Middle East Focus: French Accused of Widespread Torture, may Retain Cheney as Publicist………….

Arabia Deserta

French Accused of Widespread Torture, may Retain Cheney as Publicist………….

“GENEVA - France faced grilling by UN anti-torture experts on Tuesday over its handling of overcrowding and suicide in its jails, and the rights of asylum seekers, minors in detention, and terror suspects. Officials from the UN Committee against Torture raised concerns about jail overcrowding, in particular in France's overseas territories where occupancy can reach 230 percent, as well its high prison suicide rates…….. The panel also raised concerns about French police's increasing use of Taser stun-guns, as well as their treatment of minors in detention, who it said were sometimes threatened into signing statements. One expert questioned the French delegation about the chances given to failed asylum seekers to appeal. Finally, committee chair Claudio Grossman told the meeting French law did not mirror the definition of torture in the United Nations's Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. He also attacked as "not acceptable" the existence of a 10-year statute of limitations for acts of torture under French law………….”
Cheers
mhg

Mon Email