The Baltic States: A summary of recent concerns

This document provides detailed information on the main concerns in the Baltic states during the period January 1995 – July 1996. Despite difficulties in obtaining up to date and accurate information on prisoners under sentence of death, it is known that several death sentences were passed in all three states, and that four executions were carried out during this period, two in Latvia and two in Lithuania. There is further concern at the detention of asylum-seekers. Lithuania adopted asylum legislation in July 1995 but failed to implement its provisions. In Latvia there is concern at reports that police seriously ill-treated detained asylum-seekers. Amnesty International is also calling on all three governments to ensure detained asylum-seekers are given a prompt and fair individual hearing before a judicial or similar authority to challenge their detention, and to provide them with the necessary protection against refoulement.

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