India: Abuse of the law in Gujarat

India: Abuse of the law in Gujarat

Since around March 2003, scores of Muslims are reported to have been illegally detained by Crime Branch police in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Their detentions are connected with alleged conspiracies against the state. While many have subsequently been registered as having been formally arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, many remain in illegal detention.

"These detainees and their relatives have been terrorized by the police into remaining silent about their treatment while in detention," Amnesty International said today publishing its report on illegal detentions in Ahmedabad, adding that "reports of torture and ill-treatment have been almost impossible to confirm in this climate of fear."

According to information received by Amnesty International, most of these men have been detained at the Gayakwad Haveli Police Station in Ahmedabad.

National and international legal safeguards designed to prevent such situations are being ignored by police, without fear of censure by government authorities or the courts in the state.

Amnesty International's report "India Abuse of the law in Gujarat - Muslims detained illegally in Ahmedabad." presents damning evidence against Gujarat police contained in court documents. They prove the illegal detention and torture of two men in Gayakwad Haveli Police Station July this year. Shockingly, the documents also provide evidence of the disregard of the Gujarat High Court for the rights of detainees.

The organization is calling for an immediate independent investigation into allegations that scores of people have been and continue to be illegally detained in Gayakwad Haveli Police Station. Amnesty International is also calling for the prevention of further human rights violations in the state.

For the full text of the report, please go to: http://amnesty-news.c.tep1.com/maabD43aa10v0bb0hPub/

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