E/CN.4/2000/9 page 141 Observations 717. The Special Rapporteur draws attention to and shares the concerns of the Committee against Torture, in its conclusions and recommendations on its review of the country's periodic report under the Convention against Torture, in respect of "the numerous and continuing reports of torture ... and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment (sometimes including children) by law enforcement personnel" (CAT/C/23/6, para. 5). Lao People's Democratic Republic Regular communications and replies received 718. By letter dated 29 November 1999, the Special Rapporteur advised the Government that he had received information on the following case. 719. Khamtanh Phousy, an army captain, has reportedly been detained in a number of prisons since March 1996, in particular in the C-156 prison in Xieng Khouang, in Sam Neua in Houa Phanh province, and in Prison Camp No. 7 at Ban Sophao, where guards reportedly told other prisoners not to speak with him. He allegedly had his legs chained together and was locked for 20 days into a wooden stock, so that he could not stand, walk, bathe, eat or use the toilet. He was reportedly released when prisoners broke his chains. Following an escape attempt, his legs were allegedly chained together, and he was reportedly placed in an iron stock. Lebanon Urgent appeals and replies received 720. On 26 february 1999, the Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal on behalf of Mahmud Ahmad Jallul, a cameraman for the official Lebanese television station, Tele-Liban. He had reportedly been detained incommunicado since 11 February 1999 when he was arrested. At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly beaten and bundled into a car by five unidentified plain-clothes men who showed no arrest warrant. Government sources reportedly confirmed that he was being held by the Lebanese authorities on charges of "collaboration with Israel" and spying for Mossad, the Israeli secret service. Furthermore, he was said to be suffering from high cholesterol and to require regular medication. Follow-up to previously transmitted communications 721. By letter dated 7 December 1998, the Government responded to a communication sent by the Special Rapporteur on 3 September 1998 (see E/CN.4/1999/61, paras. 441-444). It indicated that the courts diligently safeguard human rights and are extremely eager to ensure that no right is violated. 722. Concerning Antoinette Yusuf Chahin, the Government indicated that the security officers who had allegedly tortured her while she was questioned had denied in court, after taking the oath, that she had been subjected to any form of torture. A medical examination requested by the first examining magistrate is said to have found no anomaly attributable to torture.