E/CN.4/1991/17 page 26 of the questioning the authorities did not use torture nor other forms of ill-treatment. The allegation that he has been subjected to daily torture was therefore unfounded. With regard to the other East Timorese pupils allegedly arrested following a demonstration in Dili on 4 September 1990, it was affirmed that not a single person was arrested or subjected to torture by the security authorities. A number of persons were indeed questioned for partaking in the demonstration, but they were subsequently released as there was no sound reason for the authorities to detain them. Letters and Government replies 83. On 24 July 1990 the Indonesian Government sent a letter to the Special Rapporteur in reply to his communication of 14 November 1989 (see E/CN.4/1990/17, para. 89) concerning several East Timorese people. It was affirmed that several people had been questioned in connection with "a conspiracy to entice security disturbances" during the President's visit to East Timor in November 1988. Following further investigation only two persons, Filomeno Gomes and Anacias Fuca do Carmo, were put on trial and were given prison sentences of seven and six months, respectively. It was further affirmed that throughout the investigation, their right to physical and mental integrity was protected and the proceedings were in strict compliance with Indonesian laws and legal procedures. With regard to the use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment in the interrogation of suspects which is often alleged as being practised by Indonesian security personnel, the Government stated that such treatment is contrary to the State Philosophy, to the basic values of the Indonesian people and to existing legislation and regulations. Any failure to comply with these regulations is subject to disciplinary action. 84. On 6 June 1990 the Special Rapporteur addressed a letter to the Government of Indonesia transmitting information alleging that a large number of Sumatran civilians, described as sympathizers of a so-called Acheh/Sumatra National Liberation Front, were detained during 1989 and allegedly subjected to torture. Most of those arrested were said to be farmers, businessmen and students, principally from villages near the city of Lhok Senmawe, Pase Province. The Lhok Senmawe gaol and Lammenlo gaol were the two prisons where most of those arrested were alleged to be tortured. It was alleged that Indonesian security forces or police were responsible for the arrests and torture. A list of 24 persons, including women, who were allegedly tortured in detention, was transmitted to the Government. 85. On 24 July 1990 the Government replied by affirming that the allegations were totally groundless, and by describing the organization which made them as "a foreign based/sponsored group intent on disintegrating the national unity and territorial integrity of Indonesia". The Government also provided information pertaining to the situation in the province of Aceh, where several security personnel and civilians were recently killed as a result of activity by armed groups. During operations undertaken by the authorities to restore order in the province, a man named Yusuf Ab, believed to be a band leader, was killed in a shoot-out on 1 July 1990, as he defied arrest, and other suspects were arrested. "Since those arrested are involved in criminal activities and have no connection whatsoever with membership of nor are they sympathizers of the so-called Acheh/Sumatra National Liberation Front which is non-existent, the list of cases and persons submitted in the communication cannot be taken seriously. However, a serious investigation is being conducted by the relevant authorities, and due process of law will continue to be strictly observed".