URGENT ACTION

Authorities fail to act after detainees beaten

Two male detainees, Sushan Limbu and Bhakta Rai, were granted access to lawyers and provided with medical care after appearing in court on 28 July. The police officers involved in their ill-treatment have yet to be suspended and no investigation has been launched.

Both men appeared before the Chief Districts Office (CDO) on the 28 July. Bhakti Raiwas released on bail and the CDO ordered the provision of the medical treatment that Sushan Limbuneeded. Sushan Limbu remains in detention but both men now have access to lawyers.

On August 5, Sushan Limbu had an operation on his damaged fingers at Koshi Zonal Hospital. However, ostensibly due to security concerns police authorities tied one of his hands and both legs to his hospital bed.

The Nepalese authorities have failed to suspend the officers involved in the beating of Sushan Limbu and Bhakta Rai. The men were arrested on 12 July in South Eastern Nepal. Whilst in custody the two men sustained serious injuries after being beaten by police with metal rods.

Amnesty International will continue to monitor the situation to see if the Nepalese authorities immediately launch a full and thorough investigation into this act of torture and other ill-treatment committed at Urlabari police post.

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

This is the first update of UA: 199/09 (ASA 31/008/2009). Further information: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA31/008/2009/en.

URGENT ACTION

Further information on UA: 199/09 Index: ASA 31/009/2009 Issue Date: 1 September 2009.