Political prisoners in Chile

By Monica Chiappe

After a year of investigation, the Chilean section of the International Association Against Torture (IAAT) has evidence that the cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of political prisoners continues in Chile.

The situation of political prisoners who have been transferred from different jails to the new high security jail -- the Special High Security Unit -- is critical. Twenty-three women, some with their children, are now housed in the San Miguel Preventive Detention Centre for male prisoners. The lack of privacy means that women political prisoners are constantly being harassed by male prisoners.

Medical attention is very poor; the centre has only one doctor, and women do not receive any specialised attention. The deplorable conditions constitute a serious threat to their physical and psychological well-being.

Casa-Chile is appealing for support for the prisoners. Please send faxes or letters of concern to: Sr Eduardo Frei R., Presidente de la Republica de Chile, Palacio de la Moneda, Santiago, Chile, fax: 0015 56 2 698 4130; Ms Soledad Albear, Ministerio de Justicia, Morande 107, Santiago, Chile, fax: 0015 56 2 696 6952; Sr Carlos Figueroa, Ministerio del Interior, La Moneda, Santiago, Chile, fax: 0015 56 2 698 4130.

To reach the women political prisoners, contact: Colectivo Mujeres Presas Politicas, Carcel de San Miguel, San Francisco 4756, Santiago, Chile; or Gabriela Correa, Casilla 1255, Correo Central, Valparaiso, Chile.

Casa-Chile requests that you also send a copy of your letter or fax to them at PO Box 91, Kilkenny SA 5009.

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