EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: EUR 56/10/94

Distr: UA/SC

7 September 1994

Further information on UA 277/94 (EUR 56/07/94, 19 July 1994)- and follow-up: EUR 56/09/94, 18 August 1994 - Fear of torture/legal concern/Medical concern

Georgia:Zaza TSIKLAURI, Viktor DOMUKHOVSKY, Mamuka DANELIA, Zurab BARDZIMASHVILI

Amnesty International remains concerned about the health of the four above-named defendants, who are among a group of 19 men on trial for terrorist offences, and about reports that they are not being granted appropriate medical care.

Zaza Tsiklauri, who was tortured while in custody in 1992, has complained to his wife about sweating, headaches, acute weight loss, and of running a very high temperature for the last two weeks. A doctor from outside the prison system who examined him is said to have determined that the fever is caused by his tuberculosis, and to have recommended transfer to somewhere less stuffy and crowded than the pre-trial detention cells. Zaza Tsiklauri has requested a transfer to hospital but this has not yet been granted.

Zurab Bardzimashvili was examined in mid-August by an independent doctor who reported that he suffered from epilepsy, irregular breathing, an arrhythmic and weak pulse and tremors in his arms and legs. He was moved to hospital at around that time, but taken back to his cell at the end of the month. Amnesty International does not know if he is still on hunger-strike.

Mamuka Danelia is reported to have been suffering from a high temperature for the last two weeks, and to have been removed from the courtroom on 6 September 1994 owing to his ill-health. He has not been transferred to hospital and it is not known if he is receiving other medical care in the prison. A criminal investigation has been initiated into reports that Viktor Domukhovsky was beaten in his cell on 13 August by special police forces.

The trial began in 1993 and Amnesty International is concerned at reports that the defendants are not receiving a fair trial in line with international standards. Viktor Domukhovsky is one of four in the group who face charges carrying a possible death sentence and who allege their confessions were made under duress. Others have reported problems in obtaining a defence lawyer of their own choice.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams, express and airmail letters in English, Russian, Georgian or your own language:

- urging that Zaza Tsiklauri, Viktor Domukhovsky, Mamuka Danelia and Zurab Bardzimashvili receive all appropriate medical treatment;

- urging that all the defendants receive a fair trial in line with international standards.

APPEALS TO:

Eduard Shevardnadze

Chairman of the Parliament

of the Republic of Georgia

Rustaveli 8

380018 Tbilisi, Georgia

Telegrams: Georgia, 380018 Tbilisi, Predsedatelyu Shevardnadze

Salutation: Dear Chairman

Dzhomlet Babilishvili

Procurator General

Gorgosali, 24

380033 Tbilisi, Georgia

Telegrams: Georgia, 380033 Tbilisi, Generalnomu Prokuroru Babilishvili Dzh.

Salutation: Dear Chairman

Shota Kviraya

Minister of Internal Affairs

Bolshaya Alleya, 10

380014 Tbilisi, Georgia

Telegrams: Georgia, 380014 Tbilisi, MVD, Ministru Kviraya Sh.

Salutation: Dear Minister

COPIES OF YOUR APPEALS TO:

Aleksandr Chikvaidze

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Chitadze, 4

380018 Tbilisi, Georgia

and to diplomatic representatives of Georgia accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 19 October 1994.