E/CN.4/2000/9 page 42 Urgent appeals and replies received 186. On 23 March 1999, the Special Rapporteur transmitted an urgent appeal concerning Dante Ramírez Soto, an inmate at the high security prison, who urgently needed proper medical treatment. He and other inmates were reportedly subjected to torture during an altercation on 5 March 1999 between detainees and anti-riot personnel at the Colina I high security prison and the subsequent transfer of the majority of the inmates involved in the altercation to Colina II. Mr. Ramírez Soto, who was allegedly suffering from the severe aftereffects of gunshot wounds sustained in December 1997, was reportedly punched and kicked at the precise locations of his earlier injuries, especially the head, and his arm was trampled upon. He was also allegedly sprayed with tear gas. He was transferred to the penitentiary hospital but is reportedly not receiving adequate medical treatment, nor is access permitted to a physician from outside the prison. By letter dated 31 May 1999, the Government replied to this urgent appeal. 187. Concerning Dante Ramírez Soto, the Government indicated that he was treated for injuries received when he confronted police officers with a firearm during his apprehension by internal and external staff and after taking part in a hunger strike. He is currently awaiting surgery for the after-effects of injuries sustained during his apprehension and is under preventive detention by order of the Sixth Military Prosecutor's Office of Santiago which, in case No. 1191-97, is prosecuting him for infringement of Act No. 17798 on weapons control. 188. Concerning Omar Hermosilla Marín, he is in preventive custody by order of the Fourth and Sixth Military Prosecutor's Offices which, in cases 94-97 and 321-96, are prosecuting him for infringement of Act No. 18314. He is accused of belonging to a terrorist group and attacking carabineros. In case No. 44465-PL, he has been sentenced for robbery to five years and one day. During his transfer from the high security prison to the Colina penitentiary centre, he was accompanied by paramedical staff who carried out a general examination of all inmates after arrival at the centre. He is currently undergoing physical therapy and is in stable condition with no serious abnormalities. 189. Concerning Pablo Contreras Olivos, the Government indicated that he has been placed in preventive detention by the Second and Fourth Military Prosecutor's Offices in cases Nos. 406-98, 140-98 and 94-97. He is accused of belonging to an armed combat group, stealing war matériel, illicit association and infraction of Act No. 17798. The Government indicated that paramedical staff were present during his transfer but he refused to be examined by prison physicians or forensic medical technicians, a fact which was communicated to the competent court. 190. On 23 March 1999, the Special Rapporteur transmitted an urgent appeal concerning Omar Hermosilla Marín and Pablo Contreras Olivos, prisoners transferred on 6 February 1999 to the Colina II high security prison together with 50 other inmates. Mr. Hermosilla Marín was reportedly hit in the head on 8 March 1999 by prison staff. Mr. Contreras Olivos is said to have been subjected to torture the same day. Both had definite physical after-effects that required urgent medical treatment.