A/HRC/4/33/Add.1 Page 97 Para 70. Country Date 23/10/06 Type JUA Mandate WGAD; FRDX; HRD; TOR; Allegations transmitted Getnet had previously been abducted and beaten in May 2006, allegedly by members of the security forces. He is still suffering from those injuries. Ms Yalemzewd Bekele, a lawyer working on projects related to human rights and civil society for the European Commission’s office in Addis Ababa, and a prominent civil rights lawyer who volunteered with the Ethiopian Women Lawyers' Association (EWLA), Addis Ababa. On the morning of 19 October 2006, Ms Bekele was arrested by the Ethiopian authorities, while trying to cross the border to Kenya. It is believed that Ms Bekele was accompanied by another person at the time of her arrest. The identity and whereabouts of this person are not known. Ms Bekele appears to have been arrested in connection with the publication and distribution by the political opposition, Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), of a calendar of action for nonviolent civil disobedience. Concern is expressed that she may be at risk of torture or ill-treatment, in view of allegations that Alemayehu Fantu, the owner of a chain of supermarkets in Addis Ababa, who was also arrested in connection with the calendar, was tortured in detention at Woreda 8 Police Station, Gulele District, Addis Ababa. Government Response By letter dated 09/11/06, the Government reported that Ethiopian law enforcement agencies have scrupulously followed appropriate legal procedures and due process of law while taking. Mr Alemayehu Fantu and Ms Yalemzewd Bekele into custody. The allegations that they were tortured and illtreated during arrest and detention are simply unfounded. Ethiopian domestic laws and international human rights instruments ratified by Ethiopian condemns any form of torture. The treatment of these individuals adhered to the letter and spirit of these laws and norms. While in detention, both were allowed visits by their family, friends and religious counselors. Ms Yalemzewd Bekele made no allegations of torture and mistreatment after her release on 26 October 2006. The European Union has officially confirmed that Ms Bekele was in good spirit and physical condition after her release. Ms Bekele’s arrest and detention do not have any relation with her alleged association with EWLA or her work supported by the European Union. Similarly, the arrest of Mr Fantu has no connection with his business activities or any other peaceful conduct of political activism. Their arrest is related to alleged crimes committed in violation of Ethiopian penal law.