Human rights group petitions prosecutor's offices to ensure observance of UN Convention against Torture

A human rights group has petitioned all prosecutor's offices in Belarus to ensure that the country observes the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Activists of Human Rights Defenders against Torture have also sent to the offices copies of a report on the implementation by Belarus of the UN convention and conclusions on the situation in Belarus made by the UN Committee against Torture.

"We hope that prosecutor's offices will produce a timely reaction to reports of tortures and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and will carry out the impartial prosecutorial oversight of the enforcement of laws," said Yuliya Talmach, a member of the group.

According to the activist, prosecutors have ignored poor conditions at the detention center on Akrestsina Street in Minsk, which she said amount to torture and degrading treatment.