Archive ref no: NCA-18997
Document - Nepal: Further information on: Possible "Disappearance" / Fear for safety/ Fear of torture or ill treatment New concern: Medical, Sailendra Maske
PUBLIC AI Index: ASA 31/042/2005
06 May 2005
Further Information on UA 83/05 (ASA 31/030/2005, 12 April 2005) Possible "Disappearance" / Fear for safety/ Fear of torture or ill treatment New concern: Medical
NEPAL Sailendra Maske (m), aged 35
Sailendra Maske is now known to be at the Shivapuri Army Barracks, 25km from Kathmandu. He is reportedly suffering from an eye infection and has chest pains. He has so far been denied access to a doctor causing concern for his welfare. He also remains at risk of being tortured.
On 26 April, the Royal Nepal Army brought Sailendra Maske before a press conference where he reportedly claimed to have renounced his alleged links to the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). An army spokesman, Brigadier General Dipak Gurung, then reportedly stated at the press conference that security forces had made arrangements for his safety at his request, and he has since been held in Shivapuri Army Barracks. It is unclear however whether this request was made by him under duress. His wife has been allowed to visit him, as have members of the National Human Rights Commission who reportedly found him blindfolded and handcuffed.
Sailendra Maske was re-arrested by security officers in plain clothes, minutes after being released by officers at the Shri Jung army barracks in the Singha Durbar area of Kathmandu on 11 April. He had been held in illegal detention for nearly 10 months on suspicion of involvement with the CPN (Maoist).
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English or your own language:
- expressing concern for the safety of Sailendra Maske, who is currently at Shivapuri Army Barracks;
- urging that he be treated humanely while in custody and not tortured or ill-treated;
- calling on the authorities to ensure that he immediately receives any medical attention he may require for a reported eye infection and chest pains;
- calling on the authorities to clarify why Sailendra Maske is being held and whether he faces any criminal charges.
APPEALS TO:
Lieutenant Colonel Raju Nepali
Royal Nepal Army
Human Rights Cell
Royal Nepalese Army Headquarters
Singha Durbar
Kathmandu, Nepal
Fax: + 977 1 4 226 292 (Please ask for the fax)
Email: humanrights@rna.mil.np
Salutation: Dear Lieutenant Colonel
His Majesty the King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev
C/O The Chief of Protocol Division
Protocol Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Shital Niwas, Kathmandu, Nepal
Fax: + 977 1 4 416 016
Salutation: Your Majesty
COPIES TO:
Baman Prasad Neupane
Chief District Officer, Kathmandu district
Office of the Chief District Officer,
Kathmandu District, Nepal
Salutation: Dear Chief District Officer
And to diplomatic representatives of Nepal accredited to your country
PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 17 June 2005.