. Se informa de que habrIa
tenido que encontrarse con otros compafleros de las comunidades de Loxicha para una reunion
urgente ci 29 de abril en ci aibergue de la Ciudad de Oaxaca pero no se habrIa presentado a esta
reuniOn. Marcelino Santiago Pacheco ya habrIa sido vIctima de una desapariciOn forzada que
habrIa durado 9 meses. Segün la informaciOn recibida, en octubre de 2002 la OPJZ habrIa
presentado una denuncia contra ci cx gobernador y cx secretario de gobernaciOn, ci cx
procurador y cx director de la policla judicial del Estado por las violaciones de derechos
humanos cometidas contra indIgenas zapotecos. Aün se esperarla la cita para que Marcelino
Santiago Pacheco haga la ampliaciOn de su denuncia. Sc teme que su desapariciOn sea
consecuencia de su trabajo en la defensa de los derechos de los indIgenas zapotecos.
321. El 15 de agosto de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un ilamamiento urgente
juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias y ci
Relator Especial sobre la situaciOn de los derechos humanos y las libertades fundamentaics de
los indIgenas en relaciOn con una serie de amenazas recibidas por la familia de Griselda Tirado
Evangelio, abogada y activista defensora de los derechos de los indIgenas en la regiOn de la
Sierra Norte en Puebia y miembro de la OrganizaciOn Jndependiente de Totonaca. Griseida
resuitO muerta ci pasado dIa 6 de agosto como consecuencia de los disparos recibidos por parte
de unos desconocidos cuando se disponla a salir de su domiciiio. Segün las informaciones
recibidas, ciii de agosto de 2003 un grupo de individuos no identificados habrIan rodeado la
casa de Griseida Tirado Evangeiio intimidando y amenazando a varios de sus familiares que aill
se encontraban, incluidos aigunos menores de edad y se teme que su integridad fIsica pueda estar
en peligro. Sc informa de que la familia habrIa expresado su preocupaciOn por la supuesta faita
de agilidad en ci proceso de investigaciOn de la muerte de Griseida Tirado Evangeiio asI como la
denuncia de que la muerte estarla directamente relacionada con su trabajo como defensora de los
derechos de los indIgenas y con su supuesta candidatura para las elecciones municipaics. Sc
alega ademas que estas informaciones reflejan la situaciOn general en la que se encontrarlan los
defensores de los derechos humanos de los indIgenas en la regiOn.
322. El 13 de noviembre de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un ilamamiento urgente
juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la mujer, sus causas y
consecuencias con respecto a la situaciOn de Evangelina Arce, madre de Silvia Arce,
desaparecida en 1998 en Chihuahua, y de Marisela Ortiz Rivera, miembros ambas de la ONG
Nuestras Hijas de Regreso a Casa, quienes habrIan sido muy activas en la campafla para la
verdad y lajusticia en los casos de las mujeres raptadas y asesinadas en Ciudad Juárez, Estado
de Chihuahua y quienes habrIan recibido amenazas. Segün las fuentes, ci 11 de octubre de 2003,
a las 15.00, un hombre que se habrIa presentado como miembro de la oficina dci Fiscal especial
para la investigaciOn de asesinatos de mujeres pero quien no habrIa ilevado documento de
identificaciOn se habrIa presentado en ci domiciiio de Evangelina Arce y habrIa pedido a una de
las hijas fotos de Silvia Arce. El hombre habrIa precisado ser un traductor trabajando para un
experto forense extranjero, quien habrIa sido contratado por la Oficina dci Fiscal Pübiico dci
Estado para identificar los restos de ocho mujeres que habrIan sido raptadas y asesinadas, entre
las que podrIa encontrarse Silvia Arce. Segün los informes recibidos, ci hombre habrIa intentado
presionar a la hermana de Silvia Arce para que fuese a identificar ci cuerpo de ésta a la oficina
dci Fiscal. Después, ci Fiscal habrIa negado haber enviado representante aiguno a casa de
Evangelina Arce. Segün las informaciones recibidas, unos dIas antes de este suceso, un oficial de
la policlajudicial dci Estado habrIa estado observando la casa de Evangelina Arce en un coche.
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Evangelina Arce habrIa denunciado ci incidente, pero las autoridades se habrIan negado a tomar
las medidas necesarias para poder identificar a! supuesto oficial de la policla judicial dci Estado.
Segün los informes, ci 24 de octubre de 2003, ci coche en ci que Marisela Ortiz Rivera viajaba
habrIa sido seguido por dos vehIculos, cuyos ocupantes habrIan amenazado con mataria a ella y a
su familia “Si continuaba habiando”. Sc teme que estas amenazas estén relacionadas con la labor
de Evangelina Arce y de Marisela Ortiz Rivera a favor de los derechos de las familias de las
mujeres desaparecidas en Ciudad Juárez.
Alegaciones
323. La Representante Especial fue informada sobre ci caso de Bernardo Romero Vásquez,
Presidente de la Comisión Estatal de Derechos ilumanos de Querétaro (CEDHQ). Segün las
informaciones proporcionadas, ci 20 de agosto de 2002 Bernardo Romero Vásquez habrIa
acudido junto con Monica Gonzalez Pasillas, visitadora penitenciaria de la CEDHQ, a! Centro
de ReadaptaciOn Social de San José ci Alto con ci objeto de ilevar a cabo una supervisiOn de la
instituciOn y verificar ci respeto de los derechos humanos de los internos. Al ilegar a! Centro,
habrIan presentado sus credenciales y un oficio de comisiOn. Sc alega que seguidamente, ambos
funcionarios habrIan sido sometidos a registros corporaics por custodios dci Centro y que bajo
las presuntas Ordenes dci Director dci Centro, se ics habrIa negado la entrada a! centro de
reclusiOn. Posteriormente ambos f'uncionarios habrIan recibido insuitos por parte dci Director dci
Centro, quien habrIa ordenado la expulsion por la fuerza de Bernardo Romero Vásquez de las
instalaciones. Durante ci incidente se habrIa negado ci uso de los teléfonos a Bernardo Romero
Vásquez. Finaimente, éste y su acompaflante se habrIan retirado sin poder realizar la comisiOn de
inspecciOn y verificaciOn.
324. En ci ejercicio de los mandatos, se ha recibido más informaciOn sobre Samuel
Castellanos PiflOn, su asistente Beatriz Casa Arellanas y otros miembros de ACAT—Oaxaca.
El Relator Especial y la Representante Especial enviaron dos ilamamientos urgentes ci 6 de
marzo de 2003 y ci 23 de abril de 2003 respectivamente. Dc acuerdo con la nueva informaciOn
recibida, ci 28 de abril de 2003 Samuel Casteilanos PiñOn y su equipo habrIan recibido una
tercera carta con amenazas de muerte. Esta carta harla menciOn a la acciOn de Samuel
Casteilanos PiñOn como defensor de las personas acusadas de la matanza de Agua FrIa en 2002 y
que alegan haber sido torturadas durante la investigaciOn. Ademas de amenazas contra miembros
dci ACAT-Oaxaca, dicha carta también transmitirIa amenazas contra miembros de OIDHO y dci
Comité de Derechos dci Pueblo (CODEP). Sc alega que por ci contenido de esta carta, sus
remitentes conocen bien las actividades de dichas organizaciones y vigilan sus movimientos, asI
como los de miembros de la Coordinadora Oaxaqueña Agonista Popular Antineoliberal
(COMPA). El Relator Especial y la Representante Especial han sido informados de que a pesar
de que la ComisiOn Interamericana de Derechos Humanos habrIa solicitado medidas adecuadas
para las personas en peligro, las autoridades mexicanas no las habrIan tomado. Sc alega
igualmente que todavIa no se habrIa abierto ninguna investigaciOn sobre las amenazas de muerte
recibidas por los miembros de las organizaciones arriba mencionadas. La CEDH habrIa
solicitado informaimente ala PGJE que se tomen las medidas de seguridad necesarias. Sin
embargo, la CEDH no habrIa emitido ninguna solicitud formal a! respecto.
Comunicaciones recibidas
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325. El 14 de marzo de 2003, el Gobierno de Mexico enviO una nota diplomatica ala
Representante Especial, con informaciOn relativa a la situaciOn de Ernesto Ledesma Arronte.
El Gobierno informa de que con fecha 11 de enero de 2003, la ComisiOn de Derechos Humanos
de Chiapas inicio de oficio la queja CEDHISCR/0012/01/2003, con motivo de una nota
periodIstica publicada en el diario estatal Cuarto Poder ese mismo dIa referida a las presuntas
amenazas en contra de Ernesto Ledesma Arronte. Con fecha de 13 de enero de 2003, se emitiO en
dicha queja una medida precautoria al Gobernador del Estado de Chiapas en la cual se requiriO lo
siguiente: primero, que se adopten las medidas precautorias o cautelares, necesarias y eficaces
que tiendan a garantizar, proteger, promover y hacer efectivas las libertades fundamentales de
todas y cada una de las personas que de manera individual o colectiva se encuentran realizando
tareas de promociOn o protecciOn de los derechos humanos de todo el territorio del Estado;
segundo, que se establezca una polItica püblica de pleno respeto a las actividades de los
organismos no gubernamentales de derechos humanos, ponderandose la implementaciOn de
medidas precautorias o cautelares que tiendan a salvaguardar la seguridad personal de Ernesto
Ledesma, su familia y demas miembros de CAPISE; tercero, que, derivado de las denuncias de
diversos organismos no gubernamentales publicadas en la nota periodIstica citada, se giren
instrucciones a la PGJE, a efecto de que vele por la legalidad y promueva una debida imparticiOn
de justicia, a efecto de dar con los probables responsables de los actos que presuntamente han
afectado a Ernesto Ledesma Arronte y demas miembros del CAPISE. En relaciOn con las
recomendaciones mencionadas, la autoridad de seguridad püblica del Estado de Chiapas
manifesto que para resolver y atender la peticiOn, se requiere informaciOn complementaria sobre
el agraviado, para permitir su aplicaciOn pronta y oportuna. La CEDH de Chiapas ha sostenido
comunicaciOn con el Sr. Ledesma Arronte, a quien se le ha notificado del inicio de la queja y de
las acciones tomadas por dicho Organo, asI como de las respuestas de las autoridades en relaciOn
con el caso. Por otro lado, la autoridad ministerial del Estado de Chiapas ya habla iniciado una
averiguaciOn respecto a los hechos denunciados por Ernesto Ledesma Arronte, con el propOsito
de investigar adecuadamente si en efecto los hechos configuran o no el delito de amenazas y, de
ser el caso, prevenir cualquier otro posible acto que pueda afectar al denunciante. Ademas, la
autoridad ministerial juzgO necesario investigar con mayor profundidad los hechos denunciados
antes de determinar la implementaciOn de medidas especiales de protecciOn en favor del Sr.
Ledesma y de los demas miembros del CAPISE. El Gobierno informa de que con fecha 6 de
enero de 2003, la autoridad ministerial del Estado de Chiapas iniciO la averiguaciOn previa
mencionada, con base de la denuncia de los hechos realizada por Ernesto Ledesma Arronte y
enumera las diligencias que se han realizado en dicha investigaciOn.
326. El 29 de abril de 2003, el Gobierno de Mexico enviO una nota diplomatica ala
Representante Especial con informaciOn referente a la situaciOn de Samuel Alfonso Castellanos
Piñon. El Gobierno remite precisiones sobre los hechos e informa que, consciente de sus
obligaciones de salvaguardar la integridad de aquellas personas dedicadas a la defensa de los
derechos humanos, inmediatamente hizo del conocimiento de las amenazas inferidas en contra
de los peticionarios a las autoridades competentes y determinO la implementaciOn de medidas,
entre las cuales se puede mencionar el inicio de una queja por parte de la CEDH del Estado de
Oaxaca con motivo de los hechos ya citados. Como consecuencia de dicha queja, con fecha de 4
de marzo de 2003, se implementO una medida cautelar para brindar seguridad püblica a los
peticionarios y para que se diera inicio a las investigaciones correspondientes. Con fecha de 5 de
marzo de 2003, eljefe de la Policla Preventiva del Estado implementO rondines periOdicos de
vigilancia en los domicilios donde tienen sus instalaciones ACAT y OIDHO y en los domicilios
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particulares de Samuel Alfonso Castellanos Piflon, Beatriz Casas Arellanes, Carlos Cruz Mozo e
Jnocencio LOpez Michel, integrantes de las organizaciones de referencia. Ademas de la queja, la
autoridad ministerial local iniciO una investigaciOn en contra de quien o quienes resulten
responsables de la comisiOn del delito de amenazas en agravio de Samuel Alfonso Castellanos
Piñon y Beatriz Casas Arellanes. El Gobierno seflala tambien que fheron otorgadas medidas
cautelares a favor de los peticionarios par parte de la ComisiOn Interamericana de Derechos
Humanos.
327. El 30 de abril de 2002, el Gobierno de Mexico entregO una comunicaciOn ala
Representante Especial en contestaciOn a la carta de 25 de marzo del mismo aflo en relaciOn con
la situaciOn de Barbara Zamora Lopez. El Gobierno informa de que funcionarios de la PGJ del
Distrito Federal se reunieron con la Sra. Zamora el 19 de octubre de 2001 para ofrecerle
protecciOn. La Sra. Zamora convino con la Jefatura de la Policia Judicial que se comunicaria con
Csta para indicar las medidas de protecciOn que deseaba se le facilitasen. El 22 de octubre de
2001, la ComisiOn Jnteramericana de Derechos Humanos solicitO ala Corte Jnteramericana de
Derechos Humanos medidas provisionales a favor de la Sra. Zamora. Esta Corte emitiO una
resoluciOn el 25 de octubre de 2001 que requeria al Estado mexicano que, entre otras medidas, se
salvaguardase la vida de la Sra. Zamora, solicitando ademas que la propia Sra. Zamora
participase en la definiciOn de las medidas. El 23 de noviembre de 2001 se establecieron las
medidas de seguridad en los tCrminos que solicitO la interesada, es decir, vigilancia en el exterior
del despacho juridico Tierra y Libertad, sito en Antonio Caso n.°. 73, despacho 22, Colonia San
Rafael, Ciudad de Mexico, bajo la responsabilidad de la Agencia Federal de JnvestigaciOn de la
Procuraduria General de la Repüblica. Tambien solicitO la Sra. Zamora un circuito cerrado de
television en el interior de su despacho. El 6 de diciembre de 2001 se entregO un proyecto de
Convenio de ConcertaciOn de AcciOn y Apoyo entre la Secretaria de GobernaciOn y la Sra.
Zamora para que se implementara dicha medida de protecciOn. La Sra. Zamora manifesto su
inconformidad con algunas clausulas. Para llegar a un acuerdo definitivo, se le presentaron cinco
proyectos, con pleno apoyo en el ordenamiento juridico en vigor; el ültimo de los cuales fue
aceptado, esperando la instalaciOn del equipo. Hay que seflalar que las autoridades adoptaron en
todo momento, en especial la Secretaria de GobernaciOn, un dialogo constante sobre las
modalidades de protecciOn. En lo referente a los correos electrOnicos con las amenazas inferidas
contra la Sra. Zamora, el 19 de marzo de 2002 la PGJ del Distrito Federal iniciO una
averiguaciOn previa. La ComisiOn de Derechos Humanos del Distrito Federal ha asistido a la Sra.
Zamora cuando ésta formulO la denuncia por delito de amenazas el 19 de marzo de 2002.
Tambien atendiO la denuncia por amenazas contra la Sra. Zamora presentada por Saul Vicente
Vázquez, Secretario de derechos humanos del Comité Ejecutivo Nacional (CEN) del Partido de
la RevoluciOn Democrática, el 20 de mayo de 2002, y la radiaciOn de la queja bajo el expediente
CDHDF/121/02/CUAUH ID13O2.000 el 22 de marzo del mismo aflo. Tambien se constata que la
Sra. Zamora se negO a la implementaciOn de medidas de protecciOn de su integridad fisica en la
entrevista que mantuvo con el Procurador General de Justicia del Distrito Federal.
328. El 26 de mayo de 2003, el Gobierno de Mexico enviO una nota diplomatica a la
Representante Especial con informaciOn referente a la situaciOn de Marcelino Santiago
Pacheco. El Gobierno informa de que Juan Sozsa Maldonado, representante de OPIZ e
integrante de la CoordinaciOn Nacional por la Libertad de los Presos Politicos y de Conciencia,
denunciO püblicamente la desapariciOn de su compaflero Marcelino Santiago Pacheco, a quien se
vio por ültima vez el 27 de abril aproximadamente a las 20.30 en el albergue de los familiares y
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excarcelados de la Region Loxicha que fueron procesados por su presunta participaciOn en ci
Ejército Popular Revoiucionario (EPR) en aflos pasados. Dentro de su denuncia pübiica, ci Sr.
Sosa Maidonado menciona que teme represalias de las autoridades que encarcelaron al Sr.
Santiago Pacheco en 1996 y en contra de las cuales presentO una denuncia ante la Fiscaila
Especial para Delitos del Pasado, que se encuentra pendiente de ser ratificada. El Gobierno
informa que ci Sr. Santiago Pacheco fue beneficiado con la Ley de amnistla del Estado de
Oaxaca del aflo 2002, con lo cual obtuvo su libertad. Segün informaciOn del Gobierno del Estado
de Oaxaca, desde ci dIa 27 de abril pasado, en que supuestamente desapareciO dicha persona,
hasta ci dIa de boy, no se ic tiene registrado como detenido o interno en algün reciusorio,
siguiéndose actualmente las investigaciones al respecto.
329. El 3 dejulio de 2003 ci Gobierno enviO una nota dipiomática ala Representante Especial
con informaciOn en torno al acontecimiento sucedido a miembros de las comunidades indIgenas
de iluazulco y Amilcingo, Morelos, ci 10 de abril de 2003. El Gobierno remite precisiones
sobre los hechos y considera las conductas de los ciudadanos que tomaron parte en los hechos
penaimente como delitos, teniendo en cuenta que durante los hechos un grupo de ciudadanos dci
municipio de Temoac tomO a tres rehenes (Elizabeth AragOn Moreilanos, Fernando Sanchez
RIos y Dioscoro Espinosa Cornejo fueron liberadas bajo la impiementaciOn dci uso de la fherza
pübiica), lo que condujo a interponer una denuncia de los hechos ante la autoridad ministerial
correspondiente. El Gobierno manifiesta que las garantlas individuales y sociales tanto de las
personas detenidas por los pobiadores como de las personas que perpetraron las conductas
delictivas fueron respetadas y tuteladas por ci Estado en todo momento. En la acciOn de rescate
antes mencionada se detuvieron a 73 personas e inmediatamente se pusieron a disposiciOn dci
ministerio pübiico, quien iniciO la averiguaciOn previa correspondiente por los delitos de
privaciOn ilegal de la libertad, daflos, asonada o motIn, resistencia de particulares y
desobediencia, previstos y sancionados por ci COdigo Penal vigente dci Estado de Morelos.
Después de la investigaciOn dci ministerio pübhco, esta instituciOn estimO procedente ejercer
acciOn penal en contra de los detenidos, poniéndoios a disposiciOn de la autoridad judicial
correspondiente. El Gobierno informa también de que la autoridad ministerial otorgO la libertad
conforme a la icy a 50 de los 73 detenidos e insiste sobre ci hecho de que las garantlas de los
detenidos fueron en todo momento respetadas. A 55 de los detenidos se ics asistiO con un
abogado de oficio para su deciaraciOn ministerial, y en ci resto de los casos se contO con la
defensa de los abogados particulares, quienes posteriormente asumieron la defensa total de los
detenidos. A fecha, se encuentra pendiente la audiencia final de pruebas, pero en cuanto se
finalice con esta etapa dci proceso, los detenidos tendrán una sentencia que resuelva su situaciOn
jurIdica actual. Cabe por fin destacar que la Secretarla de Gobierno dci Estado de Morelos ha
visitado a los procesados en ci Centro Estatal de ReadaptaciOn Social, a fin de informaries sobre
su situaciOnjurIdica y ofreceries apoyo y representaciOn en eijuicio penal que enfrentan.
330. El 17 dejuiio de 2003, ci Gobierno proporcionO informaciOn sobre ci caso de Arturo
Lopez Magafla, colaborador de la Liga Mexicana para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos en
la ciudad de Piaya dci Carmen, Quintana Roo. El Gobierno informO de que todos los hechos
fueron denunciados ante las autoridades ministeriales correspondientes y de esa manera la
oficina de la ComisiOn de Derechos Humanos dci Estado de Quintana Roo iniciO la investigaciOn
correspondiente e informO al Gobierno de Mexico de lo siguiente: ci 19 de febrero de 2003, se
recibiO la respuesta de la DirecciOn de la Policla de Tránsito Municipal de Piaya dci Carmen.
Dicha respuesta negaba las amenazas y adjuntaba una copia de la tarjeta informativa que
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describia ci incidente. Segün lo estabiecido por las autoridades correspondientes, la detenciOn se
debiO a que las piacas que portaba ci auto dci Sr. LOpez Magafla estaban vencidas. Personal de la
ComisiOn se entrevistO con ci Sr. LOpez Magafla, quien respecto a! informe de la autoridad
anteriormente descrito, refiriO que efectivamente no ha pagado la tenencia de su automOvii y
que, efectivamente, la tarjeta de circuiaciOn fue entregada a! agente de policia. El Sr. LOpez
Magafla manifesto tambien que fue perseguido por un policia, al parecer por haber apoyado a
una persona que realizaba una huelga de hambre. A este respecto, estabieciO que estaba dispuesto
a “ilegar a un acuerdo con ese policia”. La ComisiOn informO que ha solicitado repetidas veces la
presencia dci peticionario en las oficinas de ese organismo a fin de efectuar aigunas precisiones
en cuanto a las indagatorias que están ilevando a cabo y asi estar en posibilidad de continuar con
ci seguimiento de su queja; no obstante, éste no se ha presentado.
331. El 5 de noviembre de 2003, ci Gobierno remitiO una nota ala Representante Especial en
respuesta a la carta de 5 de agosto de 2003 que juntamente con ci Relator Especial sobre la
cuestiOn de la tortura dirigiO al Gobierno de Mexico, y en la que solicitaba informaciOn sobre la
situaciOn de Samuel Castellanos Piñon y Beatriz Casa Arellanos. En la nota, ci Gobierno
informa de que está recabando informaciOn que será remitida con la mayor brevedad posibie.
332. El 17 de noviembre de 2003, ci Gobierno enviO una nota dipiomatica ala Representante
Especial, en seguimiento de las notas de 28 de octubre y 11 de noviembre de 2003, con
informaciOn compiementaria en torno a los casos, respectivamente, de Blanca Guadalupe
LOpez y Miriam Garcia Lara y de Victor Javier Garcia Uribe y Gustavo Gonzalez Meza.
El Gobierno informO que ci 10 de septiembre de 2002, la ComisiOn Interamericana de Derechos
Humanos soiicitO al Gobierno de Mexico la impiementaciOn de medidas cautelares a favor de
Bianca Guadalupe LOpez, Victor Javier Garcia Uribe y Miriam Garcia Lara. A pesar de que la
vigencia de dichas medidas ha caducado, ci Gobierno las continua otorgando mediante la
impiementaciOn de rondines pohciacos en ci exterior de las direcciones de los beneficiarios, a fin
de saivaguardar su integridad fisica. Asimismo, a solicitud de Miriam Garcia Lara, actualmente
se está gestionando ci trasiado de Victor Javier Garcia Uribe dci Centro de ReadaptaciOn Social
dci Estado de Chihuahua a uno en Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua.
333. Por cartas de fechas 6 de marzo y 23 de abril de 2003 ci Gobierno proporcionO
informaciOn sobre ci caso de Samuel Alfonso Castellanos Piñon y los otros miembros de
ACAT y de la OIDHO. El Gobierno informO que determinO la impiementaciOn de las siguientes
medidas. Tras una queja por parte de la CEDH de Oaxaca en consecuencia de la cual, a partir dci
4 de marzo de 2003 se impiementO una medida cautelar en via de colaboraciOn a la PGJ de
Oaxaca y a la DirecciOn General de Seguridad Pübiica dci Estado de Oaxaca para brindar
seguridad pübiica a los peticionarios y para que se diera inicio a las investigaciones
correspondientes. A partir dci S de marzo de 2003 ci Jefe Operativo de la Policia Preventiva dci
Estado impiementO rondines periOdicos de vigilancia en los domicilios de Samuel Aifonso
Casteilanos, Beatriz Casas Areilanes, Carios Cruz Mozo e Inocencio LOpez Michel, asi como en
sus oficinas y ordenO a personal bajo su mando que se constituyera en dichos domicilios y
oficinas y se entrevistara con las personas afectadas a fin de proporcionaries un servicio de
escoita consistente en recorridos de vigilancia en sus centros de trabajo y sus domicihos
particulares. Ademas, la autoridad ministerial local iniciO una investigaciOn en contra de los
posibies responsabies de dehtos de amenazas y demas. Finaimente, ci Gobierno informO que se
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habla iniciado una averiguaciôn previa con motivo de la denuncia presentada por Samuel
Alfonso Castellanos.
334. Por carta con fecha de 5 de noviembre de 2003, el Gobierno contestô que se estaban
recabando los elementos de las instancias competentes en relacion con este caso.
335. Por carta fechada el 5 de enero de 2004, el Gobierno informo respecto al caso de Samuel
Castellanos Piñon y Beatriz Casas Arellanos, enviado por la Representante Especial el 5 de
agosto, el 5 de noviembre y el 9 de diciembre. El Gobierno hizo saber que del 2 al 10 de
diciembre se llevo a cabo una serie de reuniones entre las autoridades del Gobierno de Oaxaca,
representantes de Comisiôn Estatal del Estado de Oaxaca, Samuel Castellanos Piflon, el
Procurador General de Justicia de Oaxaca y representantes de la Secretarla de Protecciôn
Ciudadana. Jnformo que llegaron a decidir que conforme a lo solicitado, la Policla Preventativa
realizará tres rondines diarios en las oficinas de ACAT y que elementos de la Policia Ministerial
mantendrIan vigilancia de las oficinas.
