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Press Release

European Committee for the Prevention of Torture: 
Publication of the report on its visit to Sweden

STRASBOURG, 16.3.92 - The Swedish authorities have decided to make public the report of the 26-nation Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture on its visit to Sweden in May 1991.

Under Article 11 of the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the information gathered by the Committee in relation to a visit, its report and its consultations with the State concerned are confidential. However, the