PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 25/005/2008

13 June 2008

Further information on UA 150/08 (MDE 25/003/2008, 30 May 2008) - Enforced disappearance/ torture or other ill-treatment

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Rafat Usmani (m), aged 59, Pakistani national

P
akistani national Rafat Usmani is now known to be held by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities in Dubai. He has not yet been charged with any offence.

Rafat Usmani has lived and worked in Dubai for over 12 years. He was summoned to the Office of the Auditors (a quasi-judicial body under the control of the ruler of Dubai, which deals with financial offences) on 28 May. He returned home with a group of men, believed to be members of the state security police (Amn al-dawla), who searched the house and took his laptop computer and other personal items. During the search, Rafat Usmani told his family, in tears, that he had been tortured.

Rafat's lawyer and family are able to visit him once a week and are able to bring him the medicine he needs for a detached retina. He has also been visited by consular representatives from Pakistan. Amnesty International believes he is no longer at risk of torture.

Amnesty International will continue to monitor Rafat Usmani’s situation and will take further action as necessary. Thanks to all those who sent appeals.