Paul Laroche, a 33-year-old literacy teacher, was arrested by soldiers on 15 October 1991 in Port-au-Prince. He was taken to the headquarters of the Service d’Investigation et de recherches Anti-Gang, where he is reported to have been severely beaten and tortured. On 17 October he was taken to hospital, where he had surgery for intestinal perforations. Shortly after his operation he was chained to his bed by soldiers. After five weeks Paul Laroche was moved to the infirmary of the National Penitentiary. He is reported to be in very poor condition and has apparently not been seen by a doctor since his transfer from the State University Hospital. He is reported to be held handcuffed to his bed. To AI’s knowledge he has not yet been charged or brought before a judge.
