PUBLIC                AI Index: ASA 17/004/2005         28 January 2005

UA 24/05                Fear of torture/medical concern/prisoner of conscience                

 

Recent photo of Hada in Inner Mongolia No.4 Prison at Chifeng City, obtained and posted by SMHRIC

PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA        Hada (m), aged 49, political activist

Political activist Hada has been routinely tortured at the prison in northern China where he is serving a 15-year sentence for "separatism" and "espionage". Amnesty International considers him a prisoner of conscience, imprisoned solely for the exercise of his right to freedom of _expression and association, and fears he is at risk of further torture. His health is reportedly failing and he is suffering from psychological problems as a result of the torture.

Hada was detained in 1995, reportedly because of his involvement in an organization called the Southern Mongolian Democratic Alliance, which aimed to promote human rights, Mongolian culture and greater autonomy for China's minority nationalities. He is held in Chifeng prison, in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. His trial in November 1996 was held behind closed doors, and his appeal was later rejected.

An inmate recently released from the prison told the NGO Human Rights in China that Hada has been subjected to disciplinary punishments that range from being held in solitary confinement to being chained overnight to a metal board with handcuffs at each end because he is regarded as "resisting reform". Hada is also reportedly prohibited from talking to other inmates, allowed only limited contact with his family and denied proper medical care.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
 

Amnesty International receives numerous reports of torture and ill-treatment taking place in a wide variety of state institutions across China, including police stations, prisons and "re-education through labour" camps. Conditions at Chifeng prison are reportedly extremely poor, and torture and ill-treatment are commonplace. Use of electric batons, shackling in painful positions for up to 12 days at a time, isolation and solitary confinement, and the use of "cell bosses" to discipline other inmates have all been reported. All inmates at Chifeng prison work up to 16 hours a day, seven days a week, and the food and medical care provided are reportedly inadequate. Ethnic Mongolians held in Chifeng are also reportedly prohibited from talking in their native language and must only use Mandarin Chinese.

China ratified the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) in 1988, which expressly prohibits torture or ill-treatment at the hands, instigation or acquiescence of public officials.

Before his detention Hada, an ethnic Mongol, was the general manager of the Mongolian Academic Bookshop which he opened together with his wife Xinna after completing his postgraduate studies in politics. Several other political activists were arrested following Hada's detention. Xinna was also detained after she posted a note on the door of their bookstore, informing people of Hada's detention and the crackdown on other activists. She was later released on bail, and has never been formally charged.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in Chinese, English or your own language:
 

- expressing concern that Hada has been detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of _expression and association and calling for him to be released immediately and unconditionally;
- expressing concern at reports that Hada is being subjected to torture, in violation of China's obligations under the CAT;
- urging the authorities to provide immediate guarantees for his safety and to conduct a full and independent investigation into allegations that he has been tortured, and to bring the perpetrators to justice;
- urging the authorities to ensure that he is given regular access to his family and any medical treatment he may require.

APPEALS TO:
 

Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China
WEN Jiabao Guojia Zongli
The State Council
9 Xihuangcheng Genbeijie
Beijingshi 100032
People's Republic of China
Fax:                 +86 10 6596 3374 (c/o Ministry of Foreign Affairs)        
Salutation:        Your Excellency

Acting Chairman of the Nei Menggu Autonomous Regional People's Government
YANG Jing Daili Zhuxi
Nei Menggu Zizhiqu Renmin Zhengfu
1 Xinhuadajie
Huhehaoteshi 010055
Nei Menggu Zizhiqu
People's Republic of China
Fax:         +86 471 696 1406 (c/o Law Department of the Nei Menggu Autonomous Regional People's Government)
Salutation:         Dear Chairman

Director of the Nei Menggu Autonomous Regional Department of Justice
LIU Shouhe Tingzhang
Nei Menggu Zizhiqu Sifating
1 Xinhuadajie
Huhehaoteshi 010055
Nei Menggu Zizhiqu
People's Republic of China
Fax:                 +86 471 694 4203
Salutation:         Dear Director

Prison Governor
Jianyuzhang
Chifeng Prison
Chifeng Jianyu
Qiaoxi Dajie
Chifengshi 024000
Nei Menggu Zizhiqu
People's Republic of China
Salutation:         Dear Sir

and to diplomatic representatives of the People's Republic of China accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 11 March 2005.

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