316. Recently efforts had been made to reduce preventive detention, sentencing to prison and the prison population, through, inter alia, the revision of the penal system. 317. Finally, the representative of the reporting State outlined more specific measures that had been taken to implement the provisions of the Convention, which included the incorporation within domestic law of the definition of torture and penalties for the violation of human rights ranging from 6 months to 15 years’ imprisonment and mutual legal assistance in matters of extradition. The representative also indicated the importance his Government attached to meeting the requirements of its international human rights obligations and in this connection referred to the construction and functioning of a model prison at La Joya. 318. The members of the Committee expressed their appreciation for the information contained in the report and that provided by the representative of the State party. They also observed that they had received no allegations that torture was practised in Panama. Nevertheless, they wished to receive more information on how the provisions of the Convention, especially article 1, had been incorporated within domestic law. They also requested further information on the status of the Convention in domestic law and on the 23 court decisions relating to the implementation of the Convention, referred to in the report. They wished to receive further information on the organization, functions and independence of the judiciary and administrators. They also wished to receive information on the number of persons in detention, particularly political prisoners, and asked whether the public had welcomed the measures taken by the Government on the depenalization of the judicial system. Further information was also sought on the work of the Panamanian Commission on Human Rights, especially with regard to torture-related matters, and whether non-governmental organizations could regularly inspect and visit prisons and places of detention. Members of the Committee also wished to know whether the Government intended to make a declaration under articles 21 and 22 of the Convention. 319. Concerning article 2 of the Convention, members of the Committee requested further information on the application of provisions of the Judicial Code by which the Administrative Division was empowered to nullify administrative decisions which violated justiciable human rights. They also wished to know whether special courts existed for members of the armed or security forces and whether the jurisdiction of ordinary courts could be suspended, notably in a state of emergency. Clarification was also requested as to the compatibility of Panamanian legislation with provisions of article 2, paragraph 3, of the Convention, according to which an order from a superior officer or a public authority could not be invoked as a justification of torture. 320. In respect of article 3 of the Convention, additional information was sought on the measures taken by the State party to ensure that persons were not extradited to a State where the risk of being subjected to torture existed. 321. Regarding article 4 of the Convention, members of the Committee wished to receive further information on the penalization of acts of torture. 322. Additional information was requested on the implementation of articles 5, 7 and 9 of the Convention, particularly with regard to the full application of the principles of universal jurisdiction and mutual legal assistance. 323. With regard to article 10 of the Convention, further information was sought specifically on the training given to medical personnel for the prohibition of torture and the identification and treatment of torture victims. -53-