[prisoner-rights] Afghanistan: Amnesty International urges humane treatment of detainees

* News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty
International *

5 April 2002
ASA 11/009/2002
60/02


Following the arrest of possibly hundreds of people in Kabul over
the last couple of days, Amnesty International is calling on the
Afghan Interim Authority to ensure they are treated humanely, in
accordance with international human rights standards.

        "During Afghanistan's political transition process it is
vital that human rights are upheld as they are key to rebuilding
a peaceful country," Amnesty International said.

        "All arrests and detentions must be conducted under clear
legal procedures which meet international standards. Detainees
should not be tortured or treated in a cruel, inhuman or
degrading fashion," the organization said.

        The authorities must reveal the names and location of
detention of all detainees and the detainees must have access to
their families, lawyers and medical professionals. The detainees
must also be brought before a competent court that follows
internationally recognized fair trial standards.

Background
Reports are unclear about the number detained and estimates range
widely between several dozen to several hundred.  These arrests
were reported to have been carried out over the past couple of
days.  Afghan officials from the Interior Ministry are quoted as
saying that those arrested were engaged in a plot against the
government.  However, observers suggest that internal political
opposition may have motivated the arrests.

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