RESPONSE TO THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON TORTURE

UNCLAS STATE 016228 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM OHCHR SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON TORTURE REGARDING WILLIAM COLEMAN, GENEVA CORRESPONDENCE LOG NUMBER 96-2009 REF: A. STATE 038034 ¶1. This is an action request. Mission Geneva is requested to convey to the Special Rapporteur on torture and other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment the text of the letter in paragraph 3. This is in response to his letter dated 11 December 2009. This is item number 96-2009 on the Geneva log. ¶2. In his initial correspondence of 2008, the Special Rapporteur indicated his concern about Mr. William Coleman, who was arrested on 4 October 2002 and incarcerated at the Connecticut Department of Corrections on 24 February 2005. In late 2007, Mr. Coleman went on hunger strike and, based on a court order, was force-fed about 10 times between 22 September and 22 October 2008. The Department of State contacted the Connecticut Department of Corrections, which provided information regarding Mr. Coleman's case; this information was conveyed to Mr. Nowak on 16 April 2009 in Reftel. Mr. Nowak then asked for further information in his 11 December 2009 letter. The following is a response on behalf of the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections. ¶3. Begin text of letter. Dear Mr. Nowak: The Government of the United States of America received your letter requesting additional information on the treatment of Mr. William Coleman, an inmate incarcerated in the state of Connecticut. Mr. Coleman was transferred from Mac Dougall-Walker Correctional Institution to Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Institution on October 6, 2009. Your December 11, 2009 letter alleges that since April 2009, Mr. Coleman has been force-fed at least six times. Unfortunately, without a medical release form from Mr. Coleman that permits the Connecticut Department of Corrections to release details of his medical treatment to the Department of State or the United Nations, the Department of Corrections is unable to respond to these allegations in any detail. Please note that the Connecticut Department of Corrections continues to treat Mr. Coleman in a humane manner, consistent with medical necessity and the court order currently in effect. In your letter, you also assert that Mr. Coleman was placed in a "restrictive suicide/observation cell," even though he was allegedly not suicidal. The Connecticut Department of Corrections states that inmate observation cells within Connecticut's prisons can be and are used for purposes other than housing suicidal inmates. The cells are used when an inmate needs to be closely observed, which may occur for a variety of reasons. The cells are not used for punitive reasons. We appreciate your inquiry and would be happy to answer any further questions in greater depth upon receipt of an appropriate release by Mr. William Coleman. Complimentary close. End text. ¶4. Department appreciates the Mission's assistance with this matter. CLINTON