Report by the Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Theo van Boven


Canada

219. By letter dated 15 September 2004, the Special Rapporteur notified the Government that he had received allegations concerning Souleymane Camara, a 34-year-old Malian national. He was detained by members of the Edmonton Police Service (whose names are known to the Special Rapporteur) on 9 and 13 June 2002, and again on 12 November 2002; and then was at the Edmonton Remand Centre between 19 May and 6 June 2003, and on 9, 14, and 19 July 2003. He was detained on suspicion of assault, was forced to sign a confession, was beaten by police, sustained injuries to his head and knee, and did not receive a medical examination. In the Ed monton Remand Centre, he was denied food and water between May and June 2003, and was exposed in a state of undress to female inmates and staff. He was deported on 9 September 2003, before his trial date, which was scheduled for 18 September.

220. By letter dated 17 November 2004, the Government informed that the Government of Alberta treats these allegations seriously and has in place legislation and policies to ensure that persons arrested, detained or imprisoned are treated with dignity and respect for their human rights. In order for the Government of Alberta and the Edmonton Police Services to undertake further investigation of the allegations, the Special Rapporteur is requested to assist in obtaining the complainant’s written consent. The Government provided materials prepared by the Government of Alberta describing various domestic complaint mechanisms available. Information was also provided on the various policies and standard operating procedures, pertinent to the allegations, which provincial police officers and correctional workers are required to follow in carrying out their duties.

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Cameroon Chad

small logo   This report has been published by Equipo Nizkor and Derechos Human Rights on July 27, 2005.