PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 62/008/2009

18 March 2009

Further Information on UA 55/09(AFR 62/005/2009, 2 March 2009) Incommunicado detention/Fear of torture and other ill-treatment/health concern

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Bernardin MBANDI (m), retired civil servant, aged 70

OF CONGO (DRC)

Retired civil servant Bernardin Mbandiwas released from Agence Nationale de Renseignements (ANR), National Intelligence Agency detention on 14 March 2009. He held an influential post during the government of President Mobutu (1965-1997) and was arrested on 22 January at his home in the capital, Kinshasa.

Bernardin Mbandisuffers from asthma and was held incommunicado, both of which increased concern for his welfare. He is now however undergoing medical checks. His family has thanked Amnesty International members for all the appeals that were sent on his behalf.

No further action by the UA Network is required.