The Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa has outrightly condemned the unlawful detention condition of inmates at the Kondengui maximum security prison in Yaoundé. The founder, Barrister Agbor Balla, issued the following release today:
“The Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa in observance with the norms and principles of both Cameroonian laws and international laws and/or the Basic Principles by the United Nations on the treatment of detainees strongly condemns the torture and neglect of health concerns of certain detainees at the Yaoundé Central prison in Cameroon.
That the following detainees have critical health concerns needing urgent medical attention to which the prison administration has paid no attention. Those with Eye Cataracts include inter alia; Njino Titus, Tambert Norbert, Ambe Louis, Fru Lesley, Atanga Celestine and Fon Evaristus. Others with eye conditions include; Anye Divine and Ambeisie Divine.
Mbah Rene and Penn Terence Khan are victims of Spinal Discomfort and pain resulting from Torture. Ngwashiri Joseph Ngalang (Chest pain), Ngalim Felix Safeh (swollen legs like Elephantiasis), Yuka Edward (Diabetic), Khan Marcel (severe pain in the legs), Awah Thomas (tuberculosis), Fri Christabel (swollen stomach), Bah Paulinus (Semi paralysis), Acha Ivo (broken arm by bullet with iron Inside), Ajabe Felix (broken leg with iron inside), Anye Divine, Efuet Armstrong (irregular teeth growth), Rev. Fr. Ambeizei Andrew (partial paralysis) and Asaah Patrick Ndangoh (constant back pain). Others with severe conditions include: Tah Emile Agwe, Ambesie Divine and Platini.
Wirba Diminus was severely tortured with the use of a hot electric iron resulting in severe bodily harm. Attached below are pictures of Awah Thomas the detainee sick of tuberculosis. It shows his state before he was detained and after his detention.
It is against this rather pathetic backdrop that the Center urges the state and state penitentiary authorities to respect the rule of law and fundamental human rights of all detainees.
The Center urges the state and state penitentiary authorities to henceforth cease all forms of torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees under their supervision. The Center strongly recommends that immediate medical attention and services be given to the aforementioned and any other sick detainee.”
