INVESTIGATIONS are being stepped up into complaints of torture and ill-treatment, said Nawaf Abdulla Hamza, the head of a special investigation unit at the Public Prosecution.

He said that more accused are being called for. The unit received during March 122 cases from the Interior Ministry. Of these, 120 were questioned and 58 referred to the medical examiner.

Mr Hamza also said that they have recently interrogated 56 defendants and referred nine cases to the courts, stressing that the unit continues to make every effort to accommodate the growing number of new complaints as well as those already referred by the Interior Ministry.

He highlighted that out of the keenness of Public Prosecution for the physical safety of convicts in various cases, the attorney-general has asked to assign international experts to examine two convicts, Abdulhadi Al Khawaja and Hassan Mushiama. The doctors presented reports on their health status pointing out that they are in good health when they were medically examined.

Mr Hamza stressed that all citizens have the right to directly address the unit at the Public Prosecution headquarters.

They may also address any of the district prosecutions to take preliminary procedures including presenting those who complain to be checked by the medical examiner in accordance with Article 12 of the Provisions of the Convention Against Torture.

This is also in accordance with provisions of Istanbul Protocol concerned with investigation and documentation of torture and other ill-treatment and inhuman, degrading and cruel punishment. Mr Hamza said the district prosecution submits the cases immediately to the unit for disposal.