CHN 210612
Death in detention/ Allegation of torture/ Extrajudicial killing
The International Secretariat of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) requests your URGENT intervention in the following situation in the People’s Republic of China.
The International Secretariat of OMCT has been informed by The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), a member of OMCT SOS-Torture Network, about the torture and subsequent death in detention of Karwang, a 36-year-old Tibetan monk at Nyagrong Monastery, in Nyagrong (Chinese: Xinlong) County, Kardze (Chinese: Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures, Sichuan Province.
According to the information received, in May 2012, Karwang was arrested on suspicion of having put up posters calling for freedom on the walls of a Chinese government building in Nyagrong County a few days earlier. He was taken to Dartsedo (Chinese: Kangding) County where he was detained for about eight days. The authorities reportedly tried to force him to confess to having put up the posters but Karwang denied. He was allegedly tortured (including beatings).
According to the same information received, Karwang died a few days later in detention. His relatives received a call from Dartsedo police telling them to come to collect his body.
The International Secretariat of OMCT is gravely concerned about the alleged torture to which Karwang was subjected, which allegedly led to his death. OMCT calls upon the competent authorities to carry out a prompt, effective, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances of these events, notably the allegations of torture and resulting death of Karwang, in accordance with international human rights standards, such as the UN Principle on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions, the result of which must be made public, in order to bring those responsible before a competent, independent and impartial tribunal and apply penal, civil and/or administrative sanctions as provided by law.
Actions Requested
Please write to the authorities in the People’s Republic of China urging them to:
i. Carry out a prompt, effective, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances of these events, notably the allegations of torture and resulting death of Karwang, in accordance with international human rights standards, inter alia, with the UN Principle on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions, the result of which must be made public, in orderto bring those responsible before a competent, independent and impartial tribunal and apply penal, civil and/or administrative sanctions as provided by law;
ii. Ensure that adequate, effective and prompt reparation, including adequate compensation, is granted to the victim’s family;
iii. Guarantee the respect of human rights and the fundamental freedoms throughout the country in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
Addresses
Please also write to the embassies of the People’s Republic of China in your respective country.
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Geneva, 21 June 2012
Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code of this appeal in your reply.
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