E/CN.4/2000/9 page 78 coronary artery). The Government indicated that he was currently receiving treatment consisting of arterial dilation, hypertension reduction and medication for respiratory problems. The Government indicated that his condition was stable and that he was preparing to sit a number of examinations as part of his enrolment in the Faculty of Law at Cairo University and Faculty of Commerce at Helwan University. He had already sat an examination for a public health diploma at Cairo University. The Government informed the Special Rapporteur that he had been granted leave of absence to sit an examination for the British Royal College of Medicine's fellowship degree in paediatrics on 1 October 1997. Concerning Dr. Muhammad al-Sayyid Ahmed Habib, the Government replied that he was sentenced to five years' imprisonment with hard labour in military felony case number 8/95. The Government informed the Special Rapporteur that the state of his health was normal and that he is being treated for a high blood sugar level. He had previously received treatment for salt in his urine and for sinusitis. 377. Concerning Muhammad Khairat Saad Abdel Latif al-Shater, the Government replied that he was sentenced to five years' imprisonment with hard labour and was receiving treatment for hypertension and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but otherwise his condition was stable. 378. Concerning Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed Omar al-Arini, the Government indicated that on 24 July 1996 he was examined by the chief medical officer of the Tura penitentiary as he was complaining of pains in his lower back and knees. The medical examination showed that he was suffering from geriatric disorders for which he was given appropriate medical treatment. The Government replied that he was again examined by a doctor on 11 August 1998 as he was suffering from urinary retention. The Government indicated that he was then sent to the Manyal University Hospital at Cairo for the urgent insertion of a urinary catheter. After numerous medical tests, the Government indicated, he underwent an operation for the removal of an enlarged prostate on 13 August 1998 and was returned to the penitentiary on 15 September 1998 after his state of health had improved. 379. Concerning Mahmoud Ali Abu Rayya, the Government indicated that he was sentenced in State security case number 5/96 and later released on 2 June 1999 after serving his sentence. The Government informed the Special Rapporteur that on 9 May 1996, he was sent to Manyal University Hospital as he was suffering from an enlarged liver, abdominal "dropsy", swelling of the legs and was unable to concentrate. He was retained for treatment and medical observation until 15 May 1996. The Government further replied that, on 24 November 1996, he was sent back to the Manyal University Hospital for a check-up, tests and x-rays of his oesophagus, liver and digestive system. The results of the tests were that the majority of his internal organs were in good condition except for his liver and spleen, which were slightly enlarged. The Government noted that he was given appropriate medical treatment. He received further treatment on 11 December 1996 at the Tura penitentiary hospital for suspected epidemic hepatitis, and on 15 May 1997 he was returned to Manyal University Hospital for medical tests including x-rays of his prostate, which, after being found to be enlarged, was treated with appropriate medical treatment. The Government further stated that on 3 March 1998 he was examined by a specialist at the Tura penitentiary hospital for a nasal obstruction. The treating physician advised against a surgical operation as he was suffering from liver failure and anaesthesia might have placed his life at risk. Finally, the Government replied, on 17 March 1999 that he was examined by an ophthalmologist at the prison hospital for an