superior. However, in the case of police officers on duty and members of the armed forces, responsibility fell solely on the superior who had given the order. Furthermore, disciplinary measures could be imposed by a supervisory body of the police force upon police officers who had violated another’s human rights. 330. With regard to article 3 of the Convention, the representative explained that in relation to extradition matters Panama adhered to the norms established by the Bustamanti Code and the Caracas Convention and that the extradition of a person would not be permissible if there were evidence that it might lead to his being tortured, executed or persecuted. 331. Concerning article 4 of the Convention, the representative informed the Committee that specific provisions of the Penal Code were devoted to matters relating to torture and other human rights violations. 332. In respect of article 9 of the Convention, the representative indicated that mutual legal cooperation existed between Panama and other States regardless of whether a formal bilateral agreement was in place. 333. In connection with article 10 of the Convention, the representative explained that compulsory training programmes were organized for doctors, lawyers etc. to ensure that they were fully aware of all aspects of human rights issues. 334. With respect to article 11 of the Convention, the representative indicated the measures his Government had taken to implement the minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners and he pointed out that there had been no cases of torture in prison establishments. With regard to pre-trial detention, he stated that the prison authorities must receive a written detention order and that there were no cases of pre-trial detention having lasted longer than one year. He also indicated that Panamanian law provided that the police were entitled to detain a suspect for 24 hours before the rule of habeas corpus applied. Guarantees were provided to ensure that persons were not subjected to coercion when making statements and persons accused of having committed an offence were entitled to make their statements in the presence of a lawyer. Furthermore, all interviews were recorded and the accused had the right to appeal if he felt that constitutional guarantees had been violated. 335. Regarding article 13 of the Convention, the representative indicated that persons who considered themselves victims of torture were entitled to apply for administrative redress and to initiate proceedings in the courts. 336. Concerning article 14 of the Convention, the representative explained that Panamanian legislation provided for compensation in the event of civil liability for wrongful arrest and that if the plaintiff were unable financially to sustain his own case, the State was under the obligation to provide funds for that purpose. Moreover, technical and medical services were provided under the social security system and included therapy for persons suffering from a mental disorder. 337. With respect to article 16 of the Convention, the representative informed the Committee that cases involving mentally ill persons were assessed by the Institute of Forensic Medicine and that criminal proceedings would be suspended until the person was considered fit for trial. Psychiatric institutions did exist in Panama exclusively in the interests of treating persons with mental illness and there were no cases in Panama of persons being or having been held in psychiatric institutions on the grounds of their political opinion. -55-