Document - Further information on UA 380/90 (AFR 19/06/90, 20 September) - Central African Republic: legal concern: Clement Belibanga, Simon Pierre Bozanga, Pierre Debato, Patrice Endjimoungou, Francois Fara-Frond, Abel Goumba, Henri Maidou, Francois Pehoua, Aristid

EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: AFR 19/01/91

Distr: UA/SC

2 April 1991

Further information on UA 380/90 (AFR 19/06/90, 20 September 1990) - Legal Concern

CENTRAL AFRICANClément Belibanga) please note

REPUBLIC:Simon Pierre Bozanga) correct names

Pierre Debato

Patrice Endjimoungou

François Fara-Frond

Abel Goumba

Henri Maidou

François Pehoua

Aristide Sokambi

Mbrod Tchakpa

The ten people named above were among 20 people arrested on 12 September 1990 by members of the security forces while meeting at the house of Aristide Sokambi, reportedly to organize a pro-democracy demonstration scheduled for 20 September 1990 in Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic. Amnesty International believed them to be prisoners of conscience, detained because they met to organize a peaceful demonstration, and called for their immediate and unconditional release.

In December 1990, they were charged with state security offences and appeared before the Haute cour de Justice, High Court, in February 1991. The Court ordered their release on the grounds that they had no case to answer. They were all released in early March 1991.

If possible, could participants send additional airmail letters to the authorities welcoming the news of these releases.

APPEALS TO:

Son Excellence

Général d'Armée André KOLINGBA

Président de la République

Palais de la Renaissance

Bangui

République centrafricaine

Monsieur le Lieutenant-Colonel Christophe GRELOMBE

Ministre de la Défense et de la Justice

Ministère de la Défense

Bangui