Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10STATE16228
2010-02-23 01:45:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

RESPONSE TO THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON TORTURE

Tags:  PHUM OHCHR 
pdf how-to read a cable
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DE RUEHC #6228 0540147
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P 230145Z FEB 10
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 0414
INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 9972
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

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