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Senegal: No Impunity for Torture

   VOA News 16 September 2010

   Senegal  says  its  security  forces  have conducted "minimal" acts of
   torture,  but  says  the  country  is and always has been committed to
   investigating and prosecuting such acts.
   Responding   to  a  report  by  [1]Amnesty  International,  government
   spokesman  Moustapha  Guirassy said Thursday that Senegal respects the
   rule of law and works to preserve and defend human rights.
   In  its report, the rights group said 12 years of research showed that
   Senegal's  security  forces  have  electrocuted,  burned,  beaten, and
   asphyxiated prisoners.
   Researcher  Salvatore  Sagues said at least six prisoners have died in
   Senegalese  custody  in  the last three years.  He said that due to a
   requirement  for  government  permission,  cases  against  police  and
   soldiers are rarely prosecuted.
   Guirassy  Thursday  denied  there  is impunity for officers.  He said
   prosecutions  must  proceed  slowly  while a thorough investigation is
   made.

   Some information for this report was provided by AFP.

References

   1. http://www.amnesty.org/

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