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Case IDN / TMP 230798.1 Follow up Case IDN/TMP 230798

The International Secretariat has received new information regarding the arrest and detention of 1 East Timorese men in Indonesia/East Timor.

Brief reminder of the situation :

The International Secretariat was informed by the East Timor Human Rights Centre (ETHRC), member of the OMCT network, of the alleged arbitrary detention of three East Timorese men, Mr. Januario Freitas, Mr. Abilio Vecente and Mr. Olandino Oliveira, on or about July 11th, 1998. The International Secretariat expressed its concern over the possibility that these persons were subjected to torture and ill treatment.

New information :

The International Secretariat has just been informed by the ETHRC that Mr. Januario Freitas, arrested and arbitrarily held for approximately one month at POLRES (Police facility) in Dili, has been released.

The International Secretariat thanks all those organisations and individuals who intervened on his behalf.

However, the ETHRC has confirmed that Mr Freitas was subjected to torture. According to the information, prior to being transferred to POLRES, he was taken to the Wirahusada military hospital in Dili, for treatment for the injuries sustained as a result of the torture.

OMCT has no further information concerning Mr. Abilio Vecente and Mr. Olandino Oliveira. The International Secretariat still fears for the physical and psychological integrity of these persons.

Action Requested:

Please continue to write to the Indonesian authorities urging them to :

i. ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Mr. Abilio Vecente and Mr. Olandino Oliveira;

ii. order their immediate release if they are being held without any valid charges, or should they have been charged, ensure their right to a fair and impartial trial at all times as well as their procedural rights;

iii.ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the arbitrary detention and into the allegations of torture and ill treatment of Mr. Januario Freitas, in order to identify those responsible, bring them to trial and apply the penal, civil and/or administrative sanctions as provided by law;

iv. ensure that Mr. Januario Freitas receive appropriate and free medical and psychological assistance and adequate compensation and reparation for the violation of his human rights, particularly his right to personal integrity and to liberty;

v. in general, ensure all human rights and fundamental liberties, in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.

Addresses :

PRESIDENT YUSUF HABIBIE, President of the Republic of Indonesia, Istana Negara., Gedung Binagraha, Jl. Veteran, Jakarta Pusat, INDONESIA, Faxes: +62 21 345 7782, Telegrams: President Habibie, Jakarta, Indonesia, E-mail: habibie@ristek.go.id

MILITARY COMMANDER REGION IX/UDAYANA (includes East Timor), General Syahrir MS Pangdam IX/Udayana, Markas Besar KODAM IX/Udayana, Denpasar, Bali, INDONESIA Telephone: +62 361 228 095, Telegrams: Pangdam IX/Udayana, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, Ali Alatas S.H, Menteri Luar Negeri Jl. Medan Taman Pejambon No. 6, Jakarta INDONESIA, Faxes: +62 21 360 541 / 360 517 / 380 5511 / 345 7782 / 724 5354

SECRETARY GENERAL, NATIONAL COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, Prof. Dr. Baharuddin Lopa, Sekretaris Jenderal, Komisi Nasional Hak Azasi Manusia (Komnas HAM) Jl Latuharhary No 4 B, Menteng Jakarta Pusat, INDONESIA, Phone/Fax: +62 21 392 5227 Email: info@komnas.go.id

Please also send appeals to: Diplomatic representatives of Indonesia in your country

Geneva, 20 November 1998

Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code of this appeal in your reply.

OMCT - The World Organisation Against Torture is the Worlds largest network of human rights organisations fighting against all forms of torture, cruel inhuman or degrading treatment, forced disappearances summary execution or other more subtle forms of violent repression.

OMCT has consultative status with the UN, The ILO and the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights.

OMCT stands for: l'Organisation Mondiale contre la Torture The World Organisation Against Torture OMCT-SOS-Torture Fax 4122 733 1051 Ph 4122 733 3140 omct@omct.org http://www.omct.org/

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