EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: AFR 57/02/95

Distr: UA/SC

18 May 1995

Further information on UA 91/95 (AFR 57/01/95, 13 April 1995) - Legal/medical concern / Fear of torture

TOGOAlexandre ADECAMBI, hotel manager

Claude AMOUZOU

Tchao Kodjo Ange MABOUDOU, businessman

Wilson ADJE, restaurant manager

Lambert KOFFI, hotel manager

Epiphane KAVEGUE, radio engineer

Pierre BAKELA, soldier

and up to five others

Amnesty International has learned that nine men, thought to include those named above, were brought to trial before the magistrates court (tribunal correctionnel) in Lomé on 12 May 1995 on charges of illegally importing arms and ammunition (importation et detention illégale d'armes, munitions et matériels de guerre) and criminal association (groupement de malfaiteurs). They were found guilty and sentenced to between three and five years' imprisonment. According to reports they were represented by a team of six defence lawyers.

Amnesty International is investigating whether their trial conformed to international standards for fair trial and is trying to establish the circumstances of their pre-trial detention and whether any evidence used during their trial may have been obtained as a result of torture.

No further action is requested. Many thanks to those who sent appeals.