336. Por carta fechada el 17 dejulio de 2003, el Gobierno informo respecto al caso de Arturo
Lopez Ledezma. Establecio que una investigaciôn habla sido iniciada por la Comisiôn de
Derechos Humanos del Estado de Quinatana Roo y, segün informacion recibida por la Comisiôn
de la Direcciôn de la Policla de Tránsito Municipal de Playa del Carmen, la detencion de la
persona nombrada se debio a que las placas del auto estaban vencidas. La Comisiôn informo
ademas de que a pesar de haber solicitado repetidas veces la presencia de Arturo Lopez Ledezma
para continuar con el seguimiento de su queja, no se habla presentado. El Gobierno confirmO
que en cuanto tuviera más informaciOn relevante, la pondra en conocimiento de la Representante
Especial.
337. Por cartas fechadas el 28 de octubre y clii de noviembre de 2003, el Gobierno
proporcionO más informaciOn sobre el caso de Blanco Guadalupe LOpez y Miriam Garcia. El
Gobierno informO de que el 6 de febrero de 2003, previa autorizaciOn de Gustavo Gonzalez
Meza, se le practicO una intervenciOn quirürgica al presentar una hernia. El detenido no presentO
complicaciones postoperatorias ni comunicO a las autoridades penitenciarias ningün malestar.
Sin embargo, fue encontrado sin vida en su celda el 8 de febrero. El certificado de autopsia
precisa que la causa de muerte fue tromboembolia cardiopulmonar, coagulaciOn intravascular
diseminada y hemangiomas multiples.
338. Por carta fechada el S de enero de 2004, el Gobierno informO respecto al caso de
Griselda Teresa Tirado Evangelio. El Gobierno estableciO que el 25 de agosto un agente del
ministerio püblico habla informado a la Fiscalla de que ya se estaba realizando una
investigaciOn. AfirmO que en cuanto se tuviera la certeza de los hechos, se ejecutará la acciOn
penal correspondiente.
Seguimiento de comunicaciones transmitidas previamente
339. Por cartas de 10 de marzo y 10 de noviembre de 2003, el Gobierno proporcionO
informaciOn adicional en relaciOn con la comuicaciOn enviada el 23 de octubre de 2001 por la
Representante Especial junto con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones sumarias o arbitrarias
sobre la muerte de Digna Ochoa y Plácido. Segün el Gobierno, la Fiscalla especial para el caso
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habria desarrollado la investigaciOn mediante indagatorias con ci fin de establecer las
circunstancias relacionadas con ci homicidio mediante tres lineas de investigaciOn: militares,
Guerrero y entorno social, familiar y personal. Asimismo ci Gobierno informO de que a través de
deciaraciones, dihgencias ministeriales, intervenciones periciales e informes de policiajudicial y
de otras autoridades, se habria logrado determinar que ninguno de los integrantes de los
batailones de infanteria 19 y 40 dci Ejército mexicano estarian involucrados directa o
indirectamente en aiguna de las actividades desarroiladas por la abogada Digna Ochoa. La ilnea
de investigaciOn Guerrero habria permitido constatar que no existen razones o motivos para
suponer que las actividades de la abogada Digna Ochoa afectaran aparentes intereses de caciques
expiotadores de madera en la sierra de Petatián y Coyuca de Cataián. Con reiaciOn al entorno
social, familiar y laboral, se conciuyO que, dci anáiisis de las circunstancias no se desprende que
aiguno de sus familiares, personas que integraban su ambito de amigos cercanos, compafleros de
trabajo, parejas sentimentaics o integrantes de la congregaciOn religiosa a la que perteneciO
hubiese procurado o causado directa o indirectamente su muerte. Desde ci punto de vista de su
vincuiaciOn con ci instituto Pro Juárez, su participaciOn como abogada habria sido reducida de
manera tal que no existirla evidencia objetiva de que su intervenciOnjurldica hubiese propiciado
o causado afectaciOn de los intereses de aiguna persona o autoridad relacionada que permitiese
estabiecer vincuiaciOn con su muerte. A lo anterior se adjuntO la renuncia de Digna Ochoa al
instituto Pro Juárez ci 31 de octubre de 2000, en medio de un presunto ambiente de tensiOn y
desacuerdos primordialmente por su inconformidad de salir dci pals y por las supuestas dudas,
por parte de aigunos compafleros, respecto dci üitimo incidente de amenaza. Otras informaciones
recaudadas habr lan permitido afirmar que ci arma de fuego hailada en ci lugar de los hechos
habria pertenecido a la victima y que los testimonios entorno a la presencia de personas
desconocidas indicarian que se encontrarlajustificada como un hecho ordinario y normal, pues
se trata de un domiciiio que cuenta con despachos de abogados por lo que resuitaria cotidiana la
entrada y salida de personas desconocidas para los propios habitantes. Con reiaciOn a las
amenazas, ci conocimiento de las averiguaciones que se adelantan por parte de la PGJ continua
en curso, sin embargo las inspecciones habr lan permitido determinar la probabilidad de que ci
contenido de aigunos de los escritos hailados o de los que se tiene conocimiento hubiese sido
creado por la propia Digna Ochoa. Finaimente ci Gobierno informO que, la decision de la fiscal
encargada dci caso de no ejercer la acciOn penal al no demostrarse pienamente la existencia dci
delito de homicidio, encontraria soporte en los anáiisis de peritos en materia de psicologia y
estudio psicodinamico de la personalidad. La mencionada resoiuciOn habr la sido autorizada ci 17
de septiembre de 2003 por parte dci coordinador de agentes auxiliares dci procurador.
340. Por carta de 18 de noviembre de 2003, ci Gobierno respondiO ala comunicaciOn enviada
por la Representante Especial junto con ci Relator Especial sobre la independencia de
magistrados y abogados ci 25 de marzo de 2002 sobre la situaciOn de Barbara Zamora Lopez.
JnformO que medidas precautorias a favor de Barbara Zamora LOpez fueron impiementadas ci 27
de noviembre de 2001 y ci 15 de mayo de 2002 y que se acordO un convenio de apoyo entre la
peticionaria y las autoridades dci Gobierno mediante ci cual se impiementaron las medidas de
protecciOn sohcitadas.
341. Por carta de 5 de enero de 2004, ci Gobierno respondiO a la comunicaciOn enviada por la
Representante Especial ci 14 de agosto de 2002 sobre la situaciOn de Francisco Cortés
Pastenes. JnformO que ci 30 de agosto la ComisiOn Jnteramericana de Derechos Humanos
transmitiO una nota al Gobierno de Mexico mediante la cual decretO medidas cautelares a favor
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de Enedina Cervantes Saigado, esposa de Francisco Cortes Pastenes. En ese sentido ci Gobierno
impiemento las siguientes medidas de protecciôn: una escoita integrada por elementos de la
Procuradurla General de la Repübiica y un nümero de seguridad mediante ci cual se puede
comunicar con ci personal de la Unidad de Promociôn y Defensa de los Derechos Humanos de la
Secretarla de Gobernacion (SEGOB).
Observaciones
342. La Representante Especial quisiera agradecer las repuestas del Gobierno, las cuales
representan casi la totalidad de las comunicaciones enviadas. Tambien agradece las multiples
acciones tomadas por las autoridades a favor de los defensores de derechos humanos, lo que
muestra un gran esfherzo para colaborar con su mandato. Asimismo la Representante Especial
está preocupada por la cantidad de casos de violaciones supuestamente cometidas contra los
defensores de derechos humanos, inciuyendo, particularmente, amenazas e intimidacion y
violaciones supuestamente cometidas por agentes de policla.
Morocco
Communications envoyCes
343. Le 2 avrii 2003, la ReprCsentante speciale a envoyé un appel urgent concernant
i'interdiction de sortie du territoire marocain de 14 defenseurs des droits de i'homme. Ces
personnes auraient obtenu leurs visas pour la Suisse afin de participer a des rencontres sur les
disparitions forcees au Sahara occidental organisées par le Bureau international pour le respect
des droits de i'Homme. Ii s'agirait de MM. Brahim Dahane et Bacher Lakhfaouni, membres du
Comité de coordination des families sahraouis, M. Sidi Mohammed Daddach, ancien detenu et
iaureat 2002 du prix de la Fondation Rafto (Norvége), MM. Brahim Noumri et Brahim
Guarbi, membres du” Forum Verite et Justice - section Sahara”, M. Khaya Cheikh, ainsi que
huit membres de families de disparus ahraouis. MM. Dahane et Noumri auraient du egaiement
participer a la cinquante-neuviême session de la Commission des droits de i'homme. us auraient
été accredites par i'Association internationale des juristes democrates. Scion i'information reçue,
cette interdiction leur aurait été signifiee, sans motif, le 27 mars 2003, alors qu'iis s'apprêtaient a
partir de i'aeroport de Casablanca a destination de Genéve. us auraient été arrétés par la police
marocaine dans la zone internationale de i'aeroport qui leur aurait confisque leurs passeports. us
auraient été immediatement reiaches sans que leurs documents de voyage ne leur soient restitués.
344. Le 18 juililet 2003, la Représentante speciale a envoyé un appel urgent concernant Dkhil
El Moussaoui, membre du Forum Vérité et Justice (FVJ , qui aurait ete condamne le 25 juin
2003 par la cour d'appei de Laayoune a un an de prison et 5000 dirhams d'amende pour
<>. Dans cc contexte, die attire i'attention du
Gouvernement sur i'appei urgent date du 2 avrii 2003, concernant egaiement la situation de
membres du Forum Vérité et Justice. Au vu du harcélement qu'auraient subi les defenseurs
membres du FVJ Section Sahara, des craintes ont ete exprimées quant au fait que la
condamnation de Dkhii El Moussaoui ne viserait, en reaiite, qua sanctionner son activité en
faveur de la defense des droits de i'homme.
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345. Le 14 octobre 2003, la Representante speciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special
sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et d'expression, a envoye un appel
sur la situation du Forum vérité et justice, une organisation travaillant sur la question des
disparitions forcees au Maroc, et au sujet de laquelle deux communications avaient ete envoyees
respectivement les 18 juillet et 2 avril 2003 par la Representante speciale du Secretaire general
sur les defenseurs des droits de l'homme. Le 7 octobre 2003, sur decision du Ministére de
l'interieur et sans en preciser les motivations, la wilaya de Casablanca aurait signifie par
telephone au Forum Verite Justice l'interdiction d'organiser sa caravane de la Verite vers l'ancien
centre de detention secret d'Agdez prevue du 10 au 12 octobre 2003. Cette caravane viserait a
faire la lumiêre sur les violations graves des droits de l'homme commises au Maroc durant les
<>. Selon les informations reçues, les participants a la caravane devaient partir
de Rabat et de Casablanca en autocar le 10 octobre. Le Forum n'aurait cependant pas obtenu
l'autorisation du Ministére des transports d'affreter les autocars. Par ailleurs, la wilaya d'Agdez
aurait egalement interdit le sit-in devant l'ancien centre de detention.
Communications reçues
346. Par lettre datee du 5 juin 2003, le Gouvernement a informe la Representante speciale que
le 27 mars 2003, les services de l'aeroport de Casablanca avaient empeche un groupe de
ressortissants des provinces sud de se rendre a Genéve oü ils comptaient d'aprês le
Gouvernement participer a des actions hostiles a l'integrite territoriale du Royaume du Maroc.
Le Gouvernement a indique qu'aucun de ces ressortissants n'avait fait l'objet d'une detention ni
d'actes d'intimidation. Leurs passeports ont etc confisques par mesure conservatoire au vu du
fait que certaines de ces personnes constituent selon le Gouvernement des <>
qui se reclament independantistes et ont par le passe fait l'objet de condamnations pour
complicite ou contribution directe a des activites d'espionnage contre la securite de l'Etat
marocain. Le Gouvernement a precise que la police des frontiêres, procedant aux verifications
d'usage avant embarquement, a trouve certaines de ces personnes en possession de materiel
considere comme subversif destine a être distribue a l'eti-anger. Le Gouvernement a indique que
tout en demeurant attache a la garantie des libertes publiques, le Royaume du Maroc ne saurait
en aucun cas tolerer des activites visant a porter atteinte a son integrite territoriale. Le
Gouvernement a indique que le Code penal interdisait la communication d'information ou
l'entretien de relations avec des parties etrangeres a méme de porter prejudice a l'image du
Royaume ou a son integrite territoriale et que le code de la presse prevoyait des sanctions contre
les publications seditieuses. Le Gouvernement a affirme avoir de cc fait agit selon sa legislation
qu'il considére en conformite avec les normes internationales qui autorisent les Etats a soumettre
lajouissance des libertes aux limitations fixees par la loi interne et a restreindre la liberte pour
proteger la securite nationale et l'ordre public. D'aprês le Gouvernement, les mesures prises ne
constituaient pas une atteinte ala liberte de circulation mais un acte afin de prevenir lajonction
de certains ressortissants avec des elements du Front POLISARTO. Le Gouvernement a rappele
qu'il cooperait avec les deux organismes mandates sur les questions des personnes disparus.
Dans cc cadre, le Comite international de la Croix-Rouge (CICR) a effectue une mission
d'investigation en 2001 et identifie 24 personnes vivantes ayant fait l'objet d'allegations de
disparition, et que 103 cas de disparitions avaient etc elucides avec le concours du CICR en
2002. Le Gouvernement a rappele qu'il cooperait egalement avec le Groupe de travail sur les
disparitions forces ou involontaires et que depuis 1980, 134 cas sur 249 avaient etc elucides. Par
ailleurs, l'instance d'arbitrage independante pour l'indemnisation des prejudices materiels et
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moraux subis par les victimes de disparition et detention arbitraire et leur ayants droit, creee en
1999, a recense 5127 demandes au 31 decembre 1999, date butoir de depot des dossiers. Th is de
3400 sentences ont ete rendues dont 2800 allouant des indemnites en faveur de 3700
beneficiaires d'un montant de 80 millions.
347. Le gouvernement marocain par lettre en date du 3 Octobre 2003 a repondu a la
communication concernant Dkhil El Moussaoui envoyee par la Representante speciale le 18
juillet 2003. Le Gouvernement marocain a informe la representante que l'avocat general de la
cour d'appel de Laayoune avait indique que l'interesse avait fait l'objet d'une enquête
concernant sa participation aux emeutes ayant eu lieu a Laayoune et dans le quartier de Wahda
au cours desquelles la porte du poste de police du quatriéme district a etc brulee, les fenétres de
vehicules privees brisees, des pierres et des cocktails Molotov lances contre des echoppes et des
biens publics degrades. Le gouvernement a egalement indique que lors de son interrogatoire,
l'interesse avait confesse avoir endoctrine des etudiants au chomage, les encourageant a se
soulever contre les autorites publiques y compris le groupe responsable des incidents. Le 25 juin
2003, il a etc condamne a un an de prison et 5000 dirhams d'amende pour utilisation de materiel
inflammable, atteintes au bien public et incitation au crime. Ii a etc fait appel de la decision.
348. Par lettre en date du 22 janvier 2004, le Gouvernement marocain a envoye un
complement de reponse a la communication concernant Dkhil El Moussaoui informant que
l'interessee avait beneficie d'une Grace Royale le 7 janvier 2004 pour raisons humanitaires.
Observations
349. La Representante speciale remercie le Gouvernement pour ses reponses et la volonte de
collaboration dont elles temoignent et se felicite de la Grace Royale accordee a Dkhil El
Moussaoui. Elle espére recevoir trés prochainement des reponses a ses autres communications.
Namibia
Communications sent
350. By letter dated 19 November 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent
appeal concerning the defamation campaign against the National Society for Human Rights
(NSHR), an organization that works to ensure observance of the rights enshrined in international
law and in the Namibian Independence Constitution, and its executive director, Phil ya
Nangoloh. On 14 September 2003, the Minister of Home Affairs was allegedly quoted by the
Namibia Press Agency as having said that the NSHR was a tool used by “the enemy of Africa
and Namibia in particular” in order to “destroy the unity” of the country. On 13 November 2003,
the Minister of Home Affairs allegedly accused NSHR of having a “hidden agenda”, and of
seeking to tarnish the image of the Government of Namibia. On 17 November 2003, the Deputy
Minister and Public Relations Officer of the Ministry or Tourism and the Environment allegedly
described NSHR as an “enemy”, an agent of the American CIA and of “Western imperialism” on
an NBC programme in Namibia. It is further alleged that they condemned the “subversive
activities” of NSHR and stated that these activities could “no longer be tolerated”. This concern
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is heightened by reports that Phil ya Nangoloh has allegedly received several death threats, and
that in 1991, his home was allegedly attacked by soldiers.
Observations
351. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of her report no
response had been received from the Government.
Nepal
Communications sent
352. On 1 October 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on
Arbitrary Detention, transmitted an urgent appeal regarding Akash Lama, Nirmala Bhandari
(f) and Ujjwal Sukia. Akash Lama, a 16-year-old member of the Tamang ethnic group and bus
company employee, was reportedly arrested by five uniformed army personnel on 8 September
2003 while asleep on a bus in Lalitpur, near Kathmandu. A 22-year-old man who was in the bus
with Akash Lama was reportedly arrested in the same circumstances. The reasons for their arrest
are not known but it is thought that they may be due to the fact that they allegedly broke the
curfew, which had been declared by the District Administration Office in Lalitpur. It is reported
that the owner of the bus company and relatives of Akash Lama received no information about
his whereabouts, despite making enquiries. Nirmala Bhandari, a student, was reportedly arrested
at her home in Balaju, Kathmandu, on 15 September 2003 at about 22.30 and taken away by five
masked plain-clothes members of the security forces. The reasons for her arrest and her current
whereabouts are not known. She had allegedly been previously arrested by police and detained
by the army for a month during the state of emergency from November 2001 to August 2002.
Ujjwal Sukla, a lawyer and member of Amnesty International, an international human rights
non-governmental organization, was reportedly arrested at his home in Lalitpur, on 23
September 2003 at about 21.00 and taken away by nine members of the security forces, two of
whom allegedly wore masks. The name of one of those who reportedly arrested him is known to
the Special Rapporteurs and the Special Representative. He was allegedly taken to an unknown
location and the reasons for his arrest are unknown. The alleged detention of Akash Lama and
his friend have been reported to the NHRC, which is said to be conducting inquiries into these
cases. In view of the reported detention at undisclosed locations of the four persons named
above, fears have been expressed that they may be at risk of torture or other forms of ill-
treatment.
353. On 6 October 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,
the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, transmitted an urgent appeal regarding Ram Bahadur
Limbu, member of the central committee of the Kirat Yakthung Chumlung (KYC), a non-
governmental organization concerned with the preservation and promotion of the Limbu ethnic
group, who was reportedly arrested by plain-clothes security personnel on 26 September 2003 in
Indrapur Village Development Committee (VDC), Morand District. He is alleged to be currently
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held in incommunicado detention. The Ministry of Defence allegedly issued a press statement
confirming his arrest, and claiming that he was the regional chairman of the Limbuwan
Liberation Front, which is said to be affiliated to the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) (Maoist),
a charge that has allegedly been denied by his relatives. Concerns have been expressed that Ram
Bahadur's reported arrest and detention might be connected to his work in favour of the rights of
the Limbu ethnic group. In view of his alleged incommunicado detention at an undisclosed
location, fears have been expressed that he may be at risk of torture or other forms of ill-
treatment.
Communications received
354. By letter dated 6 October, the Government acknowledged receipt of the urgent appeal
sent by the Special Representative on 1 October regarding Akash Lama, Nirmala Bhandari
and Ujjwal Sukia and stated that more detailed information had been requested which would be
forwarded to the Special Representative as soon as it was received.
Observations
355. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its acknowledgement of the
receipt of her communication and is still awaiting responses to her communication. She would
like to thank the Government for the interest it has shown in considering her request for an
invitation to conduct an official visit and hopes such request will receive a favourable answer
shortly.
Nigeria
Communications sent
356. By letter dated 13 December 2002, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent
appeal regarding the situation of Tajudeen Abduraman, a member of the Centre for Democracy
and Development (CDD) who was arrested at Murtala Muhammed Airport (Lagos) on 3
December 2002 as he was leaving the country on his way to London. His passport was
reportedly confiscated and he was allegedly ill-treated. He was later released, but his passport
was reportedly not returned to him. Information was also received regarding Iheoma Obibi, the
Executive Director of Alliances for Africa, a regional human rights and development
organization, was reportedly arrested on 6 December 2002 by State Security Services (SSS) at
Murtala Muhammed Airport on the way out of the country, also en route to London. Although
Iheoma Obibi was released that day, his passport was reportedly not returned to him. In
addition, according to the information received, on 6 December 2002 officials of SSS allegedly
raided the offices of Women Aids Collective, a women rights NGO in Enugu, seeking to arrest
Joy Ezeilo, the Executive Director of the organization. Joy Ezeilo was reportedly absent when
the raid occurred. As they departed, the SSS officials reportedly indicated that they would come
back to get Joy Ezeilo in the near fhture.
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357. By letter dated 14 November 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent
appeal concerning the death threats against Churchill Ibeneche, Executive Director of the
Consulting Centre for Constitutional Rights and Justice (C3RJ), a non-governmental
organization which advocates against torture and works to provide rehabilitation to torture
victims, as well as against staff members of the organization. According to the information
received, on 24 October 2003, approximately 20 armed men allegedly broke into the torture
treatment centre of the National Secretariat of C3RJ, vandalized the premises, threatened staff
with death and ordered them to move out of the premises within 24 hours. The C3RJ members
reportedly evacuated the office. The armed group reportedly returned to the premises 24 hours
later, and allegedly took away the remaining books, files, computer disks and research materials.
According to the information received, this matter has been reported to the police, but C3RJ has
allegedly been unable to continue its work.
Responses received to communications sent by the Special Representative in previous years
358. By letter dated 27 February 2003, the Government responded to the communication sent
on 18 October 2003 by the Special Representative regarding Isioma Ojugbana and Ijeoma
Nwachukwu. The Government informed the Special Representative that both women were
contributors to a book published by the Centre for Law Enforcement Education (CLEE), which
was considered seditious, inciteful and inimical to public order and national security and that for
this reason, copies of the book had been seized. The Government stated that SSS ,which was
investigating the role of the two women in the publication of the book, had visited the CLO
office to invite Isioma Ojugbana and Ijeoma Nwachukwu to make statements. No attempts had
been made to arrest them and no warrants had been issued for their arrest. The Government
stated that the behaviour of the SSS personnel therefore could not amount to harassment.
Observations
359. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of this report the
Government had not transmitted a reply to any of her communications sent in 2003. She fhrther
regrets that no response has been given to her request sent on 1 July 2002 for an invitation to
conduct an official visit to the country.
Pakistan
Communications sent
360. On 24 March 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal concerning
the alleged abduction and arbitrary detention of Akhtar Baloch, a journalist working in the
Hyderabad Task Force office of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (I-IRCP), a non-
governmental organization. It is reported that at the end of the HRCP Annual General Meeting in
the Jndus Hotel on 23 March, in which Akhtar Baloch took part, participants, including Akhtar
Baloch, conducted a peaceful march in protest at the ongoing war in Iraq. At the conclusion of
the march he reportedly returned to the Indus Hotel to settle the accounts for the HRCP meeting.
He is then reported to have left the hotel at about 19.30 in an HRCP staff car with an HRCP
driver. According to the information received, the car was made to stop by two motorbikes a
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short distance away from the hotel and that a white jeep also stopped behind the HRCP car.
Three men in civilian clothes from the jeep allegedly dragged Akhtar Baloch out of the HRCP
car, and told the HRCP driver to drive away without looking back, or he would be shot.
According to the information received, the driver was able to see the licence number of the white
jeep, which he later noted down. Administrative and police officials have reportedly suggested to
HRCP that Akhtar Baloch may be in the custody of military intelligence agencies. According to
the information received, the alleged abduction of Akhtar Baloch could be related to reports
published by the HRCP alleging human rights violations committed by the military authorities.
In particular, the HRCP annual State of Human Rights Report was made public on 18 March
2003 and raises concerns about the elections and constitutional amendments as well as the
alleged silencing of dissent by threats, intimidation and harassment carried out by military
intelligence agencies. The public statement made by HRCP at the conclusion of the annual
meeting in Hyderabad reportedly reiterated these concerns.
361. On 17 October 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special
Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on
Arbitrary Detention, sent an urgent appeal regarding the alleged arrest of Rasheed Azum, who is
reported to be the Secretary- General of the Youth Development Organization, a community
development organization, a journalist with Intikhab, Asap and Roshnal, focusing on
development and civil rights issues, and president of the Jhalawan Union of Journalists.
According to the information received, on 15 August 2003, Rasheed Azum was arrested in
Khuzdar by local police, allegedly without any reason being given to him for his arrest. The
information indicates that the reason suggested by the police for Rasheed Azum's arrest was that
he had distributed, in Khuzdar, a poster depicting images of alleged human rights violations by
army soldiers. The information also indicates that the poster was described as “seditious” and
that reference was reportedly made by the police to sections 153 and 505 of the Pakistani Penal
Code. According to the information received, Rasheed Azum was reportedly taken before a local
magistrate on three occasions, on 16, 22 and 28 August 2003. The magistrate allegedly failed to
ask Rasheed Azum whether the police had used torture against him, a question that is reportedly
required of the magistrate under Pakistani law. On 28 August 2003, when the investigative
remand period had expired, the local magistrate reportedly remanded Rasheed Azum in judicial
custody at Khuzdar Central Prison pending trial. In addition, according to the information, on
three occasions, namely on 17, 18 and 19 August 2003, Rasheed Azum was allegedly taken to
Khuzdar police station by unknown persons, was blindfolded once there and then taken to an
unknown destination where he was allegedly tortured for several hours before being returned to
the police station, and then back to the Central Prison. Concern has been expressed that Rasheed
Azum's reported arrest, detention and torture are due to his human rights activities.
