CAT/C/35/D/238/2003
Page 15
apparently demonstrated by an arrest warrant dating from 1994. The Committee has
finally noted the complainant’s submissions about his involvement in the Norwegian
section of the EPRP. Nevertheless, in the Committee’s view, the complainant has
failed to adduce evidence about the conduct of any political activity of such
significance that would still attract the interest of the Ethiopian authorities at the
current time, nor has he submitted any other tangible evidence to demonstrate that he
continues to be at a personal risk of being tortured if returned to Ethiopia.
13.3 The Committee finds accordingly that, in view of the lengthy period of time
that has elapsed since the events described by the complainant, the information
submitted by the complainant, including the low-level nature of his political activities
in Ethiopia and Norway, coupled with the nature and extent of inconsistencies in the
complainant’s accounts, is insufficient to establish his claim that he would personally
be exposed to a substantial risk of being subjected to torture if returned to Ethiopia at
the present time.
14.
In the light of the above, the Committee against Torture, acting under article
22, paragraph 7 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment, concludes that the decision of the State Party to
return the complainant to Ethiopia would not constitute a breach of article 3 of the
Convention.
[Adopted in English, French, Spanish and Russian, the English text being the original
version.] Subsequently to be issued also in Arabic and Chinese as part of the
Committee’s annual report to the General Assembly.]
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