Belgium & Ali Akbar Rafsanjani
News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty International
22 March 2000
PUBLIC STATEMENT
As proceedings before an investigating judge in Belgium are not public,
Amnesty International does not know the details of the investigation opened
against Ali Akbar Rafsanjani, former Speaker of Parliament and President
of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and therefore cannot comment on it.
In general, Amnesty International calls on all states to ensure prompt
thorough and independent investigations whenever allegations of crimes
under international law, such as torture, are made. If such an investigation
shows that there is sufficient evidence for a prosecution, then, in accordance
with international law, Amnesty International calls on states to bring
the accused to trial or extradite them to another country for trial, as
long as any such trial meets international standards for fairness and does
not result in the imposition of the death penalty or other cruel, inhuman
or degrading punishment.
Amnesty International notes that under international law the national
courts of any state may try people accused of torture regardless of the
nationality of the alleged perpetrators or victims, and regardless of where
the crimes were committed.
The organization's published reports documenting human rights violations
around the world are available to anyone interested. ENDS.../
Amnesty International, International Secretariat
1 Easton Street
London WC1X 8DJ
United Kingdom
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