PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 28/007/2007

14 February 2007

Further Information on UA 19/07 (MDE 28/004/2007, 26 January 2007) and follow-ups (MDE 28/005/2007, 2 February 2007; MDE 28/006/2007, 8 February 2007) - Incommunicado detention /fear of torture or ill-treatment

ALGERIA Three Algerian men, known as "Q", "K" and "H"

"H", who was arrested on 30 January 2007, four days after his deportation from the UK, was reportedly brought before a judge, charged and transferred to Serkadji Prison in Algiers on 10 February. He had been detained for 11 days without charge or access to legal counsel in the custody of the Department for Information and Security (Département du renseignement et de la sécurité, DRS). Amnesty International has received reports indicating that the charges include "participation in a terrorist network operating abroad". However, the organization does not know whether "H" was represented by a lawyer of his choosing during the hearing before the judge.

"Q", who was remanded into custody on 5 February after being held for 12 days by the DRS, is also reportedly being held in Serkadji Prison. He had been arrested on 25 January, five days after his deportation from the UK. According to the information available to Amnesty International, he has been charged with "participation in a terrorist network operating abroad" and falsifying documents.

"K", who was released without charge on 4 February after being held for 12 days by the DRS, remains at liberty.

Amnesty International believes that the men are no longer in immediate danger and will be able to receive visits by their family.

No further action is requested from the UA network at present. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.

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