Human Rights Watch (HRW) has added its voice to that of another rights group, Amnesty International, in expressing concern over the detention of two senior officials of the Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie-Mouvement de liberation (RCD-ML) in Bunia. In a letter to RCD-ML leader Ernest Wamba dia Wamba, a copy of which was received by IRIN, HRW said it was particularly concerned because the two - Commander Mukalayi and deputy commissioner for mines and energy Michel Rudatenguha - were being held in an underground cell at Rwampara military centre, near Bunia, where another detainee had reportedly been tortured to death by the RCD-ML and Ugandan soldiers who are said to control the centre. Several young RCD-ML soldiers, accused of mutiny, are undergoing similar treatment, the letter added. HRW acknowledged an explanation from Wamba stating that the two officials were being investigated for mutiny and that they would be well treated. HRW urged him to respect the rights of the detainees and not to mistreat them, as well as allowing them access to medical care and proper food. The organisation also called for a complete list of detainees.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
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