EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: AFR 23/13/91

Distr: UA/SC

29 November 1991

Further information on UA 305/91 (AFR 23/05/91, 11 September 1991) and follow-ups AFR 23/11/91 (30 October 1991) and AFR 23/06/91 (15 October) -Medical Concern

DJIBOUTI Aref Mohamed Aref, lawyer

and Ali Aref Bourhane, politician

Aref Mohamed Aref and his uncle, Ali Aref Bourhane, are now apparently receiving their normal food supply, family visits and medical attention.

They are said to be now in reasonable health.

Their trial, together with over 40 other defendants, has now been set to start on 21 December 1991 before the State Security Tribunal (Tribunal de sûreté de la République). The charges include attempting to overthrow the government, for which they could be sentenced to death if convicted. They have legal representatives, and under a new decree they will now have the right to appeal to the Supreme Court if convicted.

Amnesty International plans to send a representative to observe the trial. It wishes to determine whether the defendants receive a fair trial in accordance with international standards, and to establish if they are prisoners of conscience, imprisoned for their non-violent opinions.

No further action is requested at this stage. Thank you to all who participated on this case.