Some detained soldiers released

The authorities in Guinea-Bissau recently released 16 soldiers detained for their alleged role in an aborted attempt to take control of the armed forces late last year. Other soldiers and officers may be released this week, the Missionary News Agency (MISNA) reported on Wednesday. The trials against the military personnel are proceeding very slowly, provoking widespread protests and allegations of rights abuses. The president of the Guinea-Bissau Human Rights League called on the government in December 2000 to end the torture of detainees, speed up the hearings and release the innocent. Up to 150 soldiers are thought to be in jail on suspicion of siding with former military strongman General Ansumane Mane during fighting with government forces on 22-23 November 2000. The conflict erupted when Mane revoked military promotions made by President Kumba Yala and declared himself head of the armed forces on 20 November. Loyalist forces forced Mane to flee the capital, Bissau, and on 30 November the authorities announced that he had been killed in a shootout.