EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: AMR 27/02/91

Distr: UA/SC

UA 171/91Torture and Illtreatment/17 May 1991

Death in Custody

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC:Joubert PIERRE, aged 19

Amnesty International is concerned about the reported torture and ill-treatment and subsequent death in custody of Haitian citizen Joubert Pierre.

According to reports, Joubert Pierre was detained on 20 April 1991 by police agents at his home in Boca Chica, a sugar producing town located 34 kilometres from Santo Domingo, where he lived with his mother. He was accused of having stolen a gas cylinder. He was reportedly first taken to a police station in Andrés Boca Chica and later transferred to police headquarters in Boca Chica.

The reports indicate that immediately upon arrest he was beaten by the police. On 24 April 1991, Joubert Pierre was able to tell some people who visited him that he had been severely tortured by the police. According to reports, he had injuries on his face and chest. On a subsequent visit, his mother was told by the police that her son had been sent to the Dr. Luis Aybal Hospital. When she went to visit him however, she was told he was not there. His body was subsequently identified at a morgue by his mother and an official of the Haitian embassy in the Dominican Republic.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Telegrams/telexes/express and airmail letters:

- expressing concern about the reported torture and death in custody of Joubert Pierre;

- expressing concern that, according to reports, his face and chest had injuries consistent with having been subjected to torture;

- urging that a full and impartial investigation be initiated into the allegations of torture and ill-treatment, and the subsequent death of Joubert Pierre;

- asking that the results of such an inquiry be made public and that those found responsible be brought to justice.

APPEALS TO:

Dr Joaquín Balaguer Ricardo

Presidente de la República

Palacio Nacional

Santo Domingo

República Dominicana

Telegrams:Presidente Balaguer, Santo Domingo,

Dominican Republic

Telexes:202 0011 SECPRES; 201 4299 SECPRES DR

Dr. Atilio Guzmán Fernández

Ministro del Interior y Policía

Ministerio del Interior y Policía

Centro de los Héroes

Santo Domingo

República Dominicana

Telegrams:Ministro Interior Dr. Guzman, Santo Domingo

Dominican Republic

Sr. Francisco Carvajal Martínez

Presidente del Senado

Senado de la República

Congreso Nacional

Santo Domingo

República Dominicana

Telegrams:Presidente del Senado Dr. Carvajal,

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

COPIES TO:

Reverendo Telésforo Isaac

Obispo

Iglesia Episcopal Dominicana

Apartado Postal 764

Santo Domingo

República Dominicana

and to diplomatic representatives of the Dominican Republic in your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 28 June 1991.