A/HRC/19/49 14. During the reporting period, at least five people were reportedly killed during political demonstrations banned by the authorities in April and September 2011. Security forces used tear gas and shot live ammunition in the air to disperse protesters. 15. On 3 April, a 35-year-old man was intentionally shot in the head by a police officer during a demonstration to welcome an opposition leader, and died two days later from his injuries. Medical sources confirmed having treated 27 demonstrators at Donka hospital, mostly for bullet wounds in the legs. 16. On 27 September, the security forces violently dispersed a demonstration organized by the Collectif des partis de l’opposition pour la finalisation de transition, even though the organizers had reportedly informed the authorities beforehand; once again, the Governor of Conakry banned the protest. The security forces allegedly cordoned off streets and crossroads to prevent demonstrators from taking to the streets. They reportedly used tear gas and shot in the air and at the crowd, which led to an outbreak of violence between demonstrators and the security forces. During the clashes, a 25-year-old man allegedly died of gunshot wounds, while two other people reportedly died of stab wounds. Hospital sources confirmed that 55 people were treated and that nine were hospitalized at Donka hospital, mostly for injuries caused by beatings, machetes and bullets. 17. On 8 November, a few days before a demonstration organized by the Bar Association in December to protest against interference by the Governor of Conakry with the work of the judiciary, the Minister for Territorial Administration published a communiqué on State media banning all political demonstrations without prior notification. Faced with accusations for attempting to deprive citizens of their rights and freedoms, the Minister stated during an interview that his communiqué was meant to remind citizens to respect human rights. The protest march organized by the Bar Association was held on 14 November without incident. 18. OHCHR noted that, during some political demonstrations, opposing groups of demonstrators threw stones and used machetes. Some protestors were harassed and their personal items stolen. Projectiles allegedly thrown by demonstrators reportedly injured 24 security officers, who were hospitalized at the Camp Almany Samory Touré in Conakry. B. Arbitrary arrests, detentions and prison conditions 19. There were reported cases of arbitrary arrest and detention by security forces during peaceful demonstrations. Approximately 350 people, including minors and elderly persons, were indiscriminately arrested and detained after the demonstrations of 27 September. OHCHR Guinea confirmed that at least 60 people, including minors, were arrested and detained at several police stations in Conakry. Some detainees interviewed by OHCHR staff claimed that they had not even been taking part in the demonstration and were arrested arbitrarily on the streets. The detainees were referred to the Trial Court of Dixinn, which charged them with participation in an unauthorized demonstration and destruction of public and private property. A total of 154 people were sentenced to terms ranging from one month to a year. On 17 November, the President signed a decree granting pardon to 25 of them. 20. Prison facilities are characterized by overcrowding and conditions below minimum international standards in terms of health care, food and hygiene, and lack recreational and educational facilities. For example, the Central Prison in Conakry, which was originally designed to house 300 inmates, currently houses more than 1,000. In some circumstances, detainees and convicts are put in the same cell. OHCHR staff members in Guinea visited several detention centres and noted that, on many occasions, suspects had been detained for minor offences beyond the legally stipulated period of 48 hours. 7