A/HRC/7/3/Add.2
page 66
torture. It also has powers to make impromptu visits to prisons and other detention
facilities, such as police cells. The High Court has recently upheld the power of the
Commission to visit detention facilities and the Government has issued strict instructions
to prison officers to grant such requests.
304.
Recommendation (d) stated: In line with guidelines 15 and 16 of the United
Nations Guidelines on the Role of Prosecutors, the Attorney-General’s Chambers
should pay particular attention to the diligent prosecution of cases of torture and
similar ill-treatment by law enforcement officials and take appropriate action when
they come across information suggesting that evidence has been obtained by such
methods;
305.
The Department of Public Prosecutions with the Attorney-General’s Office is
undergoing reforms within the public sector reforms under the GLOS Programme. In this
regard, a National Prosecution Policy is being developed. Specialized prosecution units
have been established to cope with some of the challenges posed by new international
crimes.
306.
Recommendation (e) stated: Where there is credible evidence that a person
has been subjected to torture or similar ill-treatment, adequate compensation
should be paid promptly; a system should be put in place to this end;
307.
Recommendation (f) stated: The period of police detention in capital cases
(14 days) should be brought into line with the normal 24-hour period applicable to
persons suspected of other crimes;
308.
Recommendation (g) stated: Confessions made by a person under police
detention without the presence of a lawyer should not be admissible against the
person;
309.
Recommendation (h) stated: Legal aid should be available to anyone held in
police custody or on remand who has not the means to secure legal assistance, with
lawyers being given immediate access to their clients. The Law Society should
consider establishing an appropriate scheme in cooperation with the Government;
310.
Recommendation (i) stated: Close family members of persons detained
should be immediately informed of their relative’s detention and be given access to
them;
311.
Recommendation (j) stated: The police monopoly of issuing P3 forms for
medical examinations should be abandoned;
312.
The Government informed that it is cognizant of the challenges posed by the
current complaint mechanisms in the even that a police officer is the subject of a
complaint. In order to enhance accessibility, the P3 form is now available on-line.
Arrangements are underway to ensure that the forms are readily available in other public
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