PUBLIC AI Index: EUR 50/002/2008

05 March 2008

Further Information on 264/07 (EUR 50/005/2007, 16 October 2007) Forcible return/ Possible death penalty/ Torture/ Unfair Trial

UKRAINE/BELARUS Igor Koktysh (m) 27 years old, Belarus citizen

Igor Koktysh is no longer at immediate risk of extradition from Ukraine to Belarus, where he could have been subjected to torture and other ill-treatment or the death penalty after an unfair trial. The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has instructed the Ukrainian authorities, under Rule 39 of the Rules of Court, that Igor Koktysh should not be extradited to Belarus. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General has replied to letters sent from Amnesty International activists, referencing the ECtHR decision and stating that no action will be taken until further notice from the ECtHR.

In the 22 January letter, the Prosecutor General also refers to assurances received from the Prosecutor General of Belarus that Igor Koktysh would not be at risk of torture or ill-treatment or the death penalty should he be extradited to Belarus. Amnesty International is not convinced of the reliability of these assurances.

Thank you to everyone who sent appeals. AI will continue to monitor the situation.