E/CN.4/1992/17 page 31 Ethnic Group). It was alleged that prisoners held in Asmara were usually held incommunicado at the Mariam Ghimbi security prison and were often subjected to torture while being interrogated. Urgent appeals and Government replies 99. On 19 February 1991 the Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government of Greece concerning H a u t Yalcin, a Turkish national who had been arrested on 21 January 1991 by Narcotic Branch agents of the Athens Police, together with another Turkish national, Suleyman Akyar, who died on 29 January 1991 in the Flat hospital, allegedly as a result of serious blows inflicted by police during interrogation. In the light of these circumstances fears had been expressed that Mr. Yalcin might be interrogated under torture and that his physical integrity, and even his life, might be in danger. 100. On 15 March 1991 the Government provided information concerning the two persons mentioned in the Special Rapporteur's appeal and the charges against them. Regarding Halit Yalcin, it was stated that no ill-treatment whatsoever, had ever been reported to the police. On the contrary, during interrogation under oath, on 5 February 1991, while in police custody, Mr. Yalcin never complained of or hinted at having been tortured. Consequently fears expressed that he might be interrogated under torture were groundless. Suleiman Akyar, had tried to attack a police officer following his arrest on 21 January 1991, and had been overpowered by other officers who handcuffed him. He then ran amok and knocked his head on the ground. At midnight, while he was being kept in custody in an office of the Narcotics Branch, Suleiman Akyar felt ill all of a sudden and informed his guard accordingly. He later lost consciousness. He was immediately transported by ambulance to the Red Cross hospital where he was given first aid. Hence, he was transported to the K.A.T. hospital in Kifissia (hospital for emergency cases) where he was kept for treatment of the wounds caused by his clash with the policemen. On 25 January 1991, his condition improved and he was able to be removed from the artificial breathing unit. Though his condition was progressing in a satisfactory manner, on 28 February it seriously deteriorated and Akyar Suleiman died the following day at 3.00 p.m. His body was transported to the morgue. The post-mortem examination established that death occurred as a result of pneumonia. While in police custody, Akyar Suleiman was seen by Halit Yalcin who pointed out that he had seen Akyar at the police station, that he looked tired and unwell, but showed no signs of injury. He also stressed that neither had he seen nor had been informed about Akyar being tortured by policemen, either on or outside police premises. The Government added that the judicial authorities had already been involved and a preliminary investigation was being carried out. Letters 101. On 18 October 1991 the Special Rapporteur sent a letter to the Government of Greece transmitting information on the following cases: