PUBLICAI Index: AFR 19/002/2001

6 March 2001

Further information on UA 45/01 (AFR 19/001/2001, 20 February 2001) - Medical concern / Prisoner of conscience

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLICAbdoulaye Aboukari Tembeley

On 5 March Abdoulaye Aboukari Tembeley was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment and a fine of 150,000 CFA (approximately US$210).

He was convicted of “inciting hatred and violence against a democratically elected institution” (“incitation à la haine et à la révolte contre une institution démocratiquement élu”). He received a lighter sentence than provided for in law, as the judge ruled that there were (unspecified) mitigating circumstances. He may appeal against the sentence and conviction.

Abdoulaye Aboukari Tembeley is currently held at a Gendarmerie post known as the Brigade de PK 12, which is 12 kilometres from the capital, Bangui. There is no prison in Bangui itself. Although his family have had access to him, he is held in harsh conditions, and Amnesty International remains concerned for his well-being. He was severely beaten shortly after he was arrested, and his general health has suffered badly.

The organization considers Abdoulaye Aboukari Tembeley, who is president of the Mouvement de Défense des Droits de l’Homme (MDDH), Human Rights Defence Movement, to be a prisoner of conscience. He was arrested on 14 February 2001 after the MDDH’sJournal des Droits de l’Homme, Human Rights Journal, published an opinion poll, in which 173 of 200 people interviewed called for President Ange-Félix Patassé to resign.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express/ airmail letters in French, English or your own language:

- expressing concern that Abdoulaye Aboukary Tembeley has been fined and sentenced to two months’ imprisonment;

- stating that Amnesty International considers him to be a prisoner of conscience and is calling for him to be released immediately and unconditionally;

- calling on the authorities to ensure that, if he is to remain in custody, he is given all the medical care he needs;

- calling for the allegations of ill-treatment to be investigated, and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

APPEALS TO: (please note that fax numbers in Central African Republic can be difficult to reach)

Minister of National Defence

Jean Jacques DEMAFOUTH

Ministre de la Défense nationale et des Anciens

combattants et de la restructuration de l’Armée

Ministère de la Défense

BANGUI

Central African Republic

Telegrams:Ministre Défense, Bangui, République centrafricaine

Salutation:Monsieur le Ministre

Minister of Justice

Monsieur Antoine GOTHE

Ministre de la Justice,

Réforme du droit et Garde des Sceaux

Ministère de la Justice

BANGUI

Central African Republic

Faxes: + 236 61 15 79 / 61 31 98

Telegrams: Ministre Justice, Bangui, République centrafricaine

Salutation:Monsieur le Ministre

Minister of Territorial Administration and Public Security

Monsieur Théodore BIKOO

Ministre de l'Administration du territoire et de la Sécurité Publique

Ministère de l'Intérieur

BANGUI

Central African Republic

Faxes: + 236 61 70 54

Telegrams: Ministre Sécurité Publique, Bangui, République centrafricaine

Salutation:Monsieur le Ministre

Minister of Communication, Posts and Telecommunications

Monsieur Albert Francis WAKANGA

Ministre des Communications des Postes et des télécommunications

Ministère de la Communication

BP 1290

BANGUI

Central African Republic

Telegrams: Ministre Communication, Bangui, République centrafricaine

Salutation:Monsieur le Ministre

COPIES TO:

Minister of Foreign and Francophone Affairs

Monsieur Marcel METEFARA

Ministre des Affaires étrangères et de la Francophonie

Ministère des Affaires étrangères

BP 936

BANGUI

Central African Republic

and to diplomatic representatives of the Central African Republic accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 16 April 2001.