362. On 22 October 2003, the Special Representative sent an urgent appeal regarding the
alleged harassment of members of Struggle for Change (SACH), an organization that works to
address, inter alia, incidents of torture and provides rehabilitation services such as shelter, legal
aid and medical care. According to the information received, a divorced woman has been
receiving assistance from SACH lawyers in filing a suit for the custody of her children, and is
reportedly also residing in a Sach Shelter Home, in Islamabad. As of late August 2003, the
woman's former husband allegedly began telephoning the SACH offices, making death threats
against members of staff and faxing pornographic pictures to the offices. On 26 September 2003,
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members of SACH reportedly met with the Minister of the Interior to inform him of the
situation. It is reported that members of SACH continue to receive threats from the same person
and that there has not yet been any official action on their behalf Concern has been expressed
that members of SACH are being targeted as result of their human rights work, including the
provision of rehabilitation services.
Responses received to communications sent by the Special Representative in previous years
363. By letter of 30 June 2003, the Government replied to the communication sent by the
Special Representative on 1 June 2002 regarding the situation of Tahir Khalil. The Government
stated that the Ministry of the Interior, the Home Department of the Government of Punjab and
the Inspector General of the Police had been instructed to ensure the personal safety of Tahir
Khalil. To the Government's knowledge he was pursuing his professional and personal activities
without any fear or intimidation.
364. By letter of 4 July 2003, the Government replied to the communication sent on 8
November 2002 by the Special Representative regarding the arrest of Father Arnold ileridia
and Aslam Martin. The Government stated that they had been detained on 10 January 2001 for
their involvement in a procession against the blasphemy law that subsequently turned violent and
resulted in several breaches of the Penal Code. They were both released on bail on 16 January
2001.
Observations
365. The Special Representative welcomes the release of Akhtar Baloch on 25 March 2003.
However, she regrets that at the time of the finalization of this report the Government had not
transmitted any reply to the communications sent this year. The Special Representative hopes to
receive a positive response to her request to the Government, sent on 14 October 2003, for an
invitation to conduct an official visit to the country.
Panama
Comunicaciones enviadas
366. La Representante Especial the informada de que en la madrugada del 14 de agosto de
2002 habr lan sido allanadas las oficinas del Servicio Paz y Justicia (SERPAJ). Segün la
informacion proporcionada, los que habrian allanado las oficinas habrian robado equipos
electronicos y de funcionamiento administrativo, asi como importantes documentos de
investigaciôn y archivos. Segün estas informaciones, entre los documentos presuntamente
robados se encontraban informes relativos a una investigaciôn sobre el trafico de armas en la
region y en Panama y 200 ejemplares de una reciente publicaciOn sobre armas livianas en el pals.
Tambien habr lan sido sustraidos videos relacionados con las actividades de la organizaciOn. La
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SERPAJ habria interpuesto una denuncia ante la Policia Técnica Judicial de la Ciudad de
Panama eli 5 de agosto.
Comunicaciones recibidas
367. Por carta fechada el 23 de abril, el Gobierno contestO a la alegaciOn transmitida por la
Representante Especial. InformO de que al haber verificado los registros y controles del Centro
de RecepciOn de Denuncias en la DivisiOn del Delito contra la Propiedad de la Policia Técnica
Judicial, ninguna denuncia con relaciOn a los hechos descritos fue registrada por la organizaciOn
SERPAJ. A ese respecto, hizo saber que agradeceria se le suministre más informaciOn sobre la
autoridad ante la cual se interpuso la denuncia.
Observaciones
368. La Representante Especial agradece la respuesta del Gobierno.
Peru
Comunicaciones enviadas
369. El 30 de enero de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la promociOn y protecciOn del derecho a la libertad de
opiniOn y de expresiOn en relaciOn con las presuntas amenazas y el ataque del que habria sido
victima la abogada Gloria Cano, representante legal de la AsociaciOn Pro Derechos Humanos
(APRODEH) y de los familiares de las victimas del grupo Colina. Segün la informaciOn recibida,
el 27 de enero de 2003 por la maflana, un grupo de seguidores del cx presidente Alberto Fujimori
habria agredido a la abogada Gloria Cano. El hecho se habria producido cuando la Sra. Cano iba
a ingresar al local de la organizaciOn. Se alega que el grupo constituido de unas 20 personas la
reconociO, rodeo e insultO, pero se habria visto obligado a retirarse ante la reacciOn del personal
de la instituciOn, que saliO en defensa de la abogada. Minutos antes, el grupo de personas se
habria encontrado frente a la sede de APRODEH para proferir insultos y amenazas contra la
labor que la organizaciOn realiza en defensa de los derechos humanos. Se alega que sus
integrantes intentaron ingresar por la fuerza al local, pero desistieron frente a la resuelta
disposiciOn de los trabajadores. Entonces habrian anunciado que éste era solo el comienzo de
toda una serie de actos de hostilidad que emprenderan contra APRODEH y quienes laboran en la
instituciOn. Segün la informaciOn recibida, APRODEH iniciO una campafla contra la impunidad
y la corrupciOn cuyo objeto es la extradiciOn del Sr. Fujimori y la sanciOn de sus cOmplices en
presuntas violaciones de los derechos humanos. En la madrugada del jueves 23 de enero,
seguidores del cx presidente habrian roto afiches de la campafla, arrojándolos frente a la sede de
la organizaciOn y habrian pegado los suyos en el mural realizado por el artista Victor Delfin
ubicado en la entrada. La Sra. Cano habria presentado una denuncia por agresiOn ante las
autoridades policiales. Asimismo, Miguel Jugo, Director ejecutivo de la instituciOn, habria
solicitado a las autoridades las correspondientes garantias.
370. El 23 de junio de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un llamamiento urgente con
respecto a las amenazas recibidas por Carlos Bocanegra Espinoza, activista de derechos
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humanos en Tabalosos, departamento de San Martin. Segün la informacion recibida, ci 17 de
junio de 2003 ci St Bocanegra Espinoza habria encontrado en la puerta de su domiciiio un
mensaje en ci que se le exigia, por un lado, la retirada de los carteles relativos ala campafla de
extradicion dcl St Fujimori y, por otro, que cesara en su apoyo a la Comisiôn de la Verdad y la
Reconciiiacion. El Sr. Bocanegra Espinoza colabora con Amnistia Internacional y APRODEH en
la recoieccion de firmas a favor de la extradicion del cx mandatario asi como con la campafla
promovida por la Comisiôn de la Verdad y la Reconciiiacion para encontrar a personas
desaparecidas. Segün la fuente, ci hermano dci Sr. Bocanegra Espinoza habria “desaparecido” en
Tabalosos. Ante esta situaciôn ci Sr. Bocanegra habria acudido ci dia 17 dejunio ala comisaria
local y a la aicaidia de Tabalosos. Asimismo, APRODEH habria solicitado protecciôn para ci Sr.
Bocanegra Espinoza a las autoridades competentes.
Aiegacion
371. La Representante Especial y la Relatora Especial fueron informadas de que ci 31 marzo
de 2001, Godfredo Garcia Baca, lider campesino que se oponia al desarroilo de un proyecto
minero en ci vaile de San Lorenzo y Tambograndre, en Piura, fue asesinado. Godfredo Garcia
Baca era fundador y presidente de la Asociaciôn de Productores dci Vaile, asi como miembro dci
Frente de Defensa de Tambogrande y dci Comité Directivo Regional dci Foro Ecoiogico de la
Region Piura. Segün las informaciones proporcionadas, ci asesinato de Godfredo Garcia Baca
podria haberse motivado por sus actividades como activista y opositor dci proyecto minero de la
compaflia Manhattan Minerals, que desde 1997 habria intentado estabiecerse en la zona.
Observaciones
372. La Representante Especial lamenta no haber recibido una respuesta dci Gobierno.
También lamenta los ataques supuestamente cometidos contra los defensores de derechos
humanos.
Republic of Korea
Communication sent
373. On 3 October 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, transmitted a letter of allegation regarding
the alleged injuries of Lee Soo-ho, Secretary-General of the Korean Confederation of Trade
Unions (KCTU), Kim Young-je, the KCTU Director for Reunification Affairs, and Jang
Kwang-su, the Secretary-General of Korean Federation of Construction Daily Workers Unions,
inflicted by the police on 7 December 1999 when riot police allegedly stormed a sit-in for the
abolition of the National Security Law. Over 300 members of the Daewoo Motors Workers
Union of the Pupyong Plant and their lawyer, Park loon, are reported to have been severely
beaten by riot police on 10 April 2001. It is reported that the unionists were prevented from
entering their office, which had been closed down by the Daewoo's management, and peacefully
protested against the police obstruction. The unionists reportedly responded to the alleged
beatings by taking their shirts off and lying down on the street. However, the police reportedly
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kept slashing and beating them with batons for approximately 30 minutes. It is reported that 43
unionists were taken to the hospital. Park Hoon is also reported to have been severely beaten and
is believed to have been hospitalized. On 7 March 2001, the Daewoo Motors Workers Union
reportedly filed a court injunction regarding the obstruction of its activities and the entry into its
original office. The Jncheon District Court reportedly ruled, on 6 April 2001, in its favour and
ordered that the unionists be allowed back to their office to conduct their legitimate activities.
The Special Rapporteurs and the Special Representative have been informed that the incident is
linked to the dismissal, on 16 February 2001, of around 1750 workers of the Daewoo Motors,
many of whom were reportedly union activists or militants in the Pupyong Plant.
Observations
374. The Special Representative welcomes the ruling in favour of Daewoo Motor's Workers
Union but regrets that, at the time of the finalization of this report, the Government had not
transmitted a reply to her communication.
Russian Federation
Communications sent
375. On 4 April 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special Rapporteur
on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and
mental health, sent an urgent action regarding alleged abduction of Arjan Erkel in
Makhachkala, Daghestan. According to the information received, Arjan Erkel, a Dutch national,
was serving as head of Mission for the Swiss branch of the non-governmental organization
Medecins sans frontiêres in Daghestan. The Médecins sans frontiêres office was responsible for
the management of regional programmes involving the provision of medical assistance for
populations in Daghestan and Chechnya, including drug distribution, mobile clinics, and hospital
rehabilitation. According to the information, on 12 August 2002, at approximately 21.30, three
unidentified men armed with pistols forced Mr. Erkel into a silver coloured ‘VAZ 21099' car
without license plates, in the suburb of Makhachkala. The driver of a Médecins sans frontiêres
vehicle, Radjabov Gadjimurad Rabadanovich, reportedly witnessed the abduction. A subsequent
investigation by local authorities involved the questioning of a number of Médecins sans
frontiêres staff and a case file was opened with the Prosecutor's Office of the Leninsky District of
Makhachkala as Investigation Number 201860, on the basis of a suspected kidnapping. As at
February 2003, no progress had been made towards determining the whereabouts of Arjan Erkel
or the persons responsible for his alleged abduction.
376. On 24 July 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special Rapporteur
on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the
Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, transmitted an urgent
appeal on the alleged arrest of Bakhrom Mardonovich Khamroeve, a Russian human rights
defender of Uzbek origin. On 24 June 2003, Mr. Khamroeve reportedly spoke at a press
conference in Moscow on the theme “Operation against Islamic Extremists in Moscow: the
Official Version and Actual Events”. The Press conference was reportedly organized by the
Memorial Human Rights Center to draw attention to concerns regarding the human rights of 55
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individuals from Central Asia allegedly detained in Moscow on the night of 6 and 7 June 2003,
on suspicion of participating in a terrorist organization, Hizb ut Takhrir. Hizb ut Takhrir is
reportedly a non-violent group advocating for the establishment of an Islamic Caliphate. Tn June
2003, Khamroeve's wife was allegedly asked by the organized crime branch of the Moscow
Region (PUAOC) to inform them regularly about her husband's contacts and activities, and
threatened with “serious consequences” if she refused. On 27 June 2003, Khamroeve's brother
Farmon was allegedly detained in Russia by PUAOC and questioned about Khamroeve's
political and religious views. On 20 July 2003, Khamroeve was reportedly arrested in Moscow
on suspicion of possessing illegal narcotics with the intent to sell. Concerns have been expressed
that this recent arrest may be connected with Khamroeve's human rights work, in particular with
regard to the political and religious rights of persons of Uzbek origin living in Russia. In the
past, Khamroeve has reportedly collaborated with the Memorial Human Rights Centre on a
number of human rights cases. He has also reportedly acted as spokesman of the opposition
magazine Kharakat.
377. On 18 September 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,
transmitted an urgent appeal regarding the situation of the non- governmental organizations
working on minority rights issues in the Krasnodar territory. On 22 July 2003, the Krasnodar
Ministry of Justice reportedly requested that School of Peace, a foundation that works on the
human rights of children, on human rights education and on the promotion of tolerance, be
liquidated on the basis that it no longer employed three founding members, as required by law.
School of Peace had allegedly been told by the Ministry of Justice in 1999 that it could continue
working despite the fact that two of the founders had reportedly left the organization. It has been
alleged that the decision from the regional Ministry of Justice to close down the organization
may be related to its activity in favour of the rights of minorities, especially Meskhetian Turks in
the region. Tn March 2003, School of Peace reportedly published a report on ethnic
discrimination against children of Meskhetian origin. On 24 July 2002, the Vatan International
Society of Meskhetian Turks, based in Abinsk, was allegedly closed down at the request of the
regional Ministry of Justice for failing to comply with its charter. The closing down of the
organization reportedly happened after the head of the organization, Sarvar Tedorov, allegedly
sent a letter to the President of the Russian Federation in June 2002, requesting that urgent
measures be taken to stop discrimination against Meskhetian Turks in Krasnodar Krai and to
reaffirm their status as Russian citizens.
378. On 25 September 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal
concerning the Memorial Saint Petersburg, a human rights organization, and its staff On 14
August 2003, a man reportedly arrived at the Memorial office, allegedly looking for those in
charge of the anti-fascist commission, who were reportedly not available. The man allegedly
later returned with another man to see the Chairman of the organization. Both were allegedly
masked and claimed to belong to the “Committee for the Defence of Budanov”, a Russian
colonel allegedly convicted of having abducted and murdered a young Chechen woman in 2000,
and allegedly threatened members of the staff with hammers, tore off the telephone cable, and
gagged and tied the hands of two employees and the chairman. They then reportedly locked them
in the closet, claimed to have been booby-trapped, and seized the Chairman's laptop, mobile
phone, diary and address book. The attack was allegedly investigated as an ordinary burglary,
after the Press Section of the Department of Internal Affairs (MYD) reportedly declared it to be
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such. Fears have been expressed that the attack may have been aimed at obtaining information on
the activities of Memorial Saint Petersburg, as well as its members and contacts.
379. On 25 September 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,
transmitted an urgent appeal regarding Soldiers' Mothers of Saint Petersburg, an organization
that defends the rights of Russian soldiers. In mid- January 2003, 24 soldiers reportedly deserted
the army and contacted Soldiers' Mothers, claiming they had been tortured. On 20 January 2003,
the Military Prosecutor of the Leningrad military district allegedly addressed a letter to the
Ministry of Justice of Saint Petersburg requesting an investigation to find out if the
organization's activities corresponded to those set out in its registered status. The letter allegedly
accused the organization of calumnies, of “propaganda for desertion”, of monitoring the
condition and procedure of the conscriptions and of distributing the results of their investigation.
During the investigation, the Ministry of Justice chief of department on associations allegedly
insisted on looking through the private files of soldiers defended by the organization. It is
reported that on 23 June 2003, the organization was informed that its status was incompatible
with its activities, of the changes to be made and advised as to the registration of its new status.
On 26 July 2003, a new version of the status, reportedly following the recommendations, was
allegedly presented to the Ministry of Justice. On 7 August 2003, registration was reportedly
refused. On 11 September, three unknown men allegedly attacked the weekly picket line of
Soldiers' Mothers in Saint Petersburg to protest against the war in Chechnya. A fourth person
reportedly watched what was happening and spoke by a mobile phone. Concerns have been
expressed that the reported events may have been aimed at preventing the organization from
carrying out its human rights activities.
Communications received
380. By letter dated 17 April 2003, the Government transmitted a reply to the urgent action
concerning Arjan Erkel. The Government indicated that it considered that the person subject of
this appeal was not covered by the mandates of the special procedures which sent the
communication. However, guided by a spirit of constructive cooperation, the Permanent Mission
of the Russian Federation forwarded material on this case for information purposes.
381. By letter dated 2 October 2003, the Government transmitted a reply to the urgent action
regarding Bakhorm Mardonovich Khamroev. The Government informed the Special
Representative that search operations had been carried out by police officers of the Organized
Crime Branch of the Main Internal Affairs Department of Moscow Oblast and the Federal
Security Service Department of the city of Moscow, which found Bakahorm Mardonovich
Khamroev to be in possesion of heroin for which he was charged on 22 July under article 228(4)
of the Criminal Code. He was at that time being held in Moscow penal correction facility.
382. By letter dated 26 November 2003, the Government replied to the communication sent
regarding the Memorial Saint Petersburg. The Government informed the Special Representative
that following an investigation by the Procurator's Office of the Central District of Saint
Petersburg, a suspect had been detained in September and had been taken into custody.
Investigations to identify the other perpetrators were still in progress.
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383. In the same communication, the Government replied to the urgent action regarding the
Soldiers' Mothers of Saint Petersburg. The Government informed the Special Representative that
following an investigation by the military prosecutor, a criminal case file was opened on 5
January 2003 and on 26 June; the Saint Petersburg garrison military court found six officers
guilty of abusing their authority and sentenced them accordingly. The Government also stated
that between 21 March and 4 June 2003, the Central Administration of the Russian Ministry of
Justice, which carries out routine checks on the activities of voluntary organizations to ensure
that they are consistent with the objectives stated in their charters, discovered that the Soldiers
Mothers of Saint Petersburg had infringed article 38 of the Federal Voluntary Organizations Act.
On 24 June 2003, the Organization had submitted documents for State registration of
amendments to the charter, which did not comply with the legal requirements. As a result, on 13
July 2003, the Central Administration disallowed these changes and to date, the Organization
had not appealed this decision. The Government also informed the Special Representative that on
26 December, the Procurator's Office of the Central District of Saint Petersburg received a
statement from a member of the Organization regarding the attack of 11 September 2003. The
Procurator's Office decided not to open a criminal case file; however the Saint Petersburg
Municipal Procurator's Office was examining the legitimacy of this decision.
Responses received to communications sent by the Special Representative in previous years
384. By letter of 11 December 2002, the Government replied to the communication sent by the
Special Representative in conjunction with the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and
the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on 27 September
2002 regarding Said-Emin Saidarovitc Magaziev and members of the Memorial Human Rights
Centre (HRC). The Government confirmed that Said-Emin Saidarovitch Magaziev, head of
Grozny office of HRC, had been abducted on 18 September 2002. It stated that at that time,
investigations were being carried out to determine his whereabouts and the perpetrators of the
offence. According to the Government, no evidence had been found which connected his
abduction to the human rights activities of Lidia Yusupova, his aunt. The Government also
confirmed that the offices of HRC had been raided by military personnel; however, it stated that
their actions had been in keeping with the federal Terrorism Act, which gives those canying out
counter-terrorist operations the right to enter without hindrance into residential and other
premises or areas belonging to citizens and organizations, regardless of their form of ownership.
According to an investigation launched by the Government into the incident, illegally stored
munitions had been discovered in a building in Grozny the previous day and for this reason,
military personnel had been carrying out an operation in the area. The Government also stated
that no official report and no substantial evidence had been submitted regarding the alleged
surveillance of the offices of HRC. It further stated that no reports had been received from A.S
Petrosyan or Shamil Tangiev regarding the routine checks carried out on their premises.
Regarding the case of Said-ilusen Itzlaev, brother of the head of the Urus-Martan representative
office of HRC, the Government confirmed that physical force had been used against him while
being detained and that criminal proceedings had thus been initiated on 26 September 2002
against unidentified militia personnel for overstepping their authority.
385. By letter of 31 January 2003, the Government replied to the communication sent by the
Special Representative on 29 November 2002 regarding the alleged refusal to re-register a
number of voluntary associations. The Government stated that all the voluntary associations
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mentioned in the communication had in fact been re-registered apart from the following
particular cases: The International Society of Meskhetian Turks has been closed down under a
judicial order of the Abinsk District court on 24 July 2002 as it was discovered that it had
systematically and unlawfhlly been seeking to obtain Russian citizenship for Meshketian Turks,
an activity which was not consistent with the basic objectives outlined in its statutes. The
regional voluntary organization Krasnodar Human Rights Centre had also breached the
legislation on voluntary associations by failing to notify the Ministry of Justice that it had
intended to continue its activities and to change its legal address. For this reason, its activities
had been suspended for six months. Regarding the case of M. M. Konstantinidi, the
Government stated that it had been decided on 18 December 2002 that the case against him
would be retried. Regarding the refusal to issue Russian visas to foreign citizens and the
deportation of a Polish citizen, the Government stated that this was an internal matter for the
Russian Federation.
386. By letter of 13 March 2003, the Government replied to the communication sent by the
Special Representative on 29 November 2002 regarding Ruslan Kutaev, co-chairman of the
Russian-Chechen Friendship Society. The Government stated that criminal proceedings
regarding the alleged break-in and theft had been initiated and that at the date of the
communication, they were still in process.
Observations
387. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its numerous replies and
expresses her hope that responses to the remaining communications will be forthcoming. She
welcomes the release of Bakhorm Mardonovich Khamroev on 20 October 2003. She also
welcomes the measures taken to investigate and ensure accountability in the Memorial and
Soldiers cases. The Special Representative wishes to emphasize that she considers her mandate
to cover all individuals or organizations, whether local or international, whose activities aim at
ensuring respect for and enjoyment of internationally recognized human rights. The Special
Representative wishes to express her growing concern over the restrictions on the freedom of
association allegedly being imposed on NGOs, in particular those working on minority issues.
Saudi Arabia
Responses received to communications sent by the Special Representative in previous years
388. By letter dated 29 October 2003, the Government responded to the communication sent
by the Special Representative on 1 August 2002. The Government informed the Special
Representative that Sa'd bin Sa'id Zua'ir had been arrested at King Khalid International Airport
in Riyadh, while attempting to travel to Qatar and that three Kuwaiti passports had been found in
his possession. The reasons for his arrest were therefore related to criminal activities. The
Government also informed that the father of Sad bin Said Zua'ir had been released.
Slovakia
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Communications sent
389. On 11 April 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, transmitted an
urgent appeal regarding the complaint allegedly filed by the Slovak Republic's Office of Human
Rights, Minorities and European Integration with the Prosecutor General against the authors of a
joint report by the Centre for Reproductive Rights and the Centre for Civil and Human Rights in
the Slovak Republic entitled “Body and Soul”. According to our information, the joint report
documents cases of forced sterilization of Roma women and discriminatory practices against this
specific group. Our information indicates that following publication of the report, its authors
were allegedly threatened with being charged, under section 199 of the Criminal Code,
with”creating panic in society and damaging the good name of Slovakia” if the report's findings
were found to be false and with failure to promptly inform the law enforcement authorities of the
crime, if the findings were found to be true. During the reported investigation into the findings of
the report, the authors were allegedly subjected to pressure to release the identities of the Roma
women interviewed and were allegedly accused of obstructing justice when refusing to do so. In
particular, it is reported that on March 12, the Ministry of Health allegedly issued a statement to
this effect.
Communications received
390. By letter dated 24 November 2003, the Government replied to the communication sent by
the Special Representative. The Government stated that upon the publication of the report,
“Body and Soul”, it immediately launched an investigation into the alleged unlawful
sterilizations and a crime notification against an unknown perpetrator was lodged by the
Director- General of the Section for Human Rights and Minorities on grounds of suspicion of
involuntary and forced sterilization. An independent investigator of the Police Force was
investigating the case at the time of the communication. Furthermore, on 3 March 2003 a special
investigation team comprising representatives of the Ministry of Health and selected
gynaecology and obstetrics experts was established. In June 2003, a report was submitted to the
Committee for Human rights, National Minoroties and the Status of Women with the results of
their investigation, which concluded that no genocide or segregation of the Roma population had
occurred, nor had any failure to observe medical indications for sterilization, as defined in the
Sterilization Guidelines, been found in any of the hospitals. Some administrative errors had
taken place for which measures against those responsible would be taken. The Government also
informed the Special Representative that the authors of the report had not been subject to
prosecution on the grounds of scaremongering and discrediting Slovakia as alleged. The
Government stated that while the authors of the report had restricted the possibility of a thorough
investigation of cases of alleged forced sterilization by refusing to disclose the identity of the
Roma women victims, the Prosecutor- General had forbidden the team of investigators from
taking any measures against the authors as they were exercising the right to freedom of
expression, which could thus not be considered as a crime. The Government, however, added
that it could not exclude that some of the hospitals mentioned in the report would file a crime
notice against the authors for discrediting them. The Government fhrther added that the authors
had not been subjected to pressure by investigators and that their right to refuse to testify as
witnesses in criminal proceedings had been respected. The Government further stated that NGOs
development and operation were in no way suppressed in the Slovak Republic. On the contrary,
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a dialogue between the authorities and civil society was established and in agreement with
representatives of the NGO sector, a Council of the Government for Non-Governmental
Organizations had been created to act as an advisory, initiating and coordinating body.
Observations
391. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its reply and welcomes the fact
that no proceedings were undertaken against the authors of the report.
