rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu (06/26/91)
/** mideast.gulf: 103.0 **/
** Topic: Amnesty decries Kuwaiti trials **
** Written 9:41 pm Jun 22, 1991 by jsax in cdp:mideast.gulf **
AI Report on Kuwait Trials
Amnesty International has issued an Urgent Action on the Kuwait
treason trials. The report notes in part:
"Following the withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait on
26 February 1991, the Kuwait authorities introduced martial
law regulations and set up special courts to hear the cases
of individuals charged with 'collaboration' with Iraqi
authortiities and with crimes committed during the occupation
period. Of the hundreds of people arrested by the Kuwaiti
authorities since 26 February 1991, an estimated 200 are being
brought to trial on a variety of charges. The trials, which
began on 19 May 1991, are being held in public and are attended
by families of the defendants, representatives of
non-governmental organizations, and Western embassies, as
well as the media.
"Amnesty International's observer attended hearings and trials
heard before the Martial Law Courts between 20 May and 1 June
1991. In a public statement on 11 June 1991, Amnesty International
appealed for the commutation of any death sentences passed, and declared
that the trial proceedings were unfair and should be halted until they
are brought into line with international standards for fair trial.
Amnesty International believes that so far the trials have been
defective in all the critical phases; in the pre-trial period,
during the hearings themselves, and in the lack of the defendants'
right to appeal to a higher tribunal." [sic]
For more information contact Amnesty's Urgent action office
and ask for UA 212/91.
The number is 303-440-0913.
** End of text from cdp:mideast.gulf **