Uganda: Urgent need to end torture following death in custody
Amnesty International is gravely concerned at the persistent reports of torture by members of Uganda's Violent Crime Crack Unit (VCCU). "The recent death of Nsangi Murisidi as a result of torture at the hands of VCCU officers is further confirmation of an entrenched pattern of torture of detainees while in custody," the organisation said. Nsangi Murisidi, a small business holder, was picked up by the VCCU officers from his place of work in Owino Market in Kampala on 14 June 2003, the last day he was seen alive.
News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty International
AI Index: AFR 59/009/2003
27 June 2003
Uganda: Urgent need to end torture following death in custody
Amnesty International is gravely concerned at the persistent reports of
torture by members of Uganda's Violent Crime Crack Unit (VCCU).
"The recent death of Nsangi Murisidi as a result of torture at the hands of
VCCU officers is further confirmation of an entrenched pattern of torture
of detainees while in custody," the organization said today.
Nsangi Murisidi, a small business holder, was picked up by the VCCU
officers from his place of work in Owino Market in Kampala on 14 June 2003,
the last day he was seen alive. The family traced him to the VCCU
headquarters in Kireka. On being denied access to him, the relatives
suspected he was already dead.
On 18 June, a lawyer representing the family received confirmation of the
death in custody of Nsangi Murisidi from the VCCU officers in Kireka. The
death certificate states the causes of death as extensive loss of fluid and
blood, severe bleeding in the brain and extensive burns on the buttocks.
"The Ugandan government should take immediate steps to initiate a prompt
and impartial investigation into the circumstances of the death of Nsangi
Murisidi and ensure that those responsible for his death should be brought
to justice," Amnesty International said.
In addition, Amnesty International is calling for an urgent, public,
independent and impartial, judge-led inquiry into the activities of the
VCCU in order to ensure full accountability for alleged human rights
violations committed by the unit's agents.
"The Ugandan authorities should implement the recommendations of such an
inquiry to bring VCCU agents under effective control," the organization
concluded.
View all document on Uganda
http://amnesty-news.c.tclk.net/maabc2UaaYR3dbdxUCdb/
Amnesty International's Campaign Against Torture
http://amnesty-news.c.tclk.net/maabc2UaaYR3ebdxUCdb/
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