Sri Lanka
Communications sent
392. On 25 September 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the question of torture, transmitted an urgent appeal regarding alleged threats
against W.A. Phanapala Perera, an astrologer from Kalutara District, who reportedly
anonymously informed the police on several occasions by telephone of the identity of murderers
of a student stabbed to death on 31 August 2002. On 15 September 2002, W.A. Dhanapala
Perera reportedly received a phone call at his residence from a sub-inspector (SI) threatening him
to mind his own business. On the same day, the SI and a sergeant, along with other police
officers, allegedly came to his residence at Panadura and took him into custody at the Kalutara
police station, where he was allegedly tortured. The names of the officers allegedly involved are
known to the Special Rapporteur and Special Representative. The Supreme Court reportedly held
that the fundamental rights of W.A Dhanapala Perera had been violated by these officers, and
reportedly ordered the perpetrators to pay compensation and costs. In addition, the court
reportedly ordered that the Superintendent of Police and the Inspector General of Police (IGP)
take appropriate action against these officers. Concerns have been expressed that the
investigation into such a violation may not be pursued.
393. On 30 October the Special Representative in conjunction with the Special Rapporteur on
extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and the Special Rapporteur on the question of
torture sent an urgent appeal regarding Chamila Bandara, aged 17, and his family, whose case
was included in an allegation letter sent by the Special Rapporteur on torture on 25 September
2003. According to new information received, Chamila Bandara's mother received death threats
on 29 October 2003 from a group of police officers who intercepted her as she was going to the
magistrate's court where her son's case is being heard. It is alleged that the policemen also
threatened to kill Chamila Bandara who is said to be on his way to Geneva, Switzerland, in
connection with the current proceedings of the United Nations Human Rights Committee and
with the support of human rights non-governmental organizations. According to the information
received, in July 2003, Chamila Bandara was strung up by his thumbs and beaten by officers of
the Ankumbura police station, Kandy, resulting in a permanent disability. It is reported that since
he filed a complaint of torture, he has been forced into hiding.
Communications received
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394. By letter dated 1 December 2003, the Government replied to the urgent appeal sent by the
Special Representative regarding the situation of Chamila Bandara Jayaratna. The
Government informed the Special Representative that an investigation had been launched by the
Special Investigation Unit (SRI) into the allegations made, which confirmed that the
aforementioned person had suffered grievous injuries caused by a blunt weapon. On full
completion of its investigation, SRI would forward its findings to the Department of the
Attorney- General for further action. The Government also informed the Special Representative
that another investigation was conducted by the Regional Office of the National Human Rights
Commission in Kandy, where the incident had allegedly taken place. This investigation had
found that the allegations were baseless. However, upon receiving representations on behalf of
the alleged victim, the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission had ordered a new inquiry,
which was in progress at that moment.
Responses received to communications sent by the Special Representative in previous years
395. By letter of 5 June 2003, the Government replied to a communication sent by the Special
Representative on 4 October 2002 regarding threats received by Nimal Punchihewa, Project
Director of the Human Rights Commission. The Government informed the Special
Representative that STU of the police launched an investigation into the incident and that the
perpetrator had been summoned by the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission to explain
his conduct. He received a severe warning and apologized for his conduct and no fhrther action
was deemed necessary.
Observations
396. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its response in the Chamila
Bandara Jayaratna case. She welcomes the investigation undertaken by the authorities and invites
the Government to keep her informed of the developments in this case. The Special
Representatives hopes to receive soon responses to the other communications she transmitted
this year.
Sudan
Communications sent
397. On 23 January 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special
Rapporteur on the question of torture, the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on
Arbitrary Detention and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan,
transmitted an urgent appeal regarding Donato Dimo Wol, President of the Southern Sudanese
Student Unions of Bahr Algazal University, who was reportedly arrested at 10p.m. on 15
January 2003 by members of the security forces. He is said to have been taken from his house in
Alhaj Yousif, in Khartoum North. It is reported that he was taken to an unknown location. The
security forces are reported to have accused Donato Dimo Wol of being one of the organizers of
student demonstrations that took place in October 2002, which had been the object of a joint
intervention on 29 October 2002 by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of
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the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture
and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, as well as the
Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
398. On 17 March 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the question of torture, the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary
Detention and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan transmitted
an urgent appeal regarding Adam Abdel ilamid Adam, a trainee advocate, who was reportedly
arrested at 9p.m. on 3 March 2003 by members of the security forces outside the Abdelmajeed
Jmam Cultural Centre in Khartoum North, an organization that carries out various cultural
activities related to peace and human rights of which he is a member. The Centre's activities
were reportedly suspended for some time last year and had reportedly been under surveillance by
security forces in the past. According to the information received, Adam Abdel Hamid Adam
was arrested along with journalist Mona Zahir Alsadati and taken to the offices of the National
Security Agency near Farouk cemetery in Khartoum for interrogation. Mona Zahir Alsadati was
reportedly released two hours later and asked to report to security offices the following day.
399. On 26 March 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the question of torture, the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary
Detention and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan transmitted
an urgent appeal regarding ilussein Ibrahim Gindeel, a 48-year-old human rights defender,
who was reportedly arrested by four plain-clothes security officers on the road near his house in
Damazin, Blue Nile Province in eastern Sudan on 24 March 2003. He is said to be currently held
in incommunicado detention without charge. According to the information received, he is a
senior official of the Ministry of Industry and works in his voluntary capacity as Executive
Director of the Sudan Social Development Organization (SUDO), a voluntary organization
created to promote sustainable development and human rights. On 26 and 27 March, SUDO was
due to hold a workshop in Damazin on the role of civil society in the peace process. Permission
for the workshop was reportedly initially granted by the security forces but was subsequently
withdrawn, without an official explanation, on 24 March. Hussein Ibrahim Gindeel was allegedly
arrested before he was due to lead the workshop. In view of the incommunicado nature of his
detention, fears have been expressed that he may be at risk of torture and other forms of ill-
treatment.
400. On 24 April 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal concerning the
Sudanese Women Civil Society Network for Peace (SWCSNP), whose office has been
reportedly shut down. On 26 March 2003, eight members of the security services allegedly
entered the office of SWCSNIP and spent two hours searching for documents and questioning
several members of the organization. The members of the security services allegedly seized some
documents, a video and diskettes and then reportedly ordered the office to be closed down
without giving reasons for this measure. Prior to this incident, on 28 January 2003, 13 women
from SWCSNIP were allegedly prevented from travelling to Kenya to participate in a workshop
organized by the African Peace Forum.
401. On 12 June 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning
Tajuiddin Banaga Mohammed Ahmed, a witness reportedly testifying in a court case against
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the internal security forces in the Sudan, who had allegedly received death threats from Sudanese
security officers. According to the information received, he was at risk of being killed in order to
prevent him from testifying in the trial of six security force members accused of killing Mr. Ali
Ahmed Al Bashir, a friend and business partner of his. The trial was reported to have been
repeatedly stalled, and members of Mr. Bashir's family were reportedly pressured to drop the
case.
402. On 27 June 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
violence against women, its causes and consequences, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning
allegations that five officers from the Sudanese National Security Agency (NSA) arrested 38
women from the Nuba Mountain Women's Association and three men who accompanied them
on their way to a women's conference for peace and development. According to the information
received, the NSA officers, armed with kalashnikov rifles and pistols, arrested the delegates in
Kalakala and transported them to the NSA offices, where they were searched in an allegedly
antagonistic manner, insulted verbally, and interrogated on their movements, the intentions of
their trip and any relations they may have had with the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement.
It is reported that eight conference delegates were then transported to the NSA offices in
Omdurman where they were forced to sign a declaration promising that they would not leave
Khartoum without the permission of NSA. A number of personal items were reportedly
confiscated from the group, including mobile phones, computer equipment, documents and
diaries containing private details of contacts, as well as a sum of approximately 8 million
Sudanese pounds. The delegates were allegedly made to sit on the floor for an hour in the hot
sun. The delegates were reportedly released on 2 and 3 June, but some were reportedly ordered
to report back to NSA offices on a daily basis. Following this, the Ruayya Women's
Organization in Al-'Awda, the initial meeting point for the delegation's trip, was reportedly
closed down by NSA.
Communications received
403. By letter dated 12 June 2003, the Government replied to the communication sent by the
Special Representative regarding the situation of Tajuiddin Banaga Mohamed Ahmed. The
Government informed the Special Representative that the aforementioned person had been
apprehended on 13 January 2003 under article 26 of the Weapons and Ammunition Act for
illegal possession of a revolver. While testifying as a witness in the murder case of Ali Ahmed
Bashir, Mr. Tajulddin was arrested on injunction under the above article. Proceedings were
brought against him and a sentence was handed down for a fine and the confiscation of the gun
on 31 May 2003. As regards the case of Ali Ahmed El Bashir, the Government confirmed that
the proceedings in the case were being carried out according to law and that 10 lawyers were
currently representing the family of the victim without any restrictions or constraints.
Observations
404. The Special Representative thanks the Governments for its response in the Tajuiddin
Banaga Mohamed Ahmed case. She regrets the absence of responses to her other
communications sent this year. She remains concerned about the reported restrictions imposed
on the rights to freedom of assembly, freedom of speech and freedom of movement of human
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rights defenders, in particular peace activists. She is deeply concerned at the reported practice of
illegally detaining defenders to obstruct their human rights activities.
Switzerland
Communications envoyees
405. Le l9juin 2003, la Representante speciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special sur
la question de la torture, a addresse au Gouvernement un appel urgent concernant Abdelmumen
Mohamed Elzidani, qui aurait depose une demande d'asile le 13 novembre 2000. Cette demande
aurait etc refusee le 4 decembre 2002. Selon cette decision, l'argumentation de sa demande
d'asile, reposant sur le fait qu'il aurait heberge des opposants politiques enjuin et aoüt 2000,
serait invraisemblable. Ii aurait etc arête le l7juin 2003, conduit ala prison des lies a Sion, et
puis detenu a l'aeroport de Zurich dans l'attente d'être renvoye en Jamahiriya arabe libyenne. Son
avocat n'aurait pas etc informe du lieu exact de sa detention. Abdelmumen Mohamed Elzidani
serait membre dune organisation libyenne de defense des droits de l'homme, Human Rights
Solidarity, qui aurait par le passe denonce les violations des droits de l'homme en Jamahiriya
arabe libyenne. A cause de ces faits, et en raison de nombreux rapports sur le sort des
demandeurs d'asile renvoyes en Jamahiriya arabe libyenne, des craintes ont etc exprimees quant
au fait qu'Abdelmumen Mohamed Elzidani risquait d'être soumis a des tortures et autres mauvais
traitements s'il etait renvoye de force dans son pays d'origine.
Communications re cues
406. Par lettre datee du 16 juillet 2003, le Gouvernement a informe la Representante speciale
que l'Office federal des refugies (ODR) avait rejete, par decision du 4 decembre 2002, la
demande d'asile deposee par M. Elzidani et ordonne dans le même temps son renvoi en
Jamahiriya arabe libyenne. La demande de reexamen urgente interjetee vingt heures avant son
depart a egalement etc rejetee a la suite d'un nouvel examen minutieux de son dossier. L'ODR a
immediatement envoye les pièces sur lesquelles se fondait sa decision a la Commission suisse de
recours en matière d'asile dans l'eventualite d'un recours. Aucun recours n'a toutefois etc
depose. Le l9juin 2003, M. Elzidani est retourne en Jamahiriya arabe libyenne muni de son
passeport libyen et non accompagne. Le Gouvernement a egalement invite la Representante
speciale a prendre directement contact avec l'ODR pour de plus amples renseignements.
Observations
407. La Representante speciale remercie le Gouvernement pour sa prompte reponse.
Syrian Arab Republic
Communications sent
408. On 19 December 2002, the Special Representative sent an urgent appeal regarding the
situation of ilassan Saleh and Marwan ‘Uthman, leading members of the Syrian Kurdish
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Democratic Unity Party. According to the information received, on 10 December 2002, the
Syrian Kurdish Democratic Unity Party held a peacefhl demonstration with some 200
participants before the National Assembly in Damascus. According to the information received,
in the framework of this demonstration, ilassan Saleh and Marwan ‘Uthman were among
those who presented a memorandum from the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Unity Party to the
President of the National Assembly, Abdul Qadir Qadurah. The memorandum reportedly
demanded greater protection for the rights of people of Kurdish origin living in Syria. The
following day members of the Syrian security forces reportedly searched both men's houses in
Qamishli and ‘Ayn al-Arab in northern Syria. Hassan Saleh's son, Siamant Saleh, and Marwan
‘Uthman's brother, Ahmad ‘Uthman, were reportedly taken from their houses and interrogated by
members of the Syrian security forces. They were released five hours later. On 15 December,
Hassan Saleh and Marwan Uthman were reportedly detained in Damascus following an
invitation for a meeting by the Minister of the Interior, Major- General ‘Ali Hammud. In view of
the incommunicado nature of their detention, fears have been expressed that they might be at risk
of torture or other forms of ill-treatment.
409. On 16 April 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the question of torture, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers and
the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, transmitted a follow-up
urgent appeal regarding ilassan Saleh and Marwan ‘Uthman. According to new information
received, both men have been transferred from the Criminal Section to the Political Section of
Adra Prison, north of Damascus, where they are allegedly held in solitary confinement. They
have allegedly been denied visits by lawyers, relatives and doctors. Furthermore, concerns have
been expressed about Hassan Saleh's health, who is reportedly suffering from chest pains and
being denied medical treatment. According to the information received, the Military Court has
changed the charge against both prisoners from “membership of an unauthorized organization”
to “inciting sectarian strife” and referred the case to the Supreme State Security Court (SSSC),
which added the charge of “attempting to sever a part of the Syrian territories”. It is reported
that in June 2002, SSSC indefinitely banned the defendants' lawyer Anwar al-Bunni from acting
as defence counsel before SSSC. Other lawyers are now said to be following the case and will
represent Hassan Saleh and Marwan ‘Uthman when they are brought before SSSC. Of concern is
that SSSC operates outside the ordinary criminal justice system, as it is only accountable to the
Ministry of the Interior. In addition, its verdicts are not subject to appeal and its trials are not
conducted in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Communications received
410. By letter dated 22 May 2003, the Government responded to the communication sent by
the Special Representative on 19 December 2002 regarding ilassan Salih and Marwan
Uthman. The Government stated that the two men had incited acts of violence and unrest and
distributed items of literature criticizing national policy in breach of the provisions of Act No. 2,
the Associations Act No. 47 of 1953 and Act. No. 93 of 1998. They are being tried before the
courts.
Observations
411. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its response.
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Thailand
Communications sent
412. On 26 December 2002, the Special Representative sent an urgent appeal regarding the
situation of six members of the Mon Youth Progressive Organization (MYPO), a Burmese
student group based in Thailand and working to support the rights of Burmese ethnic minorities,
who were arrested in Thailand and sent across the Thai-Burmese border on 20 December 2002.
In addition, according to the information received, the Commander of the Ninth Division of the
army led a group of soldiers who delivered orders to offices of the Democratic Party for a New
Society, the All Burma Student's Democratic Front, the People's Democratic Front, as well as
MYPO, in Sangkhala Bun on 20 December, indicating that members of these organizations and
their families should move out of Thailand within two days or be arrested and deported. These
orders were allegedly given in relation to the activities of these groups and their members in
support of democratization and the rights of ethnic minorities in Burma.
413. On 7 March 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, transmitted an
urgent appeal regarding the death threats against Dr. Pradit Chareonthaitawee, a National
Human Rights Commissioner. According to the information received, Dr. Pradit
Chareonthaitawee has received numerous anonymous telephone calls to his home in the past
days threatening him with death. In at least one call Dr. Pradit Chareonthaitawee was reportedly
told to stop talking to the United Nations or he would die. Some of these threats reportedly
suggested that a bomb would be placed under his car, while others made references suggesting
that mephamphetamine drugs would be placed among his belongings to give the false impression
that he was dealing in drugs. Dr. Pradit Chareonthaitawee is currently concerned about his own
safety as well as that of his family. The Special Representative also received information
indicating that efforts may be under way to impeach Dr. Pradit Chareonthaitawee. According to
our information, the alleged death threats and references to impeachment of Dr. Pradit
Chareonthaitawee occurred following his statements to the United Nations about alleged human
rights abuses in Thailand, in the context of efforts by the authorities to end the trade in illegal
drugs, and press reports quoting some reported criticisms by him levelled at the Royal
Government of Thailand.
414. On 14 October 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, sent an urgent
appeal regarding information received that the Royal Government of Thailand had publicly
stated that any public protests in the context of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok on 20 and 21 October 2003 would lead to
repercussions against the organizations involved. According to the information received, the
Government allegedly indicated that protesting organizations would be prevented from receiving
government funds from poverty eradication programmes in the future, threatened to “blacklist”
any non-governmental organization taking part in public protests and indicated that lists of
NGOs had already been drawn up by the police to monitor their activities. The information
received further indicated that the Government had reportedly ordered that visas be denied to
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foreign activists who might be expected to organize protests during the APEC summit. Concern
was expressed that should such information be correct, the maintaining of lists of defenders,
monitoring by the police and the denial of visas as a means of preventing people from expressing
concern on human rights issues would represent violations of or restrictions on the right to
freedom of expression and the rights defined in the Declaration on human rights defenders.
While the information indicated that the Government cited security precautions as justification
for these restrictions, the Special Representative noted that peaceful protests cannot be portrayed
as a security! threat and urged that, if the allegations represented above were true, the
Government make every effort to retract statements against potential protesters and to urgently
ensure, in time for the APEC summit, protection of the right to freedom of expression and related
rights set forth in the Declaration on human rights defenders, within the limit of the
Government's requirements to assure the security of participants in the summit.
Communications received
415. By letter dated 14 May 2003, the Government responded to the urgent appeal sent on 7
March 2003 regarding Dr. Pradit Charoenthaitawee. The Government informed the Special
Representative that upon reception of the appeal, a thorough investigation had been ordered in to
the alleged death threats. The Government assured the Special Representative that safeguards
existed under the law to ensure the right to life of every individual under its jurisdiction,
inlcuding clear guidelines for police officers outlining procedures to protect an individual against
a threat to life, as well as two committees appointed by the Prime Minister to monitor the
implementation of the Government's policy on anti-narcotic cases. The Government assured the
Special Representative that had the police authorities been notified about the alleged death
threats, Dr. Pradit Chareonthaitawee would have been entitled by law to request such protection.
The Government further reaffirmed that should he feel special protection was required, this
would promptly be provided on his lodging a complaint with the Thai Police regarding the threat
to his life. The Government confirmed that he was entitled to his right to freedom of expression
and opinion. Concerning the potentiality of impeachment, the Government stated that such
power rested solely with the House of Representatives and the Senate and that it thus could not
interfere with the work of the National Commission on Human Rights.
416. By letter dated 29 August 2003, the Government responded to the urgent appeal sent by
the Special Representative on 26 December 2002 regarding members of the Mon Youth
Progressive Organisation. The Government informed the Special Representative that a
thorough investigation had been conducted by the authorities, which found that there had been
no arrest or deportation of Myanmar national belonging to the aforementioned group as alleged.
417. By letter dated 10 December 2003, the Government responded to the urgent appeal sent
by the Special Representative on 14 October 2003. The Government informed the Special
Representative that there had been no ban on organizing demonstrations during the APEC
summit in Bangkok (20 and 21 October 2003). The Government stated that as a security
precautionary measure, the authorities had arranged designated locations where protestors could
hold demonstrations and that 1000 demonstrators, including approximately 10 non-governmental
organizations and several members of the Senate, had participated in a rally on 19 October 2003.
While police had been on hand to provide security, neither they nor the authorities had in any
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way obstructed the rally but had urged the demonstrators to express their opinions in a peaceful
manner. It further informed that the rule of law had been strictly observed. Regarding the
blacklisting and the denial of visas to foreign activists, the Government stated that, like other
sovereign States, it reserved it's the right to grant or deny entry into its territory and in doing so
had taken due account of existing immigration laws and the need to maintain public order and
national sovereignty.
Observations
418. The Special Representative thanks the Royal Government of Thailand for its prompt
responses to all of the communications sent. She notes that in May 2003, at the invitation of the
Government, she conducted an official visit to Thailand. The Special Representative thanks the
Government for its commendable transparency and very good collaboration in the preparation
and conduct of her mission, providing her with her first opportunity to conduct an official visit to
Asia. She draws attention to her report and the recommendations made following this visit.
Togo
Communications envoyces
419. Le 25 juin 2003, la Representante speciale a envoyc un appel urgent, conjointement avec
le Rapporteur special sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et
d'expression, le Rapporteur special sur la question de la torture et le President-Rapporteur du
Groupe de travail sur la detention arbitraire, concernant Colombo Kpakpabia, journaliste a
l'hebdomadaire Nouvel Echo, Dimas Dzikodo, editeur en chef du journal L ‘Evènement et
Philipe Evegno, directeur de publications du même journal. Colombo Kpakpabia aurait etc
arrete le 14 ou 15 juin 2003 et detenu ala Direction generale de la police a Lome, sans aucune
explication sur les raisons sa detention, qui par ailleurs n'aurait etc ni confirmee, ni nice. Dimas
Dzikodo aurait etc arête dans un cybercafe par des forces de securite le l4juin 2003, alors qu'il
scannait des photographies de personnes qui auraient etc blessees par les forces de securite lors
des elections presidentielles du 1 juin 2003.Son directeur, Philipe Evegno, aurait etc arrete le
jour suivant. Les deux hommes auraient etc accuses de diffuser de fausses informations et de
provoquer le desordre public. Ils auraient etc tenus au secret pendant quatrejours. Le l9juin, les
deuxjournalistes auraient participe a une conference de presse organisee par les autorites
togolaises, qui les auraient accuses de vouloir envoyer les photographies et ainsi ternir l'image du
pays. Les autorites auraient en outre affirme que les photos representaient des personnes
blessees lors d'accidents de la circulation. Pendant la conference de presse, Dimas Dzikodo
aurait presente des signes de faiblesse et se serait plaint de mauvais traitements supposement
reçus pendant sa detention au secret.
Observations
420. La Representante speciale regrette qu'au moment de la finalisation de son rapport aucune
reponse n'ait etc reçue de la part du gouvernement.
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Tunisia
Communications envoyées
421. Par une lettre en date du 30 décembre 2002, la Représentante spéciale, conjointement
avec le Rapporteur special sur l'indépendance des juges et des avocats et Rapporteur special sur
la question de la torture, a informé le Gouvernement qu'il avait reçu des renseignements selon
lesquels Mokhtar Yahiaoui, juge, président du Centre tunisien pour l'indCpendance de lajustice
(CTIJ) et membre du comitC de liaison de l'Association internationale de solidarité avec les
prisonniers politiques (AISPP), aurait été agressC et enlevé par des agents de police en civil le 11
dCcembre 2002, alors qu'il se rendait chez son avocat a Tunis. Ii aurait été hospitalisé suite a
cette agression. Par ailleurs, le cabinet de Me Bhiri, son avocat et membre du bureau exécutifdu
CTIJ, et celui de sa femme, Me Akermi, secrCtaire générale de l'AISPP, auraient été encerclés
par un important dispositif policier le 13 dCcembre 2002. A cette occasion, les deux avocats
auraient été agressCs par des agents de police, et leur enfant de 13 ans, frappé au visage. Lassad
Jouhri, •m mbre •fimthtteuir de 1'AISPP, present au moment des faits, aurait été frappé et
hospitalise. Plusteurs avocats, dont M AbderraoufAyadi, Sihem Rostom, Nejib Ben
Youssef, Mokhtar Tritti, Mohamed Goumani et Youssef Rezui auraient par la suite
également agressés ou autrement empêchés d'accéder au cabinet de leurs confreres, Mes Bhiri et
Akermi. En outre, Me Samir DiIIou, membre fondateur de l'AISPP, aurait été arrêté a son
cabinet le 13 décembre 2002 et interrogé pendant plusieurs heures. Ii aurait reçu un coup a la tête
qui lui aurait fait perdre connaissance. Finalement, il était allégué qu'un certain nombre de
personnes, dont Abdallah Zouari et Me Said Mechichi auraient été empêchées de participer a la
célébration du 54Cme anniversaire de la Declaration universelle des droits de l'homme, organisée
par la Ligue tunisienne des droits de l'homme (LTDH) durant la soirée du 13 décembre 2002.
422. Le 14 avril 2003, la Représentante spéciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special sur
la question de la torture, a envoyé un appel urgent sur la situation de Zouhair Yahyaoui,
fondateur et animateur du site TUNeZINIE consacré aux libertés fondamentales en Tunisie, et au
sujet duquel un appel urgent conjoint avait été envoyé le 6 juin 2002 par la Représentante
spéciale, le Rapporteur special sur la question de la torture, le Rapporteur special pour la
promotion et protection du droit a la liberté d'opinion et d'expression et le Président-Rapporteur
du Groupe de travail sur la detention arbitraire. Le Gouvernement a répondu a cet appel urgent
par une lettre datée du 22 aoüt 2002, dont un résumé apparait dans des rapports des procedures
spéciales susmentionnées. Selon les renseignements reçus, Zouhair Yahyaoui aurait entamé une
grCve de la faim depuis plusieurs jours et n'arriverait plus a se déplacer de maniCre autonome. Ii
aurait déjà été en grCve de la faim pendant deux semaines en janvier 2003 pour protester contre
ses conditions de detention. Son état de sante se serait récemment détérioré de maniére
alarmante. En outre, les persecutions et les mesures punitives dont il ferait l'objet se seraient
multipliées, notamment depuis le rassemblement de solidarité organisé devant la prison de Borj
El Amri le 6 février 2003. La nourriture que lui enverrait sa famille serait réguliérement
détournée et celle qui lui parviendrait serait délibérément souillée par les gardiens. Toute lecture
lui serait interdite, sa correspondance serait confisquée et sa promenade quotidienne supprimée.
Ii aurait par ailleurs été mis au cachot avec privation totale de nourriture pendant deuxjours ala
suite des protestations de sa famille concernant les conditions de visite. Sa famille serait sans
nouvelles de lui depuis une semaine, et s'inquiéterait de son état de sante, jugé trés critique lors
de leur derniére visite.
