The International Secretariat of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) has received new information about the following situation in India.
The International Secretariat of OMCT has been informed by a reliable source and by Antenna International, a member the OMCT SOS-Torture network, that except for the West Bengal Human Rights Commission which took up the case suo moto, no other investigation has yet been initiated into the allegations of torture faced by Mr. Nur Hasan Khan, alias Kallu, while in detention.
The International Secretariat of OMCT expresses its deep concern over the torture suffered by Mr. Nur Hasan Khan. OMCT is also particurlary concerned with regard to the general climate of impunity and the fear instilled in the victims to denounce these violations. OMCT is highly concerned that, although India has signed onto the UN Convention against Torture, it has failed to ratify it yet. OMCT recalls to India that according to articles 7 and 9 (1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which it is a State party, no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. OMCT calls on the authorities to order a thorough and impartial investigation into these events in order to identify those responsible, bring them to trial and apply the penal and/or administrative sanctions as provided by law. Further, as an elected member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, India should particularly guarantee the respect of human rights and the fundamental freedoms throughout the country in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.
According to the information received, Mr. Nur Hasan Khan (about 20 years old) was arbitrarily arrested on 11 September 2007 reportedly to get information on his brother-in-law Javed whom the police believed to be involved in a robbery. Mr. Nur Hasan Khan was detained at the Narkeldanga police station where he was tortured by the administration of electric shocks.
Mr. Nur Hasan Khan was reportedly released on bail granted by the court (ACJM Sealdah) on 15 September 2007. He might still face trial if the court frames charges against him.
Please write to the authorities in India urging them to:
Please also write to the embassies of India in your respective country.
Geneva, 21 December 2007
Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code of this appeal in your reply
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