A/HRC/30/32 investigation has been opened into the alleged killings by the security forces, nor has it received any response to a letter it sent on 14 August 2014 to the Minister, concerning the killings. D. Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment 36. The Committee against Torture recommended that the Government eliminate impunity for alleged acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment by carrying out prompt, impartial and exhaustive investigations into all reported cases of torture and ill-treatment. It also stressed that the perpetrators should be tried and the victims properly compensated. Furthermore, the Committee requested the Government to ensure that those who reported cases of torture and ill-treatment be protected from intimidation or reprisals for reporting such cases (see CAT/C/DRC/CO/1, para. 6). During the 2014 universal periodic review of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Government was urged to initiate investigations to determine responsibilities in cases of allegations of abuse and torture by security forces — especially in places of detention — and prosecute perpetrators (see A/HRC/27/5, paras. 134.49–134.50). 1. Current situation and action taken by the Government 37. During the reporting period, the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office documented 605 violations by torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, affecting 1,191 victims throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Approximately 62 per cent of the violations (377) were committed by State agents — FARDC soldiers, Congolese national police elements and National Intelligence Agency agents, while 38 per cent of those violations (228) were reportedly committed by members of armed groups. 38. Some victims were reportedly tied up and beaten by members of the security forces upon arrest, allegedly for resisting extortion, participating in political activities, failing to participate in community work, committing petty theft or failing to pay a debt. For example, on 22 March 2015, in Kalembe, Masisi territory, North Kivu, six men were allegedly arbitrarily arrested and beaten by soldiers of the 804th regiment of FARDC for refusing to participate in community work organized by FARDC to build their military camp. On 2 January, in Buyinga, Lubero territory, two children resisted extortion of their property by a FARDC soldier and were arbitrarily arrested, tied up and beaten with batons, hammers and wooden sticks by FARDC soldiers. They were stripped half-naked and left an entire night tied to poles. 39. Some victims have been subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment, which may have constituted torture by security force elements, for taking part in activities perceived to be in opposition to or critical of Government actions. On 7 April 2015, Congolese national police elements allegedly arrested four militants of Lutte pour le changement in Goma during a public rally organized to request the release of civil society activists detained by the National Intelligence Agency in Kinshasa. The four activists reported that about 10 police agents had beaten them during their detention. On 13 April 2015, they were transferred to the central prison in Goma. The United Nations Joint Human Rights Office confirmed reports alleging that they had been subjected to degrading treatment or punishment during their detention. Prison guards forced them to collect excrement with their bare hands while cleaning the toilets, and beat them when they refused to obey. They were provisionally released on bail by the Court of Appeal in Goma on 29 April. 11