EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: AFR 47/01/92

Distr: UA/SC

2 January 1992

Further information on UA 443/91 (AFR 47/16/91, 16 December 1991) - Legal/Ill-treatment concerns

RWANDA: Adrien Rangira ) journalists of Kanguka newspaper

Obed Bazimaziki )

Antoine Mbarushimana, journalist of Le Soleil newspaper

Théoneste Muberantwari, Editor-in-Chief of Nyabarongo newspaper

and (reportedly in hiding):

Vincent Shabakaka, director of Kaberinka newspaper

Jean-Pierre Mugabe, Editor-in-Chief of Le Tribun du peuple newspaper

Théotime Kamanayo, journalist of Kaberinka newspaper

André Kameya, director of Rwanda Rushya newspaper

Edouard Mutsinzi, journalist of Le messager (Intumwa) newspaper

The four Rwandese journalists, the first group named above, who were arrested at the beginning of December 1991 were released in mid-December. It is unclear whether they had been charged with any offences and, if so, whether the charges have been dropped. Those who were in hiding, the second group named above, are reportedly no longer sought by the authorities. However, there have been reports that Adrien Rangira and Obed Bazimaziki, and several others mentioned in the previous urgent action (UA 443/91, AFR 47/16/91, 16 December 1991) were ill-treated while in custody.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Telegrams/telexes/faxes and airmail letters in FRENCH, if possible:

- welcoming reports that the four journalists who were arrested at the beginning of December 1991 were released in mid-December and those who were in hiding will not be arrested;

- seeking assurances that no charges related to their exercising their right to freedom of speech are still pending against them;

- expressing concern at reports that some of those released were subjected to beatings and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and urging the authorities to order an independent and impartial investigation into allegations of torture and ill-treatment and to bring those responsible to justice;

- urging the authorities to ensure that journalists and other people in Rwanda are not arrested in future solely because they exercised their fundamental rights, such as the right of expression and association.

Page 2 of FU 443/91

APPEALS TO:

1) Prime Minister:

Monsieur Sylvestre NZANZIMANA Monsieur le Premier Ministre /

Premier Ministre Dear Prime Minister

Présidence de la République

BP 15

Kigali, République rwandaise

Telegrams: Premier Ministre, Kigali, Rwanda

Telexes: 22502

Faxes: + 250 74583

2) Minister of Justice:

Ministre de la Justice Monsieur le Ministre /

Minstère de la Justice Dear Minister

BP 160, Kigali, République rwandaise

Telegrams: Ministre Justice, Kigali, Rwanda

Telexes: 22517

Faxes: + 250 72902 or + 250 72904

3) Minister of Defence and Security:

Le Colonel Augustin NDINDILIYIMAN Monsieur le Ministre /

Ministre à la Présidence pour Dear Minister

la Défense et la Sécurité

BP 15, Kigali, République rwandaise

Telegrams: Ministre Defense et Securite, Kigali, Rwanda

Telexes: 22517

Faxes: + 250 74583

COPIES TO AT LEAST TWO OF THE FOLLOWING:

Minister of Foreign Affairs:

Monsieur le Docteur Casimir BIZIMUNGU

Ministre des Affaires étrangères

et de la coopération

Ministère des Affaires étrangères

BP 179, Kigali, République Rwandaise

Faxes: +250 72902 or +250 72904

Secretary General of the National security service:

Monsieur Donat HAKIZIMANA

Secrétaire général

Service central de renseignements (SCR)

BP 125, Kigali, République rwandaise

and the following newspapers:

- Monsieur le Rédacteur-en-Chef, Kinyamateka, BP 761, Kigali, République rwandaise

- Monsieur le Rédacteur-en-Chef, La Relève, Office rwandaise d'information, BP 83, Kigali, République rwandaise

- Monsieur le Rédacteur-en-Chef, Isibo, Bureau central, BP 2258, Kigali, République rwandaise

- Monsieur le Rédacteur-en-Chef, Le Tribun du Peuple, BP 2314, Kigali, République rwandaise

and to diplomatic representatives of Rwanda in your country

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 13 February 1992.