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423. Le 22juillet 2003, la Representante speciale a envoyc un appel urgent conjointement
avec le Rapporteur special sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et
d'expression et le Rapporteur special sur l'independance des juges et des avocats sur les
nouvelles atteintes presumees portees a la liberte de reunion en Tunisie, ainsi que sur l'agression
dont aurait fait l'objet Me Radhia Nasraoui, avocate et presidente de l'Association de lutte
contre la torture en Tunisie (ALTT). Selon les informations reçues, un groupe de supposes
policiers en civil se seraient deploycs dimanche 13 juillet 2003, afin d'empêcher la tenue dune
reception organisee par la Ligue tunisienne des ecrivains libres. Les policiers auraient fait
barrage dans une rue a 20 metres environ du domicile de M. Jalloul Azzouna, oü devait avoir
lieu la reception. Arrives peu aprCs, Me Nasraoui et M. Azzouna auraient reussi a passer le
barrage. Mais lors que Me Nasraoui serait descendue de sa voiture, les hommes en civil l'auraient
poussee contre un mur puis violemment frappee. M. Azzouna, qui aurait tente de la defendre,
aurait etc malmene dans la bousculade qui sen serait suivie. Me Nasraoui, qui souffrirait de
contusions aux bras, serait en arrét de travail pour une duree de six jours et aurait decide de
porter plainte. Des craintes ont etc exprimees que cette attaque ne soit une reponse a la creation,
par Me Nasraoui, de I'Association de lutte contre Ia torture en Tunisie, dont l'enregistrement
aurait etc refuse le 26 juin dernier.
424. Le 23 juillet 2003, la Representante speciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special
sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et d'expression, a envoyc un appel
urgent sur la situation de Me Mohamed Noun, president de l'Association internationale de
soutien aux prisonniers politiques (AISPP) en Tunisie. Le 18 juillet 2003, a son retour de
l'etranger, la maison de Me Noun, dans la region de Soliman, aurait etc encerclee par un vaste
dispositif de police. Me Noun y aurait etc enferme durant tout l'aprCs-midi, sans que personne ne
puisse le joindre, pas méme sa famille proche. Son telephone portable aurait etc bloque pendant
plusieurs heures. Des craintes ont etc exprimees que ces evenements ne soient lies ala visite
recente de Me Noun en Suisse, du 9 au 16 juillet 2003, dans le cadre de la campagne actuelle
menee par l'AISPP pour une amnistie generale des prisonniers politiques, durant laquelle il aurait
etabli des contacts avec des organisations internationales de defense des droits de l'homme.
425. Le 17 septembre 2003, la Representante speciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur
special sur la question de la torture, a envoyc une lettre d'allegation sur les cas suivants.
426. Saida Akremi, avocate specialisee dans la defense des droits humains et membre
d'organisations de defense des droits humains, notamment de l'Association internationale de
soutien aux prisonniers politiques (AISPP), aurait etc forcee a sortir de sa voiture et battue par
des membres des forces de securite devant l'entree de son cabinet, en presence de sa famille, le
13 decembre 2002. Elle aurait etc emmenee au MinistCre de l'interieur et interrogee pendant
plusieurs heures au sujet de ses activites de l'AISPP. Ce ne serait pas la premi Cre fois qu'elle
aurait etc victime d'intimidations portant sur son travail de defenseuse des droits de l'homme.
Son cabinet serait sous surveillance polici Cre constante, les forces de securite interrogeraient
regulierement ses clients, auxquels ils conseilleraient de choisir d'autres avocats. Enjuin 2002,
son cabinet, ainsi que celui de son man, auraient etc saccages. Le 27juillet 2001, une voiture de
police aurait tente de la renverser pendant une manifestation de protestation contre l'incarceration
de Sihem Ben Sedrine, une autre defenseuse des droits humains. Elle aurait depose une plainte
pour tentative de meurtre, mais aucune enquête ne semblerait avoir etc effectuce.
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427. Le ler mars 2001, Khedija Cherif, membre fondateur du Conseil national pour les
libertes en Tunisie (CNILT) et de l'Association tunisienne des femmes democrates (ATFD), aurait
etc interceptee par des agents de police en civil alors qu'elle se rendait a une reunion de la CNILT.
Ceux-ci l'auraient informee qu'elle n'etait pas autorisee a participer a la ladite reunion et l'aurait
insultee, giflee et frappee lorsqu'elle aurait proteste contre cette interdiction. Le 10 mars 2001,
alors qu'elle venait de quitter le palais de justice, elle aurait etc bousculee dans les escaliers et
trainee au sol. La documentation qu'elle portait sur elle aurait etc confisquce.
428. Souhayr Beihassen, vice-presidente de la Ligue tunisienne des droits de l'homme, aurait
etc agressee par des agents de police de Tunis le 14 avril 2001, a son retour de Genéve, oü elle
aurait participe a la session de la Commission des droits de l'homme des Nations Unies et oü elle
aurait eu des entretiens avec des representants de l'Union europeenne. A sa sortie de l'aeroport
de Tunis, deux agents de police habilles en civil l'auraient insultee et violemment attaquce et
auraient confisque ces documents, qui ne lui n'ontjamais etc restitues depuis. Elle aurait tente de
porter plainte mais la police n'aurait pas accepte de prendre en compte sa deposition.
429. Le 10 octobre 2003, la Representante speciale a envoyc un appel urgent, conjointement
avec le Rapporteur special sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et
d'expression, concernant la convocation supposee de Néziha Rejiba, journaliste connue sous le
nom de plume Om Zied et membre du Conseil national pour les libertes en Tunisie (CNLT), une
organisation qui travaille sur la defense des droits humains, l'egalite entre les sexes, et la
promotion des valeurs democratiques. Selon les informations reçues, le 25 septembre 2003,
Neziha Rejiba aurait etc convoquce par le bureau des infractions de change de la Direction des
enquêtes douaniêres, supposement pour avoir donne 170 euros a unjeune tunisien alors qu'elle
rentrait dun sejour a l'etranger. Ii semblerait que cette accusation pourrait être abusive, dans la
mesure oü selon la loi tunisienne en matiêre de controle des changes, Mme Rejiba aurait eu une
semaine a son retour de voyage pour changer ses devises. Neziha Rejiba aurait egalement etc
agressee a plusieurs reprises depuis 2000 par des membres des forces de l'ordre, notamment a la
sortie de reunions du Conseil national pour les libertes en Tunisie, et en particulier le 1 mars
2001, lors d'une reception organisee par le CNLT qui aurait etc violemment empéchee par un
deploiement de forces de police. Son courier serait controle et parfois confisque et sa ligne
telephonique serait sous ecoute permanente et souvent coupee. Le journal en ligne auquel elle
participe, Kalima, aurait etc interdit en Tunisie, bien qu'il soit accessible depuis l'etranger.
430. Le 13 octobre 2003, la Representante speciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special
sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et d'expression, a envoyc une
lettre d'allegation sur les cas suivants.
431. Abdallah Zouari, journaliste qui travaillerait pour les droits des prisonniers et des
detenus islamistes, condamne pour << appartenance a une organisation illegale >>, aurait passe
onze annees de prison et a sa liberation en juin 2002, le Ministére de l'interieur lui aurait notifie
une mesure administrative d'eloignement a Zarzis, loin de sa famille, pour une duree de cinq
ans.. En septembre 2002, M. Zouari aurait etc condamne a huit mois de prison pour avoir viole
cette mesure d'eloignement, et il aurait etc libere deux mois plus tard pour <>. Le 18 juillet 2003, M. Zouari aurait etc condamne a quatre mois de prison par le
tribunal cantonal de Zarzis a la suite d'une plainte d'une gerante d'un cybercafe, qui lui aurait
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refuse l'autorisation de naviguer sur Internet. M. Zouari aurait voulu telephoner a son avocat et
porter plainte pour cc refus, mais la gerante du cybercafe aurait porte plainte pour diffamation.
M. Zouari aurait fait appel de cette condamnation. M. Zouari aurait etc arrete le 17 aoüt 2003 a
Ben Guerdane, prés de Zarzis, et accuse << d'infraction a une mesure de controle administratif a
laquelle il etait soumis >>. Ii aurait etc condamne le 29 aoüt a neufmois de prison ferme. i i
semblerait que son arrestation soit intervenue aprés que M. Zouari a accompagne une mission
d'enquête de l'organisation de defense des droits de l'homme Human Rights Watch dans le sud
de la Tunisie.
432. Le 6 fevrier 2003, les forces de l'ordre auraient disperse un rassemblement d'environ
cinquante personnes organise par la Ligue tunisienne des droits de l'homme et le Comite national
pour le soutien de Zouhair Yahyaoui - au sujet duquel deux appels urgents avaient etc envoycs le
14 avril dernier par la Representante Speciale et le Rapporteur special sur la question de la
torture, et le 6 juin 2002 par la Representante speciale, conjointement avec le Rapporteur special
sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et d'expression, le President-
Rapporteur du Groupe de travail sur la detention arbitraire et le Rapporteur special sur la
question de la torture - devant la prison de Borj El Amri oü M. Yahyaoui, fondateur et animateur
du site Web TUNeZITNE, serait detenu. Mme Sihem Ben Sédrine et M. Abderraouf Ayadi,
respectivement porte-parole et secretaire general du Conseil national pour les libertes en Tunisie
(CNLT), M. Omar Mestiri, membre du bureau politique du Forum democratique pour le travail
et les libertes et M. Marc Thorner de la radio allemande WDR, auraient etc emmenes au poste
de police de Bojr El Amri oü ils auraient etc soumis a des fouilles. L'appareil d'enregistrement
de M. Thorner aurait etc confisque et d'autres participants auraient fait l'objet de filature a leur
retour sur la route Borj El Amri-Tunis.
433. Le 22 octobre 2003, la Representante speciale a envoyc un appel urgent, conjointement
avec le Rapporteur special sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberte d'opinion et
d'expression, concernant le licenciement et passage a tabac de Mokhtar Yahiaoui, juge et
resident du Centre de Tunis pour l'independance de lajustice (CIJ) et membre fondateur de
l'Association internationale de soutien aux prisonniers politiques (AISPP) au sujet duquel un
appel urgent avait etc envoyc le 8 avril 2002. Selon les informations reçues, le 29 decembre
2001, Mokhtar Yahiaoui aurait etc licencie de son poste dejuge aprés avoir demande le respect
de l'independance des juges dans une lettre ouverte au President. Le 10 decembre 2002, lors de
la Journee internationale des droits de l'homme, l'AISPP aurait public un appel, signe par
Mokhtar Yahiaoui, demandant le respect des droits des prisonniers politiques et la fin de leur
detention au secret. Le lendemain, Mokhtar Yahiaoui aurait etc attaque et battu alors qu'il se
rendait a une reunion avec des avocats des droits humains dans le centre de Tunis.
434. Le 19 novembre 2003, la Representante speciale a envoyc un appel urgent concernant la
situation de Itadhia Nasraoui, avocate et presidente de l'Association de lutte contre la torture en
Tunisie (ALTT), qui avait deja etc l'objet d'un appel urgent envoyc le 22juillet 2003 par la
Representante speciale, le Rapporteur special sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la
liberte d'opinion et d'expression et le Rapporteur special sur l'independance des juges et des
avocats, au sujet d'une supposee agression survenue le 13 juillet 2003 a son encontre. Selon les
informations reçues, le 6 septembre 2003, alors qu'elle rentrait d'une conference internationale
en Turquie, les douaniers a l'aeroport en Tunisie lui auraient confisque une vingtaine de livres et
de brochures. Ils auraient egalement essayc de confisquer certains de ses dossiers de clients. Le
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17 septembre 2003, a son retour de la conference bisannuelle sur les defenseurs des droits de
l'homme organisee a Dublin par Frontline, une ONG des droits de l'homme irlandaise, et a
laquelle assistait egalement la Representante speciale, elle aurait etc detenue a l'aeroport par la
police pendant deux heures, et ses dossiers auraient etc parcourus. La police aurait de nouveau
essayc de prendre certains des dossiers de ses clients, mais se serait ravisee suite a ses vives
protestations. Ala suite de ces evenements, le 15 octobre 2003, Radhia Nasraoui aurait entame
une gréve de la faim, pour protester contre les pressions supposement exercees sur ses clients les
incitant a ne pas recourir a ses conseils et contre sa supposee surveillance constante par la police
depuis 2002. Le 14 novembre 2003, suite ala deterioration de son etat de sante, elle aurait etc
transferee a la Clinique Taoufik et traitee pour des problémes de ceur. Au cours de son sejour a
l'hopital, elle aurait etc sous la surveillance de policiers en civil. Le 15 novembre 2003, une des
personnes supposement responsable de son agression du 13 juillet 2003 aurait etc vue par son
man dans le hall de l'hopital. Mme Nasraoui aurait quitte l'hopital le 17 novembre 2003 mais
serait touj ours en gréve de la faim.
435. Le S decembre 2003, la Representante speciale a envoyc un appel urgent concernant la
situation de la Ligue tunisienne des droits de I'homme (LTDII). Selon les informations reçues,
le 29 aoüt 2003, le president de la LTDH, Mokhtar Trifi aurait etc convoque par le Directeur des
affaires politiques du Ministére de l'interieur qui lui aurait notifie l'interdiction faite par le
Gouvernement tunisien a son organisation, de recevoir des financements de la Commission
europeenne, en se fondant sur la loi 154 du 7 novembre 1959 et sur un decret du 8 mai 1922. Le
12 septembre 2003, la banque oü serait domicilie le compte de la LTDH, aurait egalement
informe l'organisation de l'impossibilite d'effectuer la seconde tranche du virement prevu par le
contrat liant la LTDH a la Commission europeenne faute d'autorisations requises. Des craintes
ont etc exprimees que l'interdiction faite a la LTDH de recevoir des fonds de la Commission
europeenne ne vise a forcer cette derniêre a mettre un terme a ses activites de defense des droits
de l'homme en Tunisie.
Communications reçues
436. Par lettre datee du 2janvier 2003, le Gouvernement a repondu a une communication
concernant Mokhtar Yahiaoui informant la Representante speciale que cc dernier avait
effectivement etc empeche de se rendre a Genéve le 4 avril 2002 car il n'avait pas pris soin de
faire renouveler son passeport comme cela lui avait etc demande par les services competents,
dans la mesure oü la profession de <> mentionnee sur cc document ne correspondait plus a
son statut depuis sa revocation par le Conseil superieur de la magistrature le 29 decembre 2001.
Le recours a cette decision intente par l'interesse n'ayant pas d'effet suspensif, elle etait
demeuree executoire.
437. Par une lettre datee du 28 juillet 2003, le Gouvernement a repondu a une communication
envoyce par la Representante speciale le 30 decembre 2002 l'informant qu'aucune plainte
n'avait etc deposee quant a la supposee agression de Mokhtar Yahiaoui. Celui-ci aurait reconnu
que l'investigation dont il faisait l'objet suite a sa participation a une reunion non autorisee etait
<>. Concernant Maltres Bhiri et Akremi, leur enfant,
Lassad Jouhri, et Me Samir Dillou, le Gouvernement a indique que les allegations d'agression
etaient sans fondement. Ii n'y avait pas eu de plainte de la part des personnes supposement
agressees ni de la part de possibles temoths oculaires. Par ailleurs, s'il est vrai qu'une plainte
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avait été déposée le 26 décembre 2002 par un avocat au nom de plusieurs de ses confreres, le
Gouvernement a informé que Me Souilhi aurait nié, dans sa plainte déposée le 20 janvier 2003,
avoir été agressé et avoir chargé qui que cc soit de déposer une plainte en son nom. Le
Gouvernement a également précisé que le CTIJ et l'AISPP n'avaient pas d'existence légale en
Tunisie. Quant ala célébration organisée par la LTDH le 13 décembre 2002, le Gouvernement a
répondu que cette organisation était sous le coup d'une décisionjudiciaire et n'avait pas le droit
d'entreprendre des initiatives de cette nature. Aucune plainte portant sur de l'harcClement ou des
agressions n'avait été déposée par Mokhtar Trifi, président de la LTDH. Finalement,
concernant Abdallah Zouari, le Gouvernement a informé qu'il était sous le coup d'une decision
judiciaire de controle administratif qui avait fixé son lieu de residence a Zarzis.
438. Par une lettre datée du 30 janvier 2004, le Gouvernement tunisien a envoyé une réponse a
la communication concernant Zouhait Yahoui envoyée par la Représentante spéciale le 10 avril
2003, l'informant que l'intéressé avait bénéficié d'une liberation conditionnelle le 18 novembre
2003, aprCs avoir purge la moitié de sa peine selon les conditions réglementant l'exécution des
peines. Le Gouvernement a également informé la Représentante spéciale qu'a la suite d'une
enquête judiciaire qui avait révélé la misc en ligne de fausses nouvelles a partir d'un cybercafé
dont l'intéressé était le gérant, celui-ci avait fait l'objet d'une plainte pour vol de la part des
propriétaires pour utilisation frauduleuse des lignes téléphoniques. Dans sa réponse, le
Gouvernement a ajouté qu'il avait propagé de fausses informations de nature a troubler l'ordre
public, révélant en particulier l'incursion d'un commando étranger dans le territoire tunisien et
émettant des appels au boycott du tourisme et des produits tunisiens. M.Yahoui a été condamné
le 20 juin 2002 a une peine d'un an et quatre mois de prison pour vol et utilisation frauduleuse
des lignes téléphoniques et a un an de prison pour propagation de fausses nouvelles de nature a
troubler l'ordre public. En appel, sa premi Cre peine aurait été réduite a un an. Le pourvoi en
cassation aurait été rejeté. Le Gouvernement a également précisé que la detention de M.Yahoui
s ‘est déroulée dans des conditions conformes a la legislation tunisienne et en adéquation avec les
normes internationales. Le Gouvernement souligne par ailleurs que le site Web en question
fonctionnait librement depuis plusieurs années mais en l'espCce, avait été mis a profit pour
propager de fausses nouvelles de natures a troubler la sécurité publique. Le Gouvernement a
également souligné que les textes internationaux prohibent l'exercice du droit a la liberté
d'expression des lors que celui-ci a pour dessein d'inciter au crime ou a la haine raciale, ou de
faire usage de violence ou menaces en violation de la loi, la sécurité nationale, la sécurité
publique ou l'ordre public.
Réponses re cues sur des cas soulevés par la Représentante spéciale dans les années précédentes
439. Par une lettre datée du l7juillet 2003, le Gouvernement a répondu que Sadri Khiari était
impliqué dans deux affaires criminelles pour diffamation des autorités et diffusion de fausses
nouvelles. Une décisionjudiciaire lui a interdit de quitter le territoire sur la base de l'article 15 de
la loi du 14 mai 1975 qui autorise le retrait du passeport sur ordonnance d'unjuge d'instruction.
L'intéressé n'a d'aprCs le Gouvernement pas fait appel de cette decision qui a été révoquée le 8
janvier 2003. En cc qui concerne Philippe Corcuff, le Gouvernement precise que cc dernier, avec
M. Khiari, a la sortie d'une conference organisée par l'Jnstitut supérieur des sciences humaines
de Tunis, avait rendu public sa decision d'entamer une grCve de la faim de trois jours pour
protester contre des allegations de torture systématique et l'absence de libertés dans le pays. Le
Gouvernement a informé la Représentante spéciale que de telles actions étaient injustifiables
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dans la mesure oü, scion ie Gouvernement, cues visaient a contester ia mesurejudiciaire qui
frappe M. Khiari par ie biais de pressions aiors que ia question reiêve uniquement de iajustice.
Le Gouvernement a egaiement indique que ies aiiegations de mauvais traitements contre M.
Khiari sont sans fondement. Par aiiiieurs, ii a precise que concernant ie refouiement a i'aeroport
de Tunis-Carthage de ia deiegation de ia Commission internationaie des juristes ie 26 octobre
2002, ia Mission permanente de Tunisie a Genéve avait informe a piusieurs reprises ia CIJ que ia
mission qui visait a enquêter sur ia situation du barreau et de iajustice en Tunisie a i'invitation
de ia LTDH n'avait pas heu d'être, et que par consequent, i'accês au territoire ne ieur serait pas
autorise, precisant que ia LTDH n'avait pas capacite a emettre de teiies invitations, en particuher
au vu de ia decision judiciaire hmitant sa tache a i'organisation de son assembiee generaie.
440. Par une iettre datee du 28 juiiiiet 2003, ie Gouvernement a repondu que ie CTIJ et
i'AISPP n'avaient pas d'existence iegaie en Tunisie et qu'aucune piainte n'avait ete deposee
quant a ia supposee agression de Mokhtar Yahiaoui. Ceiui-ci aurait reconnu que i'investigation
dont ii faisait i'objet suite a sa participation a une reunion non autorisee etait <>. Concernant Maltres Bhiri et Akremi, ieur enfant, Lassad Jouhri, et Me
Samir Diiiou, ie Gouvernement et que ies aiiegations d'agression etaient sans fondement. Ii n'y
avait pas eu de piainte de ia part des personnes supposement agressees ni de ia part de possibies
temoins ocuiaires. Par ailleurs, s'ii est vrai qu'une piainte avait etc deposee ie 26 decembre 2002
par un avocat au nom de piusieurs de ses confreres, ie Gouvernement a informe que Me Souilhi
aurait nie, dans sa piainte deposee ie 20 janvier 2003, avoir ete agresse et avoir charge qui que cc
soit de deposer une piainte en son nom. Le Gouvernement a egaiement precise que i'AISPP avait
par ie passe abuse certaines ONG internationaies et defenseurs. Quant a ia ceiebration organisee
par ia LTDH ie 13 decembre 2002, ie Gouvernement a repondu que cette organisation etait sous
ie coup d'une decision judiciaire et n'avait pas ie droit d'entreprendre des initiatives de cette
nature. Aucune piainte portant sur de i'harcCiement ou des agressions n'avait etc deposee par
Mokhtar Trifi, president de ia LTDH. Enfin, en cc qui concerne Abdaiiah Zouari, ie
Gouvernement a informe qu'ii etait sous ie coup d'une decision judiciaire de controie
administratif qui avait fixe son iieu de residence a Zarzis.
Observations
441. La Representante speciaie remercie ie gouvernement tunisien pour ses reponses et espCre
recevoir bientot une reponse a ses autres communications. Eiie tient a exprimer son inquietude
concernant notamment ies aiiegations ayant trait a i'obstruction a ia hberte d'expression, de
reunion et de mouvement des defenseu r s des droits de i'homme en particuher ies nombreuses
aiiegations concernant ia surveillance et ie harcCiement des avocats et des journahstes. Elle
regrette qu'a cc jour, ie Gouvernement n'ait pas donne suite a sa demande d'invitation a
effectuer une visite officielle envoyee ie 21 aoüt 2002.
Turkey
Communications sent
442. On 18 Juiy 2003, the Speciai Representative transmitted an urgent appeai regarding
Ridvan Kizgin, Chairman of the Bingoi Branch of the Jnsan Hakiari Dernegi (IHD), Human
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Rights Association, who has allegedly been repeatedly threatened over the telephone. She
expressed concern that this may have been due to a report released by IHD on 5 July 2003,
which highlighted an apparent increase in human rights violations in the region, and at reports
that the Bingol branch and its chairperson have been placed under great pressure by the Turkish
authorities for several years. According to the information received, Mr. Kizgin received a
telephone call at his home on 8 July 2003 at around 10 p.m. from a man identifying himself as
the commander of the gendarmerie regiment in Bingol Province, who told Mr. Kizgin to come to
the local gendarmerie headquarters. The man reportedly said that Mr. Kizgin's statements on
human rights violations were incorrect and that he should only make statements after he had
talked to the gendarmerie. When Mr. Kizgin reportedly disputed this, the caller allegedly began
to threaten him. Mr. Kizgin reportedly received another call at home at 10.45 p.m. on the same
evening, and on his mobile phone at 9.30 a.m. on 10 July. Both calls were reportedly from
another individual who reportedly told him that the gendarmerie commander wanted to see him.
The caller allegedly requested Mr. Kizgin to retract the IHD report on human rights violations in
Bingol and to state publicly that the allegations were incorrect. Another telephone call was
reportedly received at his home at 4.30 p.m. on 10 July, when Mr. Kizgin was not at home.
443. On 21 July 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Chairperson-
Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, transmitted an urgent appeal on the
situation of Sevim Yetkiner and Bald çelebi, respectively chair and executive committee
member of the Mus branch of the Human Rights Association (Jnsan Haklari Dernegi — IHD).
They were allegedly remanded to prison in Mus, southeast Turkey, to await trial on 17 July
2003, after allegedly responding to a request to report to the Anti-Terror Branch of the local
police headquarters. Six other people, including two other members of the Mus branch of IHD,
were also reportedly arrested in Mus Province, after responding to the same request. It is alleged
that they were imprisoned as the result of an 8 July decision by a court in Dogubeyazit in eastern
Turkey to arrest the group in absentia. According to the information received, the decision is
allegedly connected with their attendance on 26 May at the funeral of Ismet Baycan, a member
of the illegal armed group the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), who allegedly died on 24 May
in Mus F-Type Prison, allegedly following severe delays in medical treatment. In view of the
alleged long-term harassment of IHD - at least 10 IHD members have reportedly been killed
since 1991 - concern has been expressed that Sevim Yetkiner and Bald çelebi may be detained
for their activities as human rights defenders, in particular for the work they have undertaken on
conditions in Mus F-type Prison, where there have reportedly been repeated complaints of ill-
treatment, insufficient medical treatment for prisoners and harassment of their visitors.
444. On 22 October 2003, the Special Representative sent an urgent appeal regarding the
alleged judicial proceedings against Alp Ayan and Gflnseli Kaya, both medical doctors and staff
members of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey, Izmir Treatment and Rehabilitation
Centre, which provides assistance to torture victims. According to the information received, on
30 September 1999, Alp Ayan and GUnseli Kaya were arrested in Izmir while on their way to
attend the funeral of a prisoner allegedly killed in Ankara Central Prison on 26 September 1999.
