Date Type Case No Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted YEM 4/2011 19/10/2011 Yemen JUA Arbitrary detention; Freedom of expression; Human rights defenders; Independence of judges and lawyers; Torture; Alleged incommunicado detention, torture and denial of medical treatment. According to the information received, Mr. Sadiq Al-Sharafy, co-founder of the human rights organization Hemaya (Protection), was arrested in July 2009 by National Security Agency armed forces and was held incommunicado for nine months. He was allegedly mistreated, physically and psychologically, tortured and kept in solitary confinement. He is reportedly facing the risk of death as he suffers from livedo reticularis, repeated coma, and weakness of the left hand; he has allegedly been denied medical treatment. His case was heard before the Specialised Penal Court, and his lawyer was allegedly not allowed to photograph the case file nor attend any of the interrogation sessions. The lawyer was able to meet his client only briefly during the court hearings. AFG 5/2011 21/10/2011 Afghanistan JAL Arbitrary detention; Disappearances; Terrorism; Torture; On 21 October 2011, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the Vice-Chair of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances sent a letter to Afghanistan related to their joint study on global practices in relation to secret detention in the context of countering terrorism (A/HRC/13/42). The joint study was part of a consultative process with States. In the same spirit of cooperation, the mandate holders/experts would like to continue engaging with States in ensuring appropriate follow-up to the joint study. In this context, they invited Afghanistan to provide them with information on measures taken to investigate the allegations contained in the joint study and if found true, to rectify the situation in compliance with international human rights norms and standards; to implement the related recommendations; and to provide any other relevant information. Reply A/HRC/19/44 99