LRWC is gravely concerned by substantial charges of torture perpetrated against 122 individuals faced with charges relating to the secessionist Caprivi uprising of August 1999. There is fear the prisoners have been kept in unsanitary conditions and have been denied basic medical supplies. There is also concern that evidence obtained under duress including torture could be used against the prisoners at trial. If the allegations of torture are correct, Namibia would be in breach of its own constitution as well as various international obligations under the UN, and the African Charter on Human and people’s rights to which it is party.
LRWC request the government of Namibia to ensure the trials will be expedited, and that a fair trial occurs. We also call on the government to publicize its investigations into torture, hold those responsible accountable and instigate proper measures of redress for the victims
