A/HRC/25/73
detention, forced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment and sexual violence. He notes
with concern that only a limited number of FRCI members involved in human rights
violations have been arrested and prosecuted. Some have reportedly been involved in
roadblocks, brigandage and ransom-taking and in associated violence, and apparently only
a few have been subjected to disciplinary action.
C.
Situation of detainees
52.
On 5 August 2013 the indictment division of the court of appeal released, pending
trial, 14 persons detained since the post-election crisis. Indictments for eight have already
been confirmed7 and the six others are awaiting hearings for confirmation of the
indictments.8 Presidential decree 2013-663 of 20 September 2013 is currently being
implemented and provides an amnesty for nearly 3,000 prisoners convicted of minor crimes
and offences. The decree is in line with a recommendation issued by the Independent
Expert. Its implementation should make it possible to relieve overcrowding at certain
prisons and to thus improve conditions of detention of other prisoners.
53.
An improvement is required in the conditions of detention at Ivorian prisons, both in
terms of administrative management and in relation to the material conditions of prisoners.
The lack of means made available to prison staff jeopardizes their own safety and also that
of the prisoners; two prison breaks took place at the Abidjan Detention and Correction
Centre on 23 and 24 July and on 14 September 2013, and as a result 3 persons died and 21
persons were wounded. The problem of the separation of accused and convicted persons
has yet to be resolved.
54.
At the enlisted men’s cells at the Abidjan Military Detention Centre, the
Independent Expert saw overcrowding that violated acceptable international standards. The
unhealthy conditions, lack of care and small size of the cells constitute cruel, inhuman and
degrading treatment. In the officers’ cells, the situation is more or less acceptable, with
normal density and hygiene. The officers are sometimes held for over two years without
being sentenced; several have been charged with the generic offence of breaching State
security.
55.
According to the information received by the Independent Expert, conditions of
detention are extremely serious at the Compagnie territoriale de Korhogo, a military unit.
Even civilians are detained by the unit, although it is not a legal place of detention.
56.
The Independent Expert notes with concern the legal confusion surrounding the
situation of Seka Yapo Anselme, also known as Seka Seka, Charles Blé Goudé, Jean-Yves
Dibopieu, Amadé Ouérémi, Youssouf Koné and Commander Jean-Noël Abéhi, who are
being held in incommunicado detention. He was able to hold an interview with Jean-Noël
Abéhi, who has been charged in connection with the massacre of women in Abobo; with
Jean-Yves Dibopieu, the former Secretary-General of the Fédération estudiantine et scolaire
de Côte d’Ivoire (the students’ federation, FESCI), who was arrested with Jean-Noël Abéhi
on 4 February 2013; and with the former leader of the young patriots, Charles Blé Goudé.
The persons in question do not receive visits from their families and are allowed to see their
lawyers for only a few minutes before attending hearings. Even when visitors can present
authorizations issued by a court, they have difficulty visiting them.
7
8
GE.14-10154
Pascal Affi N’Guessan, Michel Gbagbo, Aboudramane Sangaré, Narcisse Téa Kuyo, Geneviève Bro
Grébé, Séka Obodji, Soukouri Bohui and Henri-Philippe Dakoury Tabley.
Justin Koua, Alcide Djédjé, Moïse Lida Kouassi, Alphonse Douaty, Colonel Konandi Kouakou and
Nomel Djro.
13
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents