that the Complainants have not exhausted local remedies, and secondly, that there has been no violation of the provisions of the African Charter. 55. With regards to the exhaustion of local remedies, the Respondent State submits that the PPO issued a decision on 25 December 2005 ordering the police to stop the inquiry because there was no ground for criminal proceedings. It argues that this decision was justified by three reasons: AC HP R firstly, the culprits had not been identified, secondly, the police officers accused of beating the alleged victims were not on the scene at the time, and thirdly the medical reports submitted by the victims were contradictory and could not lead to the identification of the culprits. 56. The Respondent State argues that the decision by the PPO was temporary and that the case could be re-opened if new evidences emerge to the effect that the culprits have been identified and the police would be asked to continue with their inquiry. The Respondent State submits that procedures could still be pursued and criminal proceedings could be initiated if new evidences arise. 57. The Respondent State submits that:  Investigations were carried following the complaints lodged on 25 May 2005;  Witnesses as well as police officers were interrogated;  Videotapes and CDs submitted by the Complainants were viewed; and  Submitted medical reports were examined. 13