On 3 October 1999, after a preliminary hearing before the Criminal Court of Izmir, they were
reportedly charged with coercion, violence, threat, assault or resistance to a police decision
forbidding a meeting and with helping members of a terrorist organization and disseminating
propaganda on its behalf Both were reportedly released after four months in prison on remand at
the first hearing of their trial on 20 January 2000. This case was the subject of a letter of
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allegation by the Special Representative on 19 October 2001, to which the Government
responded on 2 January 2002. According to the information received, since then, their trial has
been continuing for approximately three and a half years, with repeated adjournments for
technical reasons on at least nine occasions. The most recent hearing was allegedly held on 26
September 2003 at the Aliaga Penal Court of First Instance, and it was reportedly adjourned to
14 November 2003. In the meantime, according to the information received, Alp Ayan has
reportedly been the subject of 16 trials under article 2911 of the Turkish Penal Code, on charges
of illegally holding a demonstration in connection with press statements and in response to
alleged human rights violations in F-Type prisons since December 2000. Of the 16 reported
trials, 14 have reportedly resulted in an acquittal at the Penal Courts of First Instance. The next
hearing for a verdict was reportedly scheduled for 27 October 2003. Concern was expressed that
these reported lengthy and repeated proceedings may have been an attempt at hindering the
human rights activities by these two men.
445. On 22 October 2003, the Special Representative sent an urgent appeal regarding the
situation of seven members of the Turkish non- governmental organization “GIYAV”(Migration
and Humanitarian Assistance Foundation), who allegedly continued to face judicial proceedings
in State courts. According to the information received, 21 members of GIYAV reportedly faced
legal proceedings under article 169 of the Turkish Penal Code (TPC) on charges of”abetting and
harbouring an illegal organization” in connection with the use of expressions such as “Kurdish
mother tongue”, “multi-culturalism”, “forced migration” and “state of emergency practices”. It is
reported that in conformity with the reform of article 169, on 20 October 2003, the Court
acquitted GIYAV members of charges under article 169 and ordered that legal and
administrative documents confiscated earlier that year by the Public Prosecutor be given back to
the organization. However, according to the information received, seven GIYAV members,
Mustafa Erdoglu, Kadir Arikan, llikmet Ozcan, Mehmet Barut, Ayse Bakaç, Remzi Erkut
and Omer Dogan, who were reportedly members of the executive board in April 2002, when the
judicial proceeding was opened, will reportedly be referred to the Mersin Penal Court of first
instance under article 312 (1) of TPC, which relates to the notion of “praising a crime”. While the
Special Representative welcomes the acquittal of GIYAV members, concerns were expressed
that article 312 of TPC may now be used as a substitute to the amended article 169 in an attempt
to continue to hinder the work of human rights defenders.
446. On the 29 October 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, sent an urgent
appeal regarding the situation of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (I-IRFT), an
organization that provides assistance to victims of torture and documents human rights
violations, which was allegedly facing trial. According to the information received, on 28 July
2003, the General Directorate of Foundations reportedly filed a case with the Duty Court of First
Instance against HRFT and members of its board, reportedly on the basis of an annual inspection
of the organization it carried out in 2001. The charges were allegedly comprised of attempting to
collect contributions via Internet, presenting reports to and cooperating with international
organizations, all without permission, in contravention of the Law on Collecting Contributions
(No. 2860 of 1983) and the Regulations on Foundations under. The charges were reported to
relate, inter alia, to the translation of the “Special Report on the Prison Problem in Turkey” into
English, the dissemination of the same report at the international level, meeting with the Special
Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the provision of information on
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operations in Turkish prisons to the EU Rapporteur for Turkey, and on the human rights situation
in Turkey to the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. The first hearing of the
case will reportedly be held at the Civil Court of First Instance No. 15 on 12 November 2003.
Concern has been expressed that this trial may be aimed at preventing the Human Rights
Foundation from carrying out activities in favour of human rights.
447. On 30 October 2003, the Special Representative sent a fhrther urgent appeal regarding
the situation of Alp Ayan and about Mehmet Barindik, Aegean region representative of the
Limiter-Is Union, a trade union for shipyard workers. According to the information received, on
16 May 2001, a case was opened against Alp Ayan and Mehmet Barindik in the Izmir Heavy
Penal Court No. 4 in connection with their press statement at a demonstration called “Izmir
Platform against F-Type Prisons” on 13 January 2001. On 10 June 2002, Alp Ayan and Mehmet
Barindik were allegedly sentenced to imprisonment for one year on charges of violating article
159 of TPC. According to the information received, the Supreme Court of Appeals reportedly
decided to repeal the Izmir court decision in view of the recent amendment to article 159 on 2
August 2002. On 19 June 2003, the re-hearing was reportedly held at the Izmir Heavy Penal
Court. During the hearing, the public prosecutor reportedly demanded the release of the
defendants on the grounds that the press release was not beyond criticism. However, the court
allegedly decided to renew its decision and sentenced both men to one year's imprisonment. The
case has reportedly been appealed to the Supreme Court.
448. On 10 November 2003, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the
situation of human rights defenders jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and
protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression sent an allegation letter concerning
the cases below.
449. Veli Lök, a surgeon, and the Izmir Representative of the Human Rights Foundation of
Turkey, an organization that provides assistance to torture survivors and documents human rights
abuses, was reportedly tried at Izmir Penal Court of First Instance No. 2 under article 30(2) of
the Press Law on charges of “disclosing opinions about court decisions and inspiring and
advising the Court”, on 11 February 2000. These charges were reportedly connected with
comments published on 31 October 1999 in the daily newspaper Cumhuriyet about the remand
and prosecution of Alp Ayan and GUnseli Kaya, also members of the Human Rights Foundation
of Turkey, a case which was the subject of an urgent appeal by the Special Representative on 22
October 2003. On 13 June 2000, Veli Lok was allegedly sentenced to one month's imprisonment,
which was later reportedly commuted to a fine, which was reportedly suspended under a general
amnesty.
450. Eren Keskin, lawyer and President of the Istanbul branch of the Turkish Human Rights
Association (IHD) and of Erdal Tas, editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper Yeni Gundem.
According to the information received, on 18 December 2001, the Bayoglu Prosecutor allegedly
filed a case against Eren Keskin, under article 159 of TPC for “insulting the armed forces of the
State”. This was allegedly connected to statements by Eren Keskin in the daily newspaper Yeni
Gundem, in support of a group of alleged victims of police torture. On 15 June 2001, a case was
also allegedly filed under article 159 of TPC against Erdal Tas, editor-in- chief of Yeni Gundem,
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for having published Erin Keskin's statements. Concern was expressed that Eren Keskin may
have been targeted because of her work on human rights, in particular, her advocacy on behalf of
the alleged victims of torture.
451. Filiz Kalayci, a lawyer, reportedly made statements in a national newspaper, Cumhuriyet,
advocating the reform of F-Type prison on 15 January 2002. On 5 February 2002, the Ankara
Public Prosecutor's Office allegedly commenced an investigation into her reported statements.
She was reportedly indicted on 23 March 2002 on charges of “insulting the Ministry of Justice”
and “professional misconduct” under articles 159 and 240 of the Turkish Penal Code (TPC)
respectively, despite reported amendments to article 159 of TPC, legalizing statements critical of
State institutions where there is no intention to insult. On 12 April 2002, the trial reportedly
began at the Kirikkale Heavy Penal Court and she was acquitted on 20 May 2003. While the
Special Representative and the Special Rapporteur welcomed the reported acquittal of Filiz
Kalayci, concern was expressed that her indictment in spite of the recently passed amendments
to article 159 and the reported subsequent lengthy trial may have been intended as a form of
harassment. Concern has equally been expressed that the independence of the judges in the case
may have been compromised by the alleged approval by the Minister of Justice and the Under-
Secretary of the Minister of Justice of the preliminary investigation and prosecution of Filiz
Kalayci.
452. On 10 November 2003, the Special Representative sent a communication to the
Government regarding the alleged trial against 27 lawyers who had reportedly represented
political prisoners from Ulucanlar Prison during a court proceeding in December 2000.
According to the information received, on 27 November 2001, the lawyers had reportedly been
indicted for shouting slogans against the gendarmes and inciting the accused to resistance during
a trial hearing on 5 December 2000. The lawyers were also allegedly charged with professional
misconduct under article 240 of TPC. On 31 October 2002, the charges against the lawyers were
reportedly dismissed for lack of sufficient evidence. It was reported that no breach of the peace
by the lawyers had been recorded in the official court record of the day's proceedings. It was
further reported that the lawyers had allegedly acted in an attempt to halt an alleged assault by
the gendarmes against their clients. While the acquittal of the accused was welcomed, concerns
were expressed that such trial may constitute a reprisal for and a measure of deterrence against
lawyers representing political prisoners. Concerns were also expressed that the preliminary
investigation and protection of the 27 lawyers had allegedly been approved by the Ministry of
Justice, which may have entailed a form of pressure on the independence of the judges involved.
Communications received
453. By letter dated 21 August 2003, the Government responded to the urgent action sent by
the Special Representative on 21 July regarding the case of Sevim Yetkiner and Bald çelebi.
The Government informed the Special Representative that the aforementioned persons had not
requested the assistance of a lawyer while in custody and furthermore, that they had not reported
any ill- treatment and had been transferred to Eruzurim E-type Prison on 1 August. Their case
was ongoing at that time.
454. By letter dated 23 October 2003, the Government responded to the urgent action sent by
the Special Representative on 18 July 2003 regarding the case of Ridvan Kizgin. The
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Government informed the Special Representative that an investigation had been conducted into
the alleged threats against Mr Kizgin and that four security officers had been assigned to
evaluate the seriousness of the allegation and to provide protection against a possible threat to
him. However, they were unable to establish any serious threats. An inquiry had also been
conducted into the identity of the owners of the telephone numbers allegedly used to threaten Mr.
Kizgin, which revealed that no calls from these numbers had been registered at the house of Mr.
Kizgin on the dates reported by him. Furthermore, the Government informed the Special
Representative that despite having been informed by the Office of the Governor of Bingol that
physical protection could be provided for him in accordance with the Regulation on Protection
Services, no complaint had been filed by Mr. Kizgin.
455. By letter dated 19 December 2003, the Government responded to a communication sent
by the Special Representative on 30 October 2003 concerning Alp Ayan and Mahmet Barindik.
The Government informed the Special representative that the accused persons were sentenced to
one year's imprisonment on 10 June 2002 for “insulting the Ministry of Justice” under article
159 of the Penal Code. This decision was reportedly overruled by the Court of Cassation on 27
February 2003. Upon retrial in the heavy penal court of Izmir, Mhmet Barindik was sentenced to
one year's imprisonment while Alp Ayan was sentenced to one year and one day in jail in line
with article 810), which regulates penalties for persons convicted of perpetrating similar crimes.
The Government informed the Special representative that this second verdict was in the process
of being appealed.
456. By letter dated 23 December 2003, the Government responded to the urgent action sent
by the Special Representative on 22 October 2003 regarding the members of “GIYAV”. The
Government informed the Special Representative that 14 of the accused had been acquitted on 20
October and that the Court, having delivered a decision of non-competence on the remaining
seven, had decided to refer the case to the Penal Court of First Instance in Mersin. This decision
had been appealed by the Office of the Public Prosecutor and was under review at that time. No
lawsuit had, therefore, been filed against the seven persons accused.
457. By letter dated 30 December 2003, the Government responded to the urgent action sent
by the Special Representative on 29 October 2003 regarding the situation of the Human Rights
Foundation of Turkey (HRFT). The Government informed the Special Representative that the
lawsuit against members of HRFT had been filed on the grounds of a breach of Law No.2860
related to the collection of aid and the carrying out of cooperation activities with foreign
institutions without having obtained the consent of the Council of Ministers. At that time, a
review of the case was under way at the Court of First Instance in Ankara and the next hearing of
the case was due to be held on 20 January 2004.
458. By letter dated 7 January 2004, the Government responded to the urgent action sent by
the Special Representative on 22 October 2003 regarding the situation of Alp Ayan and Gflnseli
Kaya. The Government stated that at a hearing on 5 February 2003 a statement was taken from
Alp Ayan and the trial was then postponed until 30 April 2003, at which date the Court requested
some additional information concerning the case. The next hearing took place on 20 June 2003,
at which date Alp Ayan and GUnseli Kaya requested more time to use their right to defence, a
request which was accepted and the trial was postponed until 14 November 2003. However, at
this date information from some of the 67 defendants in the case had still not been provided and
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consequently the trial was again postponed until 19 December 2003. The Government stated that
it would promptly provide information on the outcome.
459. By letter dated 20 January 2004, the Government responded to the urgent action sent by
the Special Representative regarding the situation of Sezgin Tanrikulu, Sabahattin Korkmaz,
Burhan Deyar and ilabibe Deyar. The Government informed the Special Representative that
the aforementioned persons had been acquitted on 24 December 2003 and also stated that the
Government of Turkey attached great importance to the successful return of displaced citizens
and in this respect had launched the “Back to Village and Rehabilitation Project” to enable the
return and resettlement of displaced persons as well as the establishment of social and economic
infrastrucutre and sustainable living standards for them. The Government stated that it would
continue to take all feasible measures for the success of the voluntary return processes and stood
ready to cooperate with the relevant international organizations.
460. By letter dated 10 February 2004, the Government responded to the communication sent
by the Special Representative on 10 November 2003 regarding the situation of Veli Lök. The
Government confirmed that on 13 June 2000 the person concerned had been sentenced to one
month in prison and to pecuniary punishment for violating article 3072 of the Press Law and that
the prison sentence had been converted to additional pecuniary punishment in accordance with
Law No. 647. The Government also reminded the Special Representative that Turkey had in
recent years launched a comprehensive reform process, which included the expansion of the
scope of freedom of thought and expression through various legislative amendments to the Press
Law.
Responses received to communications sent by the Special Representative in previous years
461. By letter of 26 May 2003, the Government replied to the communication sent by the
Special Representative on 14 October 2002 regarding the situation of Alp Ayan and Mehmet
Barindik. The Government stated that they had been sentenced to one year's imprisonment on
10 June 2002 for insulting the Ministry of Justice. An appeal had been filed and, at that time a
fresh review of the case in the Court of First Instance had begun.
462. By letter of 24 December 2003, the Government responded to the communication sent by
the Special Representative together with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection
of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the Special Rapporteur on the
independence of judges and lawyers on 28 June 2001 regarding the case of the publishers of the
book entitled Freedom of Thought 2000. The Government stated that the lawsuit filed against all
the accused for making propaganda for an armed terrorist organization through publication in
violation of the Anti- Terror Law and Press Law had been acquitted on 29 September 2003, with
the exception of Sadik TaØogan, who had previously been acquitted on 11 June 2001. Their
acquittal was related to recent changes undertaken as part of the general reform process.
Observations
463. The Special Representative thanks the Government of Turkey for the spirit of cooperation
shown in the promptness and number of its responses and hopes to soon receive additional
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information on her remaining communications. She welcomes the acquittal of the 14 GIYAV
members and the fact that no lawsuit was pursued against the remaining seven. The Special
Representative also welcomes the reform process launched by Turkey, including the expansion
of the scope of freedom of thought and expression through various legislative amendments. She
hopes that these changes will be promptly implemented in order to ensure that the rights included
in the Declaration on human rights defenders are respected. The Special Representative,
however, remains concerned with the reported persistent use of legal proceedings against
defenders. In particular, she is concerned by reports of the continuing use of restrictive
legislation by local courts to limit the freedom of expression of human rights defenders despite
legislative reform packages. She invites the Government to take all necessary measures to ensure
that the rights enshrined in the Declaration on human rights defenders are respected. The Special
Representative would like to thank the Government for extending an invitation to conduct an
official visit to Turkey. She regrets that her official visit had to be postponed from its original
dates in December 2003 and hopes that it can be conducted shortly.
Turkinenistan
Communications sent
464. On 27 December 2002, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on the question of torture, sent an urgent appeal regarding Fahrid Tukhbatullin, an activist
associated with the Dashogus Ecological Club in Turkmenistan, who was allegedly arrested by
security agents on 23 December 2002 at around 17.00 in Dashoguz. On that evening, he is said to
have been brought to Ashgabad where he is reportedly currently detained. It is believed that he is
accused of having participated in a meeting organized by the International Helsiniki Fedaration
for Human Rights and Memorial organized in Moscow in November where human rights
activists discussed the current human rights situation in Turkmenistan. It is not known whether
he has access to a lawyer or to family members. Fears have been expressed that he may be at risk
of torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
465. On 18 June 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal concerning
Natalia Shabunts, President of the human rights organization Civil Dignity, who was allegedly
followed and intimidated following her criticisms of the human rights situation in Turkmenistan
during a meeting on 27 May with OSCE representatives. On 28 May 2003, when Natalia
Shabunts tried to leave her apartment to go to a dinner organized by OSCE, four security service
agents, who had reportedly been observing her building from three cars, allegedly attempted to
arrest her. She reportedly managed to run back to her apartment, thereby avoiding the arrest. The
agents allegedly remained outside her building until 11 p.m. The purpose of this action may have
been to prevent Natalia Shabunts from attending the planned dinner and from further discussing
the human right situation with OSCE members and journalists. This comes after a series of
incidents committed against Civil Dignity when authorities allegedly prohibited the organization
from holding seminars on democracy and human rights in Ashkhabad in November, December
2001 and January 2002.
466. On 31 October 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the question of torture, sent ajoint allegation letter on the alleged forced internal displacement
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and ill-treatment of Sazak Begmedov, father of Tajigul Begmedova (f), chair and founder of the
Turkmenistan Helsinki Foundation, a non-governmental human rights organization, who
reportedly lives in exile in Bulgaria. According to the information received, on 31 August 2003,
Sazak Begmedov was allegedly abducted by four officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
inAshkhabad. He was reportedly beaten and forcibly convoyed to an airplane flying to
Dashagous, near the border with Uzbekistan. Upon requesting the reason for this forced internal
displacement, he was allegedly told by one officer that it was related to the “Turkmen Helsinki
Committee”. It was further reported that the local police in Dashagous refused to listen to his
complaints about being beaten and told him that he needed to inform them of his whereabouts.
On 3 September 2003, Sazak Begmedov was reportedly hospitalized in Dashagous with a heart
attack, allegedly due to ill-treatment by the officers. Concern has been expressed that Sazak
Begmedov may have been targeted in reprisal for his daughter's activities with the newly
established Turkmenistan Helsinki Foundation, in particular organizing open letters, public radio
statements, pickets and Internet articles in order to highlight human rights concerns in
Turkmenistan.
467. On 28 November 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special
Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and the Special Rapporteur on the
question of torture sent an urgent appeal regarding Saparmurat Ovezberdiev, a correspondent
for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Turkmen-language service in Ashkhabad. According to
information received, on 14 November 2003, two men believed to be secret service agents
forcibly took Mr. Ovezberdiev to an Ashkhabad cemetery, where he was allegedly brutally
beaten, threatened and dumped on the side of a road. The two men reportedly told him “We've
had enough of you. We're going to get rid of you”. Mr. Ovezberdiev reportedly sustained head
injuries in the incident. In addition, reports indicate that on 11 September 2003, Mr. Ovezberdiev
was arrested by National Security Ministry officers and detained for three days. He was allegedly
drugged, manhandled and threatened with a 20-year prison sentence for being a “traitor to the
homeland”. These actions might be related to one of Mr. Ovezberdiev's radio programmes,
“Open Microphone”, in which listeners are given an opportunity to speak out when their rights
are violated and to get in touch with legal experts and human rights organizations abroad. It is
reported that National Security Ministry officials have called for the cancellation of the
programme on several occasions.
Observations
468. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of her report no
response to her communications had been received. She would like to recall that an invitation
request was sent to Turkmenistan on 15 October 2003 and that no response has been received
yet. She wishes to express her serious concern at reports of arrests, detentions and surveillance of
defenders, particularly in connection to their participation in meetings on human rights issues.
The Special Representative is equally concerned about allegations of restrictions imposed on
defenders' freedom of assembly. She calls on the Government to take all necessary measures to
ensure that the rights enshrined in the Declaration on human rights defenders are respected.
Uganda
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Communications sent
469. On 3 October 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal regarding the
situation of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), a well-known and respected
institution for the pivotal role it plays in the promotion and protection of human rights nationally,
regionally and internationally, which has broad-based powers in the area of administration of
justice and particularly in providing redress to individuals for human rights violations. The
Ugandan cabinet in its submission to the Constitutional Review Commission has reportedly
proposed to phase out the Uganda Human Rights Commission and to merge its functions into
that of the Inspector General, the national ombudsman institution that reportedly works under the
Office of the President. The cabinet has allegedly cited cutting down public expenditure as a
justification for its proposal. Concerns have been expressed that the proposal to phase out of
UHRC may be an attempt to prevent the Commission from performing its human rights
functions, in particular exposing human rights abuses committed by the Government and its
subsidiary organs and providing assistance to individual victims of human rights violations.
Observations
470. The Special Representative regrets that at the time of the finalization of her report no
response had been received from the Government.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Communications sent
471. On 16 October, the Special Representative sent an urgent appeal regarding the situation
of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, an institution established on 1 March 1999,
following the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, which works on the promotion and protection of
human rights in Northern Ireland in particular, in conformity with the Principles relating to the
status of national institutions (The Paris Principles) unanimously endorsed by the United Nations
General Assembly in its resolution 48/134 of 20 December 1993, on the handling of individual
complaints. According to the information received, on 15 July 2003, a report was issued by the
Joint Committee on Human Rights of the United Kingdom Parliament. This report allegedly
reviewed the work of the Commission and made a number of recommendations aimed at
strengthening aspects of the Commission's legislation. One of the recommendations of the report,
however, allegedly refers to the removal of the Commission's power to handle individual
allegations of human rights violations. With regard to the proposal to remove the Commission's
power to review individual cases, concern has been expressed that this may weaken the
institution, especially its capacity to respond to individual queries and provide effective
remedies. The establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions are key
elements in the promotion and protection of human rights at the national level, particularly in
view of their independent and pluralistic nature. The handling of individual complaints about
human rights violations, in keeping with the Paris Principles, is a particularly important function
that national human rights institutions may perform, as is the case of the Northern Ireland Human
Rights Commission.
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Communications received
472. By letter dated 6 November 2003, the Government replied to the communication
submitted by the Special Representative. The Government informed the Special Representative
that the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) had not recommended that the Commission's
powers to handle individual allegations of human rights violations be entirely removed but rather
that the report had thought it “impractical and inappropriate for a human rights commission to
have a leading role in providing assistance to individual victims of alleged human rights
violations” and that “That function should be allocated to the Northern Ireland Legal Aid
Department. The Commission should focus its case work on strategic goals rather than individual
redress”..
Observations
473. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its prompt response and
clarification of this issue.
United Republic of Tanzania
Communications sent
474. On 4 December 2002, the Special Representative transmitted a communication to the
Government concerning the law on NGOs of 2002, reportedly adopted by the Tanzanian
Parliament in November 2002 and due to enter into force by the end of October 2003, which
reportedly contains a number of provisions which might adversely impact the work and activities
of human rights defenders. In particular, according to the information received, article 3 5 (1) of
the law allegedly provides for criminal sanctions of up to one year's imprisonment for any
person operating a non-registered NGO. It was reported that the cases in which registration can
be denied were not strictly defined by the law. In particular, it was reported that the law provided
that refhsal to register an NGO by the Coordination Board (NGO Board) may allegedly be based
on the assessment that the activities of an NGO do not strive for the “public interest”. In that
context, it was also reported that the definition of what constituted public interest remained
vague. It was also reported that the NGO Act provided that the director of the NGO board be
directly appointed by the President. Concern was expressed that these provisions may result in
limiting the freedom of association within Tanzanian civil society. Additionally, concern was
expressed that certain provisions may result in interference from the State in NGO activities. In
particular, the NGO Act reportedly stipulates that the NGO Board shall provide “policy
guidelines to NGOs for harmonizing their activities in light of the national development plan”.
Article 7 also reportedly provides the NGOs Board with the right “to investigate and to inquire
into any matter” in order to ensure that NGOs adhere to their own statutes.
Observations
475. The Special Representative regrets that no response was received from the Government at
the time of the finalization of her report.
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United States of America
Allegations
476. On 6 November 2003, the Special Representative received information concerning the
alleged injuries of Erik Shaw and Willow Rosenthal, members of Direct Action to Stop the
War (DASW), a network of anti-war organizations. According to the information received, on 7
April 2003, the Oakland Police Department allegedly fired rubber bullets directly at peacefhl
demonstrators reportedly protesting against corporate interests in the war against Iraq at the Port
of Oakland, California. This alleged incident was the subject of a letter of allegation by the
Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and
protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression on 10 September 2003. The police
allegedly also used “wooden pellets”, “sting ball grenades”, “shot-filled bean bags” and tear gas
against demonstrators, allegedly injuring around 40 of them. While the police reportedly claimed
that demonstrators initially began throwing rocks, concrete and steel bolts at them, according to
the information received by the Special Representative, the police opened fire without any
violent provocation from the demonstrators and only 30 seconds after ordering demonstrators to
disperse. According to the information received, Willow Rosenthal was allegedly injured in the
back of her calf It is reported that she went to the emergency room of the Kaiser Hospital,
Oakland, for treatment, where she reportedly also filed a complaint against the Oakland Police
Department. She has allegedly received no copy of this complaint, despite reportedly having
requested one. She was later reportedly diagnosed with a blood clot and underwent surgery on 30
April 2003 and a skin graft on S May 2003. Erik Shaw was allegedly seriously injured on his
right calf with a wooden pellet. Concern was expressed that excessive force may have been used
against persons exercising their right to protest human rights concerns.
477. The Special Representative also received information regarding the alleged surveillance
of Erik Shaw during his functions as a liaison person between law enforcement agencies and
protesters during demonstrations in San Ramon, California, on 14 April 2003 and in Sacramento,
California, from 20 to 25 June 2003. According to the information received, on 14 April 2003,
Erik Shaw was allegedly photographed several times, during a video interview with a local
journalist, by three men in plainclothes at a demonstration outside a Texaco station in San
Ramon, California. One of the three men allegedly photographed the notepad of the journalist,
which reportedly contained Erik Shaw's contact information. Erik Shaw reportedly asked the
men whether they were employed by a government agency, stating that they looked like federal
officers. One of the men allegedly responded that Erik Shaw had “good intuition”. On 22 June
2003, Erik Shaw reportedly saw six Sacramento police officers disembark from a passenger van
and begin searching through the contents of his driver's flatbed truck. He reportedly asked the
officers if they possessed a search warrant. They allegedly replied that the bed of the truck was in
plain view and did not require any warrant. He reportedly stated that the officers needed to
obtain the necessary judicial authorization, and the officers allegedly returned to their vehicle
and drove away.
478. On 9 December 2003, the Special Representative sent a letter of allegation regarding the
alleged restrictions on efforts by United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ), an umbrella organization
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of groups opposed to war, to demonstrate against military action in Iraq. According to the
information received, on 22 January 2003, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), legal
representative of UFPJ, reportedly informed the New York Police Department (NYPD) of the
intention of UFPJ to organize a march on 15 February 2003 to demonstrate disagreement with
U.S. military activities in Iraq, and involving a procession that would pass in front of United
Nations Headquarters. On 4 February 2003, NYPD reportedly informed NYCLU that they would
not allow a march anywhere in New York on 15 February 2003, and would allow only a
stationary rally. On 12 February 2003, the U.S. Court of Appeals allegedly upheld the District
Court decision that a march past the United Nations posed an unacceptable security risk, and that
it was reasonable to ban any alternative routes It was reported that on 15 February 2003, NYPD
allegedly prevented people from joining the stationary rally by blocking off streets and giving
conflicting instructions as to which streets were blocked off. Those who did reach the rally point
were reportedly divided by authorities into sections in a manner making it extremely difficult for
people to leave one section of the rally or to cross into a separate one. NYPD allegedly ordered
many demonstrators to move away from where the rally was taking place, charging horses into
crowds, pepper- spraying demonstrators and using batons to disperse them, as well as arresting
over 350 demonstrators, some of whom were allegedly interrogated about their political and
religious affiliations, detained in poor conditions and denied access to legal advice. Concern has
been expressed that the alleged prevention of a 15 February march in New York, the alleged
disruption of the rally and the treatment of some of its participants reflect violations of the rights
contained in the Declaration on human rights defenders. This concern is heightened by reports
that between autumn 2002 and the application by NYCLU in January 2003, NYPD had allegedly
turned down every application for a parade permit for a protest march.
Observations
479. The Special Representative regrets the absence of a response from the Government to her
communications.
Uzbekistan
Communications sent
480. On 27 January 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal concerning
acts of intimidation against Norboye Kholzhigitov, Chairman of the Ichtikhan office of the
Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan (1-IRSU) in the Samarkand region. On 19 January 2003,
about a dozen policemen reportedly entered the house of Norboye Kholzhigitov and began
insulting and threatening him and his family. This raid is said to be linked to an interview
granted by Kholzhigitov to Radio Free Europe just a few days earlier, in which he described the
human rights violations being carried out in the Samarkand region. It is reported that since the
local HRSU offices have been created, members of the association, and their friends and
families, have been frequently harassed. HRSU has reportedly been requesting registration since
1992, but this has been systematically refused. In addition, it is reported that a member of the
Russian Memorial Association, Nicolai Mitrokin, who has been working on the human rights
situation in Uzbekistan for several years, and who denounces in particular the practice of torture
in this country, has been prevented from entering the country on two occasions. On 18 January,
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while travelling to Uzbekistan to carry out research, he was reportedly sent back to Moscow on
his arrival in Tashkent Airport. Once again, on 22 January, on his arrival in Tashkent in the
morning, his passport and airplane ticket were allegedly confiscated, and he was held for several
hours at the airport. At 7p.m., police services told him he was being sent back with no
explanation or no official document stating the reason for this.
481. On 5 June 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special Rapporteur
on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special
Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Chairman-Rapporteur of the Working Group on
Arbitrary Detention, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning Uzbek human rights activist and
independentjournalist, Ruslan Sharipov, and two of his colleagues, Oleg Sarapulov and
Azamat Mamankulov. According to the information received, on 26 May 2003, Ruslan
Sharipov was allegedly arrested and charged under article 120 of the Criminal Code with having
committed homosexual acts. He was reportedly only granted access to a lawyer on 28 May, two
days after his arrest. While in detention he was allegedly beaten, verbally abused and threatened
to be raped with a bottle. The police allegedly displayed copies of his articles on a table in front
of him and shouted at him for long periods. His colleagues, Azamat Mamankulov and Oleg
Sarapulov were allegedly also arrested but at the time the appeal was sent, had reportedly still
not been charged. These recent attacks reportedly followed previous harassment of the above-
mentioned individuals in 2002. Concern was expressed that Ruslan Sharipov and his colleagues
may be targeted as a result of their human rights activities, in particular articles on police
corruption and human rights abuses.
482. On 25 June 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and the Special Rapporteur on the question of
torture, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning Iskander Khudoberganov, believed to be at
risk of being executed and Dilobar Kudoberganova, his sister and an active member of the
human rights organization Mothers against the Death Penalty and Torture in Uzbekistan. The
United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) intervened in his case and requested the
Government to stay his execution while they considered his case. In view of the fact that three
other men on behalf of whom HRC had made a similar request to the Government were
reportedly executed in May 2003, it was feared this might also happen to Mr. Khudoberganov. It
was alleged that he might have been subjected to torture, beatings and deprivation of food and
sleep, and threatened with the rape of his female relatives while in custody to oblige him to sign
a confession. The Special Rapporteur on the question of torture sent an urgent appeal jointly with
the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers in connection with this case
on 22 November 2002 (see E/CN.4/2003/68/Add.1, para. 1929). On 6 December 2002, the
Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, while on his visit to Uzbekistan, handed over a
second urgent appeal on behalf of Iskander Khudoberganov and his co-defendants. It was fhrther
alleged that Iskander Khudoberganov's father was told by a member of the Uzbek National
Security Service (SNB) that his other two children would be imprisoned if the family did not
stop their protest against the death sentence. Dilobar Kudoberganova is reported to have been
followed by SNB agents, who have allegedly slandered her publicly and attempted to prevent her
from carrying out her human rights activities.
483. On 23 July 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special Rapporteur
on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, transmitted an
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urgent appeal concerning the alleged threats made against Dilobar Kudoberganova, member of
the non-governmental organization Mothers against the Death Penalty and Torture, and
Akhmadjon Madmarov. In the weeks following the annual meeting held by the European Bank
for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Uzbekistan from 4 to 5 May 2003, Ms.
Khudoberganova allegedly received several anonymous calls questioning her participation in
those meetings. On June 10, an SNB officer allegedly phoned her father, threatening to arrest
her brother if she continued her human rights activism. During the EBRD meeting Akhmadjon
Madmarov reportedly spoke openly about the imprisonment and torture of his three sons and
nephews. On 9 May 2003, one of Akhmadjon Madmarov's sons, Abdullo, was allegedly placed
in solitary confinement for five months. On 1 June 2003, Madmarov reportedly attended, as an
observer, a protest of women relatives of religious prisoners. On 5 June, he was allegedly
summoned to meet with a Margilan city prosecutor, and it is alleged that upon his arrival, he was
told that the people in the room formed a “commission” and that the meeting was called to
present him with an official warning letter, allegedly stating that he would be facing criminal
charges if he attended any more protests. Madmarov was also among those interviewed by the
Special Rapporteur on the question of torture during the latter's visit to Uzbekistan.
484. On 13 August 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, transmitted a follow-up urgent appeal
regarding Ruslan Sharipov. On 23 July 2003, Mr. Sharipov's trial behind closed doors
reportedly began in Tashkent, and on 8 August 2003, he allegedly waived his right to counsel,
reportedly declared his intention to plead guilty on all charges, and reportedly asked that his
mother, the only outside observer at the proceedings, be dismissed from the courtroom. He
allegedly offered to publicly beg for the forgiveness of President Karimov, the Minister of the
Interior, and local police, and retracted all Internet news articles critical of the Government that
he had written from 2001 to 2003. Fears have been expressed that Mr. Sharipov's change in
attitude might have been the result of the treatment to which he was allegedly subjected while in
detention, as recent reports indicate that he may have changed his line of defence out of fear for
his safety and that of his mother and lawyers. Serious fears have been expressed concerning his
life and health if he does not receive appropriate and prompt medical treatment.
485. On 4 September 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the question of torture, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning Surat Ikramov, a
leading member of the Independent Group for Human Rights Defenders in Tashkent. At around
10.30 on 28 August 2003, Surat Jkramov was reportedly driving home from a meeting with a
judge concerning his client, human rights activist Ruslan Sharipov, when he stopped after being
hailed down by a man asking for a lift. Four men in black masks and camouflaged uniforms then
allegedly pulled him out of his car, pulled a plastic mask over his head, tied up his arms and legs,
and drove him to the outskirts of Tashkent, while severely beating him and restricting his air
supply during the journey. Surat Jkramov, who reportedly received medical attention in the early
evening, was found to have two broken ribs and severe concussion. Prior to this incident, Surat
llcramov had allegedly received several threatening phone calls. Concern has been expressed that
this incident is directly connected to his work as a public defender for Ruslan Sharipov. Surat
llcramov has reportedly argued that the charges against Ruslan Sharipov were trumped up and the
trial unfair, and had reportedly organized a peacefhl demonstration outside parliament in support
of Sharipov on 29 August 2003, the day before he was attacked.
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486. On 29 September 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on the question of torture, received information on the situation of Mutabar Tadjibaeva, a
journalist who has participated in OSCE missions and who regularly publishes articles on the
human rights situation in Uzbekistan on the Internet. Mutabar Tadjibaeva was allegedly
arrested, beaten and detained for 13 days in June 2002. It is also alleged that in April 2003, she
was the victim of a defamation campaign. Information was also received regarding Abdousalom
Ergachev, a human rights defender who has written several articles on the human rights
situation in Uzbekistan, was reportedly arrested along with a friend on 28 March 2003 on his
way home. He and his friend were reportedly beaten and insulted and taken to a police station
without being informed of the charges against them. It is alleged that as a result of beating
received on the head, Abdousalom Ergachev lost consciousness. He is said to have been beaten
again when he regained consciousness. On 30 March 2003, both men were reportedly accused of
having stolen a suit and forced to sign false statements. The alleged victim of the theft, Mt
Yoldashef, himself reportedly denied the facts. He was allegedly found the following day in a
critical condition.
487. On 1 October 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, transmitted a second follow-up urgent
appeal regarding Ruslan Sharipov, a human rights activist and journalist, for whom an urgent
appeal was sent on 5 June 2003 on behalf of the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of
opinion and expression, the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, the Chairman-
Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders. The Government responded to this
appeal by a letter dated 18 July 2003. A second urgent appeal was sent in connection with this
case on 13 August 2003 by the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and
expression, the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Special Representative of
the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders. Ruslan Sharipov was allegedly
found guilty on 13 August 2003 under articles 120 (homosexuality), 127 (inciting minors to anti-
social behaviour) and 128 (sexual relations with a minor) of the Uzbek Criminal Code, despite
lack of forensic evidence that he had had sexual relations with a minor. He was reportedly
sentenced to five and a half years in prison. It is reported that in a statement to the Secretary
General of the United Nations written from prison on 5 September 2003, Ruslan Sharipov
claimed he had been subjected to torture and threats while in detention. At an appeal hearing
which took place on 25 September 2003 and during which his sentence was reduced to four years
on appeal after charges under article 127 were dropped, Ruslan Sharipov's face was reportedly
injured and his glasses were broken.
488. On 22 October 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture
and the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, sent an urgent
appeal regarding Fatima Mukadirova, mother of Muzafar Avazov, a religious prisoner who
reportedly died from torture, including being submerged in boiling water in August 2002 at
Jaslyk Prison. The Special Rapporteur on the question of torture already intervened in connection
with the death in custody of Muzafar Avazov through a communication sent jointly with the
Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions on 2 September 2002
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(E/CN.4/2003/68/Add.1, para.1921). During his fact-finding mission in Uzbekistan in
November-December 2002, the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture enquired more
specifically about this death (E/CN.4/2003/68/Add.2, para. 52). According to the new
information received, after the death of her son, Fatima Mukadirova was subjected to pressure by
the authorities to dissuade her from complaining to international organizations about her son's
case. Nevertheless, she met with the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture during his
visit to Uzbekistan. She was informed on that occasion by the Special Rapporteur that an
assurance was given by the Government that no persons, officials or private individuals, who had
been in contact with the Special Rapporteur in relation to the mandate would suffer for this
reason any threats, harassment or punishment or be subjected to judicial proceedings. On 4
September 2003, officers from the Tashkent City Police Station reportedly conducted a search of
her house without a warrant. The police allegedly claimed to have found religious leaflets and a
religious book, detained Fatima Mukadirova and held her for two days at the Tashkent City
Police Station. She was reportedly charged with infringing article 159 of the Criminal Code on
anti-constitutional activities. Fatima Mukadirova claims that the above-mentioned religious
material did not belong to her. On 19 October 2003, officers from the Tashkent City Police
Station reportedly again searched her house while she was not at home. The police allegedly
claimed to have found more religious leaflets and subsequently arrested her at the Chorsu bazaar,
where she was working. She is reported to be currently held in custody at the Tashkent City
Police Station. Fears have been expressed that Fatima Mukadirova may have been targeted for
having reported the case of her son's death in custody to international bodies, in particular for
meeting with the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture.
Communications received
489. By letter dated 11 September 2003, the Government responded to the communication
regarding the case of Ruslan Sharipov. The Government informed the Special Representative
that on 13 August 2003 the Mirzo Ulugbeg District Criminal Court in Tashkent had found
Ruslan Sharivpov guilty of having committed acts of sodomy with minors and that he was
currently being held in a remand centre where he had not complained about his state of health or
illegal actions by representatives of the administration. The Government confirmed that all the
rights provided for by the legislation for persons held in custody were being enjoyed by the
above- named person.
490. By letter dated 11 September 2003, the Government responded to the communication
regarding the case of Dilobar Kudoberganova. The Government informed the Special
Representative that following an inquiry into the case it had been established that neither
Dilobar Kudoberganova nor Akhmadjon Madumarov had been subjected to threats or
unlawful acts by staff of the procurational bodies, the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the National
Security Service and that no complaints in this regard had been lodged by the alleged victims
with the relevant bodies. It was also established that no unlawful actions had been taken by the
administration against Khamidulla Madumarov, Abdulla Madumarov or Abdulakhat
Madumarov, sons of Akhmadjon Madumarov, while serving various prison terms . It further
stated that Abdulla Madumarov had violated prison regulations while sewing his sentence and
for this reason two disciplinary penalties were imposed on him in April and May 2003 — the
penalties were not therefore related to his father's membership of the EBRD forum as alleged.
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491. By letter dated 26 November 2003, the Government responded to the communication
regarding the case of Mutabar Tadjibaeva and Abdousalom Ergachev. The Government
informed the Special Representative that Mutabar Tadjibaeva, on being stopped by inspectors of
the traffic control unit for a routine inspection of documents, had verbally insulted the traffic
police and for this reason had been taken to the Internal Affairs Department of Qirguli District
where she was held until the following morning and issued with a judicial warning. This was
appealed by Mutabar Tadjibaeva and on 5 September 2002 her case was considered by the
Qirguli District Court. Her appeal was successful. An investigation was also launched into the
alleged beating of her by two Internal Affairs Department officers. On 16 December 2002, the
Ferghana City Prosecutors Office ruled that, due to the absence of a criminal nature in their
activity, no further investigation was necessary. This decision was accepted by the Office of the
General Prosecutors of Uzbekistan. The Government also confirmed that on 7 April 2003, an
investigation had been launched into the alleged beating of Abdousalom Ergachev. Following a
forensic medical examination, no signs of physical injury were found on his body and for this
reason, no further action was taken. The legality of this decision was being reviewed by the
Office of the Prosecutor General.
492. By letter dated 28 November 2003, the Government responded to the communication
regarding the case of Fatima Mukadirova. The Government informed the Special
Representative that a criminal case had been brought against Fatima Mukadirova following the
discovery of leaflets belonging to the religious extremist organization “Khizb-ut-Takhrir” in her
home on 4 September 2003 and that a pledge of good conduct had been obtained from her as a
preventive measure. A further search of her house was carried out by officers of the Central
Criminal Investigation and Anti-Terrorisim Department on 19 September, which led to the
discovery of more leaflets and a second criminal case. The two cases were combined in a single
proceeding and the preventive measure was changed to detention in custody. The examination
of the criminal case was ongoing at that time.
Observations
493. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its responses in the cases of
Ruslan Sharipov, Dilobar Kudoberganova, Mutabar Tadjibaeva, Abdousalom Ergachev and
Fatima Mukadirova. She remains deeply concerned about the allegations of arrest, detention and
ill- treatment of defenders as well as the reported practice of case fabrication used against them.
She is particularly concerned at allegations of restrictions being imposed on defenders' freedom
of expression and assembly. She calls on the Government to take all necessary measures to
ensure that the rights enshrined in the Declaration on human rights defenders are respected.
Venezuela
Comunicaciones enviadas
494. El 20 de mayo de 2003, la Representante Especial enviô un llamamiento urgente
juntamente con la Relatora Especial sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias o arbitrarias con
respecto a la situaciôn de inseguridad en la que se encuentran Enmary Cava y sus familiares
Dinorah Maria Diaz Loreto, Jairo Alexis Diaz Loreto, Bladimir Diaz, Miguel Diaz Loreto y
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Alexandra Gualdron. D c acuerdo con las informaciones recibidas, ci 10 de mayo de 2003, un
desconocido habria disparado seis veces contra Enmary Cava en la localidad de Cagua, Estado
de Aragua. Enmary Cava permaneceria en estado critico en ci hospital, al igual que una amiga
suya cuyo nombre no ha sido comunicado y qUien habria recibido tres disparos. Estos actos
podrian estar relacionados con las presUntas amenazas de muerte que Enmary Cava y 5U5
familiares Dinorah Maria Diaz Loreto, Jairo Alexis Diaz Loreto, Biadimir Diaz, Miguel Diaz
Loreto y Alexandra Guaidron habrian estado recibiendo y que serian cada vez más numerosas.
Sc alega que los autores de las presuntas amenazas serian agentes de la policia dci Estado de
Aragua, quienes intentarian de intimidar a las personas mencionadas anteriormente para que
dejen de presionar a las autoridades locales en lo que se refiere a la investigaciOn exhaustiva dci
homicidio de Robert Diaz Loreto y Antonio Diaz Loreto y de su padre, Octavio Ignacio Diaz,
quienes habrian muerto en manos de agentes de la policia estatal de Aragua ci 6 de enero en
circunstancias sospechosas.
495. El 27 de mayo de 2003, la Representante Especial enviO un ilamamiento urgente con
respecto a la presunta intensificaciOn de actos de intimidaciOn contra los integrantes dci Comité
de Familiares de Victimas del 27 de Febrero (COFAVIC), y la directora ejecutiva de la
organizaciOn, Liliana Ortega. Segün la informaciOn recibida, los dias 21 y 22 de mayo de 2003
COFAVIC habria recibido varios correos eiectrOnicos en los que se amenaza a su personal y a su
directora acusandoios de traiciOn por documentar presuntas violaciones de los derechos humanos
que habrian sido cometidas ci 11 y ci 13 de abril de 2002, asi como presuntas violaciones
ocurridas en ci Estado de Falcon. El 27 de noviembre de 2002, la Corte Jnteramericana de
Derechos Humanos adoptO medidas provisionaics y requiriO al Estado que mantenga a los
peticionarios informados de las medidas e investigue los hechos denunciados. El 21 de febrero
de 2003, la Corte habria deciarado que ci Estado no habia impiementado efectivamente las
medidas provisionaics. Segün la informaciOn recibida, la Sra. Liliana Ortega habria recibido
protecciOn insuficiente de la Policia Metropolitana y ci Estado no habria procedido a la
investigaciOn judicial de las presuntas amenazas. Sc teme que ci presunto incremento de actos de
intimidaciOn contra COFAVIC esté relacionado con ci trabajo que realiza la organizaciOn, desde
hace 14 aflos, en favor dci esciarecimiento de presuntos crimenes de carácter politico y de
ejecuciones que habrian sido cometidas por grupos parapoliciales en varios Estados de la
Repübiica de Venezuela.
Comunicaciones recibidas
496. Por carta fechada ci 18 de diciembre, ci Gobierno informO a iaq Representante Especial
respecto al caso de Enmary Cava y sus familiares Dinorah Maria Diaz Loreto, Jairo Alexis
Diaz Loreto, Bladimir Diaz, Miguel Diaz Loreto y Alexandra Gualdron. ConfirmO que en
fecha 26 de mayo de 2003 faiieciO Enmary Cava por la herida grave por arma de fuego,
presuntamente causada por thncionarios policiales. En fecha 28 de mayo una comisiOn por la
DirecciOn de ProtecciOn de Derechos the asignada a investigar ci caso y la audiencia preliminar
se reaiizO ci 7 de agosto. En ella, ci Juzgado Quinto en funciones de Control dci Estado Aragua
admitiO en su totalidad la acusaciOn y las pruebas consignadas por la Fiscal contra seis
funcionarios de la policia por estar involucrados en los hechos denunciados. La investigaciOn se
encontrO a la fecha en fase preparatoria. El Gobierno informO también de que la Fiscalia
Superior soiicitO medidas de protecciOn ante ci Tribunal de Control a favor de los ciudadanos
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Dinorah Maria Diaz Loreto, Jairo Alexis Diaz Loreto, Bladimir Diaz, Miguel Diaz Loreto y
Alexandra Gualdron.
497. Por cartas de fechas 18 de Julio y 15 de septiembre, el Gobierno informo al Representante
Especial respecto al caso deCOFAVIC, y la directora ejecutiva de la organizaciôn, Liliana
Ortega. Jnformo que con fecha 26 de abril 2002, la Direcciôn de Protecciôn de Derechos
Fundamentales, a requerimiento hecho por La Corte Jnteramericana de Derechos Humanos, llevo
a cabo una investigaciôn de los actos de intimidacion y las amenazas recibidas por los miembros
de la organizaciôn nombrada. Fueron comisionados las fiscales del ministerio püblico 24 a nivel
nacional y 44 del area metropolitana de Caracas y los abogados Rayiza RodrIguez e Inés Herrera,
y esos mismos libraron oficios, entre otros, a la Direcciôn General de los Servicios de
Jnteligencia y Prevenciôn (DSISP), la Comandancia General del Cuerpo de Bomberos del Este y
la Direcciôn General de la Policia Metropolitana. El Gobierno afirmo que, por informacion
solicitada de la Policia Metropolitana se pudo confirmar que en pleno cumplimiento de las
medidas provisionales requeridas por la Corte Jnteramericana de Derechos Humanos, con fecha
12 dejulio de 2003 se estaba prestando un servicio de protecciôn, tanto a los miembros como a
la sede de COFAVIC y de los reportes policiales se evidencia que hasta la fecha no se habian
producido hechos irregulares durante la ejecucion de las mismas.
Observaciones
498. La Representante Especial quisiera agradecer las respuestas recibidas del Gobierno y las
acciones tomadas por las autoridades a favor de los defensores de derechos humanos y sus
familiares.
Viet Nam
Communications sent
499. On 8 January 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the independence of Judges and lawyers, transmitted an urgent appeal regarding Nguyen Khac
Toan, who was allegedly sentenced on 20 December 2002 to 12 years in prison and three years
probationary detention by the People's Court in Hanoi. According to our information, his
conviction and sentencing might be related to the assistance he gave to farmers' representatives
in drafting petitions to the National Assembly and to the Government relating to recent farmers'
and peasants' demonstrations in Hanoi protesting against confiscation of land by the State. It is
also reported that the criminal proceedings brought against Nguyen Khac Taon may have been
related to his sharing of information about these demonstrations and protests, via the Internet,
with Vietnamese human rights groups overseas. It is reported that Nguyen Khac Taon was
charged with “espionage” (article 80 of the Vietnamese Criminal Code). The trial was reportedly
closed to the public. According to the information received, his lawyer, Tran Lam, was able to
meet his client only twice before the trial (on 16 and 19 December 2002), and was not allowed to
speak to him in private. Nguyen Khac Taon is currently detained in the B14 (Thanh Liet) Prison
near Hanoi. According to the information received, Taon's mother, Tran Thi Quyet, has been
permitted to visit her son only once since his arrest.
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500. On 5 August 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the question of torture, transmitted a letter of allegation regarding the cases mentioned below.
501. Y-Phan Buon Krong, Y-Be Nie, Y-Pen Buon Ya, Y-GIen Buon Krong and Y-Gun
llwing, aged 29, all Montagnards Degars from the hamlet of Buon Cuor Knia, district of Buon
Don, Dak Lac Province, were reportedly arrested on 24 February 2003 on suspicion of practising
Christianity, supporting the Montagnard Foundation, an indigenous rights organization, and
gathering names of Degars willing to join the Transnational Radical Party, a non-governmental
organization in consultative status with the United Nations. It is reported that all of them were
handcuffed and severely beaten with clubs and rocks in front of their relatives until they fell
unconscious. Security forces allegedly attempted to cripple Y-Pahn Buon Krong and Y-Glen
Buon Krong by repeatedly smashing their knees with a rock. The five men are believed to have
subsequently been taken to the prison at Buon Don District. The names of the alleged
perpetrators are known to the Special Rapporteur and the Special Representative.
