EXTERNALAI Index: MDE 25/01/96

26 January 1996

Further information on UA 60/95 (MDE 25/01/95, 31 August 1995) and follow-up (MDE 25/02/95, 31 August 1995) - Fear of torture / Fear of refoulement / Medical concern

UNITED ARAB EMIRATESSheikh 'Abd al-Mun'im al-'Ali, Iraqi national

Sheikh 'Abd al-Mun'im al-'Ali, a possible prisoner of conscience, has now been held in incommunicado detention for more than one year. Amnesty International is seriously concerned at his prolonged detention without charge or trial, and fears that he remains at risk of ill-treatment as long as he is held incommunicado.

Concern for Sheikh 'Abd al-Mun'im al-'Ali, who was arrested on 16 January 1995, is heightened by the fact that he is known to have suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure before his imprisonment. His continuing incommunicado detention can only exacerbate what health problems he may be suffering. In August 1995, he was reportedly taken to Abu Dhabi Military Hospital, although the reasons for his hospitalization at that time remain unclear.

There remains a further concern that Sheikh 'Abd al-Mun'im al-'Ali may be deported to Iraq, where he would be at risk of imprisonment, torture, "disappearance", the death penalty, or extrajudicial execution.

Sheikh 'Abd al-Mun'im al-'Ali and another man, 'Abd al-Jalil 'Ilwan, were arrested following raids on their homes in Sharjah by members of the State Security Police, who reportedly confiscated some of their books, personal papers and other documents. Amnesty International is concerned that they may have been arrested solely for the non-violent expression of their beliefs. 'Abd al-Jalil 'Ilwan was released in August 1995.

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

- expressing deep concern at the continued incommunicado detention, without charge or trial of Sheikh 'Abd al-Mun'im al-'Ali, who has been held under these conditions for over a year;

- calling for him to be allowed immediate access to a lawyer and his relatives, and seeking assurances that he is being treated humanely and protected from torture and ill-treatment;

- seeking clarification of the reason for his arrest and continued detention, and calling for him to be immediately released if he is not to be charged with a recognizably criminal offence and given a prompt and fair trial, in accordance with international standards;

- seeking assurances that Sheikh 'Abd al-Mun'im al-'Ali will not be forcibly returned to Iraq where he will be at risk of the death penalty or other human rights violations.

APPEALS TO:

His Highness

al-Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan

President of the United Arab Emirates

Ruler of Abu Dhabi

Manhal Palace

PO Box 280

Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates

Telexes: 22220 PALACE EM

Telegrams: President Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Salutation: Your Highness

His Excellency

Dr Abdulla bin Omran Taryam

Minister of Justice

Ministry of Justice

PO Box 753

Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates

Faxes: +9712-664944

Telegrams: Justice Minister, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Salutation: Your Excellency

His Excellency

General Dr Mohd Saeed al-Badi

Minister of Interior

Ministry of Interior

PO Box 398

Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates

Faxes: +9712-461621

Telegrams: Interior Minister, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Salutation: Your Excellency

COPIES TO: diplomatic representatives of United Arab Emirates accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 20 March 1996.