E/CN.4/2000/9 page 10 Observations 24. The Special Rapporteur regrets that, despite his invitation to the Government to provide the relevant information, it has not seen fit to indicate any action being taken in these cases to investigate the allegations, bring to justice those who may be responsible and compensate the alleged victims or their next of kin. Argentina Urgent appeals and replies received 25. On 14 April 1999, the Special Rapporteur transmitted an urgent appeal jointly with the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions on behalf of José Luis Ojeda, who was allegedly shot and wounded by an unidentified aggressor outside his home in Buenos Aires on 6 April 1999. A police patrol from Station 34 was reportedly in the vicinity at the time of the events but did not intervene. According to the information received, this is the latest in a series of attacks and harassment to which José Luis Ojeda and his family have been subjected since he claimed he was beaten and tortured by the Federal Police in Station 34 during his brief stay there three years before. The Centre for Legal and Social Studies allegedly informed the authorities of the attack. 26. By letter dated 10 June 1999, the Government responded to this urgent appeal. It indicated that following a complaint submitted to what has now become Examining Court No. 43, proceedings are in progress, an order of committal having been issued against Sergeant Víctor Pablo Barrionuevo for the offence of minor bodily harm. Insufficient grounds were found for either undertaking or dismissing proceedings against Major Carlos Fabián Chávez. The action to rescind is not final because appeals have been lodged by lawyers both for the Argentine Federal Police and for Mr. Ojeda. The Government indicates that preliminary steps have been instituted in Court No. 14 concerning the offence of 6 April 1999. It states that measures were taken to ensure Mr. Ojeda's physical safety and provide psychological counselling. Such measures continued until 19 April, when Mr. Ojeda ceased to accept assistance of any kind. Since 27 April, contact has been made with the victim only once, and he again declined any form of protection. Follow-up to previously transmitted communications 27. By letter dated 26 October 1998, the Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government information concerning possible cases of torture in Argentina. By letters dated 16 December 1998 and 6 January 1999, the Government responded by providing the Special Rapporteur with information on the following case, summarized below. 28. Marcelo Atencio was allegedly arrested and tortured on 20 March 1998 by members of the Buenos Aires Police Force, Station No. 1, San Miguel (see E/CN.4/1999/61, para. 44). According to the Government, "sessional" proceedings have been instituted in Criminal and Correctional Transit Court No. 3 of the Judicial Branch of San Martín, Buenos Aires District Authority. On 21 March 1998, Marcelo Atencio underwent medical examination and a number of minor injuries were found. During the preliminary steps ordered by the court, it was discovered that he had been examined by the police physician on duty at the time