502. Y-Nen Buon Ya and Y-Ne Buon Ya, both from the district of Cu Jut, Dak Lac Province,
were reportedly arrested by security officials on 28 January 2003 on suspicion of supporting the
Montagnard Foundation and gathering names of Degaris willing to join the Transnational
Radical Party. They are believed to have been beaten and subjected to electric shocks while in
prison in the district of Cu Jut.
Communications received
503. By letter dated 12 March 2003, the Government responded to the urgent appeal regarding
the case of Nguyen Khac Toan. The Government informed the Special Representative that the
arrest of Mr. Nguyen Khan Toan was unrelated to the assistance he had given farmers and was in
fact related to his acts of espionage which violated article 80, paragraph 1, of the Criminal Code
of Vietnam. The Government added that Mr. Nguyen Khan Toan had a previous criminal record
and had been prosecuted for similar crimes in the past. The Government also assured the Special
Representative that the trial of Mt Nguyen Khac Toan had been carried out in public on 20
December by the Hanoi People's Court in full accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedures
of Vietnam and that he had been guaranteed the right to legal defence.
504. By letter dated 18 November 2003, the Government responded to the urgent appeal sent
by the Special Representative on 5 August regarding Y-Phan Buon Krong, Y-Be Nie, Y-Pen
Buon Ya, Y-GIen Buon Krong, and Y-Gun llwing. The Government informed the Special
Representative that inquiries were being conducted into the aforementioned cases and that
information would be provided as soon as it became available.
Observations
505. The Special Representative thanks the Government for its replies.
Zimbabwe
Communications sent
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506. On 23 January 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and the Special Rapporteur on the question of
torture, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning the Amani Trust, a registered Zimbabwean non-
governmental organization providing services for the rehabilitation of victims of human rights
violations, particularly torture and institutionalized violence, and conducting human rights
training and education programmes, particularly within health professions. It is part of the
International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims. According to information received,
allegations were reportedly made in the State media suggesting that the organization has
participated in violent attacks in Kuwadzana. Information received also suggests that the Amani
Trust offices may be the target of a firebombing or other form of attack in the near future.
507. On 17 September 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the question of torture, transmitted a letter of allegation regarding the following
two cases.
508. Tawanda ilondora, Chairman of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), was
reportedly assaulted by a large group of ZANU-PF supporters at Sadza Growth Point on 7 April
2001. Tawanda Hondora had been investigating allegations of intimidation and assault against
witnesses in a court hearing challenging the results of the parliamentary election in Chikomba
District, Mashonaland East Province. It is reported that after the alleged assault, he was taken to
Sadza Police Station, where police officers allegedly beat him further, searched him and
interrogated him about his political affiliation. It is also reported that when the other two lawyers
arrived to file a complaint, all three were held for almost three hours while all police officers
present pointed rifles loaded with live ammunition at the men. According to the information
received, after the incident, Tawanda Hondora immediately filed a complaint at the Harare
Central Police Station about being assaulted by police officers. Later in June 2001, he reportedly
filed a civil suit against the Zimbabwe Republic Police. As far as the Special Rapporteur and the
Special Representative have been informed, the police have taken no further action to discipline
those officers allegedly involved in the assault.
509. Gabriel Shumba, former president of the Zimbabwe Congress of Student Unions, a
lawyer and member of the Zimbabwean Human Rights NGO Forum, was reportedly arrested on
14 January 2003. He was allegedly denied access to legal representatives until a court order was
issued during the night of 15 January 2003. It is alleged that the following day, when he
appeared before a judge, it was claimed that he had been beaten, subjected to electric shocks and
forced to swallow urine and another noxious liquid while being interrogated by the police about
an arson attack on a government bus on 14 January 2003. On 17 January 2003, Gabriel Shumba
reportedly gave fhrther details in court of his own alleged subjection to electric shocks and other
forms of physical ill-treatment at the hands of the police. Gabriel Shumba was allegedly forced
while in detention falsely to confess to several crimes. He has reportedly been charged along
with his co-detainees with attempting to overthrow the Government under section V of the
Public Order and Security Act. Concern has been expressed that Gabriel Shumba may have been
targeted because of his human rights activities. In particular, it is believed that he may have been
targeted because of his past work as a student activist and because he reportedly provided legal
counsel to a member of the opposition, Job Sikhala, at the time of his arrest.
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510. By letter dated 26 September 2003, the Special Representative transmitted a further
urgent appeal concerning the situation of Amani Trust, an NGO that provides medical and
psychological services to victims of political violence and torture. The Special Representative
sent an urgent appeal on 23 January 2003 on the situation of this NGO. According to the
information received, on 13 November 2002, the Government reportedly published a list of
NGOs alleged to pose a threat to national peace and security. Amani Trust is reported to be
included in this list. On 13 November 2002, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary
Affairs, allegedly accused the Armani Trust of destabilizing the country. On the same day, the
Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare reportedly told Parliament that
organizations such as Amani Trust which are not registered under the Private Voluntary
Organizations (PVO) Act would be forced to close their offices or face arrests.
511. By letter dated 26 September 2003, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General
on the situation of human rights defenders, in conjunction with Special Rapporteur on the
promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, transmitted an
urgent appeal concerning Jenni Williams, leader of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), a
grass-roots organization dedicated to encouraging the empowerment of women towards
leadership roles in society, and 47 other members of the same organization. According to the
information received, on 24 July 2003, Jenni Williams and 47 other members of WOZA, having
handed a letter of protest at the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) to the Senior Prosecutor
for Bulawayo outside Tredgold Building, allegedly marched through Bulawayo. Jenni Williams
had reportedly organized the protest. It is alleged that riot police arrested Jenni Williams, and
that the 47 other women were arrested when they opted to be taken with Jenni Williams. While
in detention for two days, the women were reportedly interrogated. During this time, they
allegedly had limited access to food. The women were reportedly charged under POSA with
“participating in an illegal gathering”. In addition, Jenni Williams was allegedly charged, under
section 17 of POSA on offences against public order, with organizing the march.
512. By letter dated 26 September 2003, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General
on the situation of human rights defenders, in conjunction with the Special Rapporteur on the
promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, transmitted an
urgent appeal concerning Philimon Bulawayo, a photographer for the Daily News newspaper,
and Gugulethu Moyo, a lawyer and Corporate Affairs Director for Associated Newspapers of
Zimbabwe.On 19 February 2003, it is alleged that while preparing to take photographs of a food
queue at a Harare supermarket, Philimon Bulawayo was assaulted by soldiers. He was then
reportedly handcuffed and taken to the Harare central police station where he was allegedly
beaten again by police officers. He was reportedly released the same day without charge and it is
reported that his camera, which had allegedly been confiscated, was returned to him. On 18
March 2003, while covering a stay-away coordinated by MDC in Budiriro, Harare, Philimon
Bulawayo was allegedly arrested again. Gugulethu Moyo was also allegedly arrested when she
tried to secure his release from Glen View Police Station. Philimon Bulawayo and Gugulethu
Moyo were allegedly severely beaten at the station by the wife of an army commander and a
male colleague. The police allegedly stood by and watched. On 19 March 2003, Philimon
Bulawayo and Gugulethu Moyo were reportedly transferred to Harare Police Station. According
to the information received, they were reportedly not allowed access to medical treatment despite
allegedly having been severely beaten, and were reportedly released without charge on 20 March
2003.
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513. By letter dated 7 October 2003, the Special Representative transmitted an urgent appeal
concerning the arrest and torture of Raymond Majongwe, Secretary- General of the Progressive
Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ). This case was already the subject of an urgent appeal on
18 October 2002 by the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special
Rapporteur on the right to education and the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on
Arbitrary Detention. According to the information received, on 9 October 2002, Raymond
Majongwe was arrested under POSA for disrupting classes and threatening teachers for not
participating in a strike for wage increases he had reportedly organized on 8 October 2002.
During his alleged detention until 11 October 2002, Raymond Majongwe was allegedly
physically maltreated. Raymond Majongwe was allegedly re-arrested on 16 October 2002 for
attempting to force teachers at Harare schools to join the strike. He was reportedly taken to
Harare Central Police Station, from there to Chitungwiza Police Station, and finally to a place
outside the town, where he allegedly received electric shocks and police allegedly ordered him to
end the strike, not to make any statement to the press and to disband PTUZ. On 21 October 2002,
he was reportedly released, after the court allegedly found that the State had failed to make its
case against him. He was reportedly summoned to reappear in court on 25 October, when his
hearing was reportedly postponed to 8 January 2003.
514. By letter dated 9 October 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the
Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and
expression and the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, sent
an urgent appeal regarding the alleged arrest and detention of Lovemore Matombo and
Wellington Chibebe, respectively President and Secretary-General of the Zimbabwe Congress
of Trade Unions (ZCTU), and of Raymond Majongwe, Secretary- General of PTUZ, the alleged
injury of Thabitha Khumanko, a member of ZCTU women's advisory council, and the alleged
arrest of 41 demonstrators in Harare. According to the information received, on 8 October 2003,
Lovemore Matombo and Wellington Chibebe were allegedly arrested along with at least 41 trade
unionists during a national protest against high taxation, high cost of living, transport problems
and violations of trade union rights. They were allegedly detained in an unknown location.
Raymond Majongwe was allegedly detained separately from other demonstrators in Harare, in
solitary confinement. Physical force was allegedly used against demonstrators in Central Harare
and Bulawayo. Thabitha Khumanko was allegedly injured along with several ZCTU leaders
during demonstrations in Bulawayo. In addition, according to the information received, of the 41
detainees in Harare, it is reported that 21 paid fines and were released on 8 October 2003, while
the remaining 20 were released but reportedly refused to pay fines on the grounds that they were
conducting legitimate trade union action. These 20 people were allegedly requested to report to
the police at 10 a.m. on 9 October 2003, under a charge of breach of POSA. Lovemore
Matombo and Wellington Chibebe were released the following day and required to pay a fine.
515. On 17 October 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, transmitted an urgent
appeal regarding an alleged attack against Beatrice Mtetwa, a council member of the Law
Society of Zimbabwe, who frequently takes up human rights and press freedom cases. On 1
October 2003, an attempt was allegedly made to break into Beatrice Mtetwa's car. On 12 October
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2003, Beatrice Mtetwa was allegedly attacked in her car and had a number of personal items
stolen. On their arrival, the police allegedly accused her of driving while intoxicated with alcohol
and reportedly took her to Borrowdale Police Station. On the way to the police station, Beatrice
Mtetwa was allegedly beaten by the officers. For three hours while in custody at the police
station, she was reportedly also continuously beaten, at one point, strangled. Despite the alleged
accusation of intoxication, the police officers involved reportedly refused Beatrice Mtetwa's
request that she be given a breathalyser test. She was reportedly refused medical treatment for
her injuries. On 16 October 2003, Beatrice Mtetwa reportedly returned to the police station and
presented her charge of assault against the police officer in charge. Concern has been expressed
that Beatrice Mtetwa may have been targeted because of her human rights work.
516. By letter dated 28 October 2003, the Special Representative, in conjunction with the
Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and
expression, transmitted an urgent appeal concerning Andrew Meidrum, a US national, official
resident in Zimbabwe, a journalist with the UK-based newspaper, The Guardian, and an active
member of Amnesty International, who has worked at reporting on human rights abuses with
numerous NGOs in Zimbabwe. His case was already the subject of an urgent appeal on 2 May
2002 by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of the right to freedom of opinion and
expression and the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
According to the information received, on 15 June 2002, Andrew Meldrum was reportedly tried
under section 80 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) on charges
of “abusing journalistic privilege by publishing a falsehood”. The accusation was allegedly
connected with his report regarding an alleged beheading of a woman by ZANU-PF supporters.
A Harare court allegedly found him not guilty of “intending to publish falsehoods” and he was
reportedly acquitted on 15 July 2002. On 17 July 2002, the High Court in Harare reportedly
rejected an application by the Ministry of Home Affairs to deport Andrew Meldrum, and
questioned the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the Ministry's action. On 7 May 2003,
Zimbabwean immigration officials reportedly raided Andrew Meldrum's house in Harare in his
absence and allegedly refhsed to show any legal identification to Andrew Meldrum's wife or
lawyer, who were present at the time. On 13 May 2003, Andrew Meldrum reportedly went to the
offices of the Department of Immigration accompanied by his lawyer to find out the grounds of
the reported raid. The authorities reportedly did not give a direct answer, and allegedly ordered
Andrew Meldrum to surrender his passport. On 16 May 2003, Andrew Meldrum reportedly
returned to the immigration offices. He was then allegedly told that he would remain in custody
until he was out of the country in spite of the fact that his lawyer reportedly presented
immigration officials with court orders against his deportation. Andrew Meldrum was then
allegedly escorted out of the office by immigration officials and police, driven to the airport and
detained for over 10 hours. He was then allegedly forcibly placed on an Air Zimbabwe flight to
London. On 11 June 2003, his wife reportedly left Zimbabwe under an alleged threat of
expulsion for being married to Andrew Meldrum, although her residence permit was reportedly
independent of their marriage.
517. On 27 October 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the
Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, sent an urgent appeal
regarding the reported arrest in Harare on 22 October 2003 of about 400 activists of the National
Constitutional Assembly (NCA), a network of non-governmental organizations, including the
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Chairman of NCA, Lovemore Madhuku. According to information received, NCA organized a
peaceful demonstration in Harare, calling for democracy and for a people-driven Constitution to
replace the 1978 Constitution, which was drafted before Zimbabwe's independence. The
demonstration was reportedly attacked by members of the police force, and it is alleged that the
demonstrators were seriously beaten up by the police, arrested, and taken to the Harare Central
Police Station, where they reportedly were denied access to their lawyers. It is also reported that
during the demonstration, Blessing Zulu and Newton Spicer, respectively journalist with the
Zimbabwe Independent and free-lancer, were arrested while they were covering the
demonstration. Their lawyers were reportedly denied access to them, and it was alleged that they
were also threatened with incarceration. It was reported that the majority of the NCA members
who had been arrested were allegedly made to pay depository fines on 23 October 2003 under
the Miscellaneous Offences Act (MOA) and thereafter reportedly released. The NCA leader, Dr.
Lovemore Madhuku, reportedly refused to pay the fine, reportedly resulting in the police laying
charges against him of contravening section 24 (6) of POSA, which criminalizes the organizing
of a demonstration without notifying the police.
518. On 6 November 2003, the Special Representative sent an allegation letter to the
Government concerning following cases below.
519. According to the information received, on 13 September 2002, the Ministry of Public
Service, Labour and Social Welfare reportedly published a notice in a newspaper. This notice
reportedly warned NGOs that failure to register with the Ministry through the High Court in
accordance with section 6 of the Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO) Act of 1967 meant they
were at risk of prosecution, arrest and detention for up to two months under section 25 of the
PVO Act. Concern was expressed that the requirement that organizations cease to operate if they
are not registered under the PVO Act contradicts existing Zimbabwean law, under which it is it
reportedly legal to register and operate as a trust with the Registrar of Deeds without having to
register with the High Court. Additional concerns have been expressed that the High Court does
not have a legal mechanism to undertake such a registration. It has further been alleged that
section 9 of the PVO Act sets out a lengthy and cumbersome registration process. Concern has
been expressed that the timing of the decision by the Government to enforce the PVO Act may
represent an attempt at controlling the activities of human rights NGOs.
520. The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) and the Amani Trust
have reportedly been the victims of a campaign to discredit their human rights work. According
to the information received, on 20 June and 17 August 2003, two articles published in a
reportedly government-controlled Zimbabwean press outlet allegedly stated that ZADHR had
been working to misrepresent victims of common crimes as victims of government- and Zanu-
PF- sponsored violence. The 17 August article reportedly claimed ZADHR was being used as an
instrument for turning the Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZIMA) into an organ of opposition
politics in Zimbabwe. ZADHR is an organization whose work focuses on documenting human
rights abuses and their effects on victims, on advocating for human rights victims and on
uncovering cases of doctors using their medical skills to assist in torture. On 20 June 2003, an
article reportedly published by the same media outlet allegedly described the Amani Trust as an
anti-Government NGO working to topple the current regime. The Amani Trust, a non-political
organization, provides services for the rehabilitation of victims of human rights violations,
particularly torture and institutionalized violence, and conducts human rights training and
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education programmes, particularly within the health professions. It is part of the International
Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims.
521. On 26 November 2003, the Special Representative, together with the Special Rapporteur
on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, sent an urgent
appeal regarding reports that up to 100 trade union and human rights defenders had been arrested
on 18 November 2003 throughout the country (approximately 50 in Harare), allegedly in order to
prevent them from staging a protest against alleged human rights abuses and the economic crisis
in Zimbabwe. According to information received, Lovemore Matombo and Wellington
Chibebe, respectively President and Secretary-General of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade
Unions (ZCTU), were among those arrested. It was reported that Mr. Matombo and Chibebe
remained in custody for two days, while most of those arrested in other parts of the country were
released, and that they were charged under section 7(b) of POSA. It was also reported that
Andrew Moyse, director of the Media Monitoring Project of Zimbabwe, and seven other leaders
of civic organizations, were arrested during the 18 November demonstration organized by
ZCTU, and were detained at the Harare Central Police Station, awaiting trial. Finally, reports
indicated that during the demonstration, riot police apprehended Shadreck Pongo, a
photojournalist with the newspaper Standard, while he was covering the demonstration, and
severely beat him in a police truck. The police also reportedly destroyed his camera, and dumped
the journalist at the city's periphery. He was then taken to the Harare Avenues Hospital.
Communications received
522. By letter dated 13 October 2003, the Government responded to the communication sent
on 9 October 2003 regarding the arrest of trade unionists. The Government confirmed that
approximately 55 trade unionists, including the ZCTU top leaders, had been arrested on 8
October 2003. It informed the Special Representative that they had appeared in court on 9
October 2003 and were released after paying fines for having breached POSA by calling for a
demonstration without clearance from the relevant authorities.
523. By letters dated 29 October and 1 December 2003, the Government responded to the
urgent appeal of 27 October 2003 regarding the arrest of Dr. Lovemore Madhuku and other
NCA activists on 22 October 2003. The Government indicated that Mr. Madhuku was currently
on bail. Contrary to reports, the Government informed that Mr. Madhuku was allowed access to
his lawyers, that his detention was not arbitrary and that due process had been observed in the
proceedings against him. Concerning the cases of Blessing Zulu and Newton Star, the
Government considered that the characterization of POSA in the allegation as “repressive” is
unjustified, unwarranted and objectionable. The Government stated that it is not a crime for the
police to remind a person who breaks the law that he or she risks going to prison. The
Government further questioned the habit of the Special Representative and the Special
Rapporteur of sending communications on issues that fall under the responsibility of the
Government of Zimbabwe and perceives the communications as harassment that prevents the
Government from discharging its responsibilities. The Government also reiterated that the laws it
applies were duly passed by Parliament for the simple purpose of maintaining peace, order and
security to the benefit of every citizen. The Government also underlined that the Constitution
allows peaceful demonstrations, which are subjected to certain limitations, as set out in POSA. In
this case, NCA members had failed to notify the police of the march. The NCA activists arrested
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were charged with the lesser charge of contravening the Miscellaneous Offences Act. Out of the
200 activists arrested, all but one paid the fine imposed, and were released. Lovemore Madhuku
refused to pay the fine, as he was contesting having committed an offence, and decided to go to
court. He was released on bail, and the case was pending at the time the response was sent.
524. By letter dated 3 November 2003, the Government responded to ajoint urgent appeal
sent by the Special Representative on 28 October 2003 acknowledging the deportation of
Andrew Me ldrum from Zimbabwe by the Department of Immigration. The Government
informed that Mr. Meldrum had conducted himself in a manner inconsistent with his residence
permit by writing false articles clearly designed to cause panic and despondency among the
citizens of Zimbabwe. The Government also reported that contrary to the reports received by the
office, Mr. Muldrum's wife left Zimbabwe willingly to join her husband.
525. By letter dated 5 November 2003, the Government responded to two joint urgent appeals
one of which was sent on 17 September 2003 by the Special Representative and the other on 16
September 2003 regarding the alleged assault of Tawanda ilondora and the arrest of Gabriel
Shumba. In a memorandum from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Government informed the
Special Representative that it was difficult to respond to the document regarding Tawanda
Hondora, since it did not specify the nature of the complaint and the location where the alleged
harassment occurred. Concerning the arrest of Gabriel Shumba, the Government provided
specific information stating that Gabriel Shumba was charged with inciting violence and seeking
to overthrow the Government through unconstitutional means. Further details were provided in
the memorandum from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, who stated that they had recovered a
document authored by Gabriel Shumba encouraging the looting and destruction of property
during the MDC mass action and that at the time of the arrest of Gabriel Shumba he was
celebrating the torching of a bus valued at Z$9 omillion by the MDC supporters.
526. By letter dated 12 November 2003, the Government responded to the communication
sent by the Special Representative on 16 October 2003 regarding the case of Beatrice Mtetwa.
In a communication from the Commissioner of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, details of the
incident on 12 October 2003 were provided. According to the information, Beatrice Mtetwa had
lost control of her vehicle, as a result of which she went off the road and landed in a gully. When
the police arrived at the scene, she told them she had been about to be carjacked. However,
witnesses of the accident suggested that her claim was false. According to the police, her
behaviour had been hostile and abusive and she had appeared drunk and for this reason was
taken to Harare Central Police Station for a breathalyser test, and as the breathalyser was not
working, she had to be transferred to Borrowdale Police Station where she was put under
observation for three hours. Regarding the alleged altercation with a police officer, the
Government stated that Beatrice Mtetwas had bitten a police officer on the cheek on three
different occasions during the incident and for this reason, a police officer was pressing charges
against her. It also stated that Beatrice Mtetwa was pressing charges against one of the officers
and that an internal investigation was under way to establish the circumstances and the manner in
which the police officers had handled the matter.
527. By letter dated 18 November 2003, the Government responded to the communication
sent on 12 November 2003 regarding the Amani Trust. The Government stated that the Amani
Trust no longer operated in Zimbabwe because it had not registered in accordance with the PVO
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Act. The Government indicated that the PVO Act had been in existence since 1963, prior to the
commencement of the activities of the Amani Trust in Zimbabwe and requires that all private
voluntary organizations register with a board for accountability purposes. The Government stated
that the aim of the registration procedure was to ensure that funds received by such organizations
were used for the public benefit in accordance with the activities the organizations were
registered to cany out. The Government stated that the Amani Trust had commenced its
operations without registering despite the existence of clear legislation requiring registration. The
Amani Trust had thus been operating illegally. The Government stated that as such the inclusion
of the organization's name in any list was out of the question and that the justifiability of its
closure could not be questioned. It further added that should the Amani Trust feel that the PVO
Act was unconstitutional or infringed on certain rights, avenues existed in Zimbabwean law to
challenge the validity of this Act.
528. By letter dated 25 November 2003, the Government responded to the communication
sent by the Special Representative on the 6 November 2003. The Government stated that the
PVO Act of 1967 was a valid statute under the Zimbabwean Constitution and that many NGOS
had registered with the relevant authorities in fulfilment of the requirements stipulated and
further, that no organization was exempt from registration. As regards ZADHR the Government
stated that, contrary to the allegation made that it had been discredited by the authorities, the
organization had effectively discredited itself by showing a video during the 2003 session of the
Human Rights Commission of uniformed service officials in Zimbabwe committing human
rights abuses which, according to the Government, had been stage-managed and purpose-
produced by foreign news agencies in “secret” propaganda centres. Following the discovery of
these centres, they were closed down. As regards the Amani Trust, the Government stated that
it had failed to register as required by law and, therefore, was no longer a legitimate NGO. It
further stated that the organization had posed a serious danger to public order in Zimbabwe by
misrepresenting all events of violence as deliberate actions of the Government of Zimbabwe. The
Government further stated that Zimbabwe upheld internationally observed human rights
conventions and that any offending government officials were prosecuted and punished as
appropriate under law.
529. By letter dated 1 December 2003, the Government responded to a joint urgent appeal
sent by the Special Representative and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection
of the right to freedom of opinion and expression on 27 October 2003, regarding the arrest in
Harare on 22 October 2003 of about 400 activists of the National Constitutional Assembly
(NCA), including the NCA Chairman, Lovemore Madhuku. The Government stated that in
order to fhlfil its duty as the custodian of public order and security it was required to legislate
and regulate how and when peacefhl demonstrations may take place. For this reason, the
Parliament had enacted POSA. The Government informed that, under this Act, the organizer or
convenor of a public demonstration was required to give the police four days' advance notice
and that failure to do so was a criminal offence. NCA had therefore committed a criminal
offence. Despite this, the police had decided to bring against the NCA activists the lesser charge
of contravening the Miscellaneous Offences Act, an act which deals with minor infractions of the
law under which those charged may choose to pay a fine or appear before a magistrate's court.
Of the 200 NCA members still arrested, all but one had opted to pay fines and were accordingly
released. NCA Chairman, Lovemore Madhuku had refused to pay the fine and elected to go to
court. He was eventually taken to court and released on bail. The case was still pending.
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Observations
530. The Special Representative welcomes the spirit of cooperation shown by the Government
in replying to her communications. While welcoming the Government's clarifications on cases
sent, she would like to reaffirm her legitimate concern with allegations of provisions restrictive
of freedom of assembly, expression and association contained in POSA and PVO Act. She is
particularly concerned about allegations of their use to prevent human rights defenders and
NGOs from carrying out their work. She notes that many NGOs which have been performing
human rights activities for a long time have been rendered vulnerable by such overly restrictive
legislation. The Special Representative is deeply concerned about allegations of arrests,
detention and torture of human rights defenders, in particular lawyers, trade unionists and
journalists. She calls on the Government to take all necessary measures to ensure that the rights
enshrined in the Declaration on human rights defenders are respected. She welcomes the
willingness of the Government to discuss her renewed request for an invitation to conduct an
official visit to the country.
