E/CN.4/1998/38 page 10 Special Rapporteur sent to the Government the observations made by the source on the replies. In addition to that, the Special Rapporteur retransmitted the cases which had not been replied to. Observations 36. The Special Rapporteur’s observations of last year (E/CN.4/1997/7, para. 37) appear to remain pertinent. Burundi 37. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government four urgent appeals, including one in conjunction with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi. Cameroon 38. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government information on three individual cases and one case involving three persons and received a reply in each case. He also sent two urgent appeals, both collective. Observations 39. The Special Rapporteur notes his outstanding request for an invitation to visit the country. Contacts with the Permanent Mission lead him to hope that progress may be made in this respect. Chad 40. In a letter dated 26 May 1997, the Special Rapporteur informed the Government that he had received information that the torture of persons arrested for political reasons was a widespread practice throughout Chadian territory. One of the commonly used methods of torture reported is known as “arbatachar” which involves tying the victim's arms and legs behind his back, thus causing extreme pain, open wounds and, in some cases, gangrene. Another technique is to use two metal rulers or two pieces of iron held together with two elastic bands which the torturers fit onto the head of the victim, who is tied in the “arbatachar” position against a tree or a pole; they then beat in time on the metal rulers or pieces of iron several times for at least one hour using another piece of iron. Cases of prisoners stuffed into burlap sacks and thrown into the Logone river had also been reported. 41. Violence against women, including the rape of young girls, also seemed to be very widespread. The persons responsible seemed to be not only the security forces, but also armed opposition groups. Because of the social stigma attached to rape, the victims hardly dare to seek medical attention, much less speak out or file a complaint. 42. The reports also stated that persons suspected of belonging to the armed opposition were singled out for ill-treatment. In the majority of cases, they were allegedly tortured at the time of arrest or inside gendarmerie premises by soldiers and gendarmes trying to obtain information. Some prisoners were also said to be tortured in National Security Agency premises.