Document - République démocratique du Congo. Détention au secret / Craintes de torture et d'autres formes de mauvais traitements. Pépé Nginamau Malaba

PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 62/004/2009

20 February 2009

Further Information on UA 38/09 (AFR 62/002/2009, 11 February 2009) Incommunicado detention/Fear of torture and other ill-treatment

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Pépé Nginamau Malaba (m), trade unionist

OF CONGO (DRC)

On 17 February, after nearly one month in illegal incommunicado detention, trade union leader Pépé Nginamau Malaba was transferred to Kinshasa’s central prison, the Centre Pénitentiaire et de Rééducation de Kinshasa (CPRK).

On 19 February he appeared before a Kinshasa magistrates court, accompanied by his lawyer, where he was remanded on charges of falsifying documents.

In the CPRK, Pépé Nginamau Malaba has access to legal representation, family visits and basic medical care. Amnesty International considers that he is no longer at risk of torture or ill-treatment. However, the organization remains concerned that he might be a prisoner of conscience and will continue to follow the case closely.

UA appeals appear to have been decisive in securing his release from incommunicado detention. Thank you to all who sent appeals. No further action is needed.