|
|
| Amnesty International alleges torture in Serbian prisons |
| By AP |
| Published: 09/12/2003 |
|
A leading international human rights group has demanded an investigation into allegations that security forces tortured suspects arrested in connection with the assassination of Serbia's prime minister earlier this year. In a report released based on accounts of victims and their lawyers, Amnesty International detailed a pattern of torture of detainees rounded up after Zoran Djindjic was killed by a sniper in Belgrade on March 12. Nearly 2,000 suspects were arrested during the police operation, dubbed 'Sabre' - a large-scale crackdown on organized crime and people believed to be involved in the killing of the reformist prime minister. 'We believe that the use of torture and ill-treatment during 'Operation Sabre' was widespread, particularly against those perceived as being relatively low-level criminals, out of the public eye, and unlikely to have their allegations widely publicized,' Amnesty International said. 'Allegations of torture by security forces of detainees include asphyxiation by taping bags over the head, beatings, electric shocks to the head and body, and mock executions,' the report said. There was no immediate response to the report by Serbian authorities, who have earlier denied such allegations made by other human rights organizations. Amnesty International said that many of those who were allegedly subjected to torture were too intimidated to talk openly about their ordeals out of fear of being arrested again or being subjected to other forms of pressure. However, some have made public statements, while lawyers or family members have publicized the allegations of others who remain in detention, the report said. Charges have been filed against 44 suspects in connection with Djindjic's killing. Trials are expected to start in October. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think