UN RAPPORTEUR ON TORTURE RELEASES REPORT

S E C R E T AMMAN 000720 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/14/2017 TAGS: PHUM PTER UN JO SUBJECT: UN RAPPORTEUR ON TORTURE RELEASES REPORT REF: A. AMMAN 448 ¶B. AMMAN 222 ¶C. AMMAN 4982 ¶D. AMMAN 9071 Classified By: Ambassador David Hale for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (SBU) The United Nations HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (UNHRC) publicly released February 11 Special Rapporteur Manfred Nowak's report on torture in Jordan. Based on interviews with current detainees and observations of detention centers, Nowak alleged in his report that Jordan's General Intelligence Directorate (GID) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Public Security Directorate torture on a "widespread" and "routine" basis. Nowak's report is also critical of conditions in prisons and detention centers. Nowak claims the practice of torture exists in Jordan because of a "lack of awareness," and "institutionalized impunity." ¶2. (C) Some of the detainees named in the report are known to post as Islamists or alleged terrorists. ¶3. (SBU) In the report Nowak makes recommendations to the GOJ to prevent torture and maltreatment, including introducing stricter legislation and thorough investigation into torture allegations. Nowak stated that the GOJ was fully cooperative with him during his visit and that it has demonstrated a commitment to HUMAN rights. ¶4. (S/NF) Comment: Post is not convinced by Nowak's claim that torture is "widespread" or "routine", although some anecdotes of individual cases of abuse appear credible. The GoJ states that Islamist extremist groups train their members to make false claims of mistreatment in the event they are captured. SIMO officials in contact with GID, RSO officers in contact with PSD, and other emboffs engaged with the GOJ on HUMAN RIGHTS issues regularly receive GOJ assurances that people in GOJ custody are treated in accordance with international standards. End Comment. HALE