National youth service training - Solidarity Peace Trust

Left buttock, thigh and leg: 22 linear lesions in all directions, partially hyper-pigmented, partially depigmented,
20 cm to 5 cm long up to one cm broad. 8 of these lesions consist of double-stranded
lesions. Furthermore, multiple smaller linear marks and lesions.
On the anterior aspect of the thigh and left knee, 5 circular lesions 1 – 2 cm in size.
Opinion:
There is full agreement between the description of torture and the numerous clinical findings. All
lesions are compatible with lesions approx two weeks old. The majority of the lesions have clearly
been inflicted with straight instruments like sjamboks. The “candy striped” lesion is fully consistent
with an injury caused by beating with a chain. The number and appearance of the lesions, all over the
body, put his statements about torture beyond any doubt.
Conclusion of clinical examinations
• Our investigation shows beyond any doubt that politically motivated torture continues to
be a problem post election.
• Groups affiliated to the government commit torture and ill-treatment, as indicated
consistently by all cases examined in our series.
• The fact that all were tortured or ill treated for politic motives, and the fact that no
prosecutions against perpetrators have been made in any of the cases, points to a
deliberate policy by the authorities.
• The pattern of impunity is further underlined by the fact that perpetrators do not care
whether they torture people who can identify them, or whether their torture or ill
treatment leaves marks that can easily be recognised as caused by torture.
• Our findings are in complete agreement with the findings of the January 2002 mission,
and with the descriptions of recent cases given by other NGOs
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