PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 16/019/2003

09 October 2003

Further Information on UA 206/03 (MDE 16/014/2003, 11 July 2003) Fear of imminent execution/ Torture/ Unfair Trial

JORDAN 'Ali Jabbar Taher 'Ali (m), aged approximately 22 years, Iraqi national

Ward Amin 'Abd al-Qader 'Abdallah (m)

‘Ali Jabbar ‘Ali Taher and Ward Amin ‘Abd al-Qader ‘Abdallah were reportedly hanged at dawn at Swaqa prison yesterday. They had been convicted of the murder of Wisam Hatem ‘Abdullah al-Hourani and sentenced to death in January 2003.

Amnesty International is concerned at reports that ‘Ali Jabbar Taher ‘Ali was tortured by members of the Criminal Investigation Department in the capital Amman, in order to force him to “confess” to the murder. There are also concerns at reports that his trial fell short of international fair trial standards.

It is believed that these executions bring the number of people executed in Jordan during 2003 to five. Some 15 people have been sentenced to death this year. Amnesty International has repeatedly raised its concerns over reports of torture and ill-treatment of detainees to extract “confessions” as well as over the use of the death penalty in Jordan.

Many thanks to all who sent appeals. If possible, please send a final round of appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in Arabic, English or your own language:

- condemning the execution of ‘Ali Jabbar ‘Ali Taher and Ward Amin ‘Abd al-Qader ‘Abdallah;

- calling for an immediate and independent investigation into allegations that ‘Ali Jabbar Taher ‘Ali was reportedly tortured while held at the Criminal Investigation Department, with the results to be made public and anyone found to be responsible for torture or ill-treatment brought to justice;

- noting that governments have not only a right but also an obligation to bring those who plan or perpetrate violent crimes to justice, but that this should be done in accordance with international standards for fair trial;

- expressing concern at the number of executions in Jordan;

- urging that no more executions are carried out and that the government work towards abolishing the death penalty.

APPEALS TO:

His Majesty King ‘Abdallah bin Hussein

Office of HM the King

Royal Palace

Amman, The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Telegrams: King ‘Abdallah bin Hussein, Amman, Jordan

Fax: + 962 6 462 7421

Salutation: Your Majesty

Faris Nabulsi

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice

PO Box 6040

Amman, The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Telegrams: Justice Minister, Amman, Jordan

Fax: + 962 6 464 3197

Salutation: Your Excellency

COPIES TO:

Her Majesty Queen Rania

President of the Royal Commission on Human Rights

Office of her Majesty the Queen

Royal Palace

Amman, The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

and to diplomatic representatives of Jordan accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 20 November 2003.