News Service 182/95

AI INDEX: EUR 32/01\95

25 SEPTEMBER 1995

LUXEMBOURG: PROLONGED ISOLATION OF PRISONERS IN SCHRASSIG PRISON

Amnesty International continues to be concerned about the prolonged isolation of prisoners in Schrassig, the organization said in a letter to the Minister of Justice of Luxembourg.

"Such isolation may have serious effects on the physical and mental health of prisoners and may constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading treatments," Amnesty International said today.

According to information provided by the Government of Luxembourg, 22 prisoners were placed in solitary confinement in the period from 1 January to 15 July 1995, some for a period of weeks, other for periods of several months.

Three prisoners, including Carlo Fett, who recently escaped from Schrassig prison and injured a police officer during the attempt to recapture him, were placed in isolation for a period of six months.

In its letter, the human rights organization asked the Minister of Justice what measures the prison authorities had taken to alleviate the physical and psychological effect of prolonged isolation on the prisoners.

Amnesty International also rejected the criticism made by the Minister of Justice about the organization's work in a recent parliamentary reply. It maintained that it had sought information and verification from the relevant authorities of the cases brought to its attention, but it had not received any answer.

"Contrary to the Minister of Justice's claims about our accuracy, the authorities have never disputed or contradicted the essential facts contained in our letters to them," Amnesty International said.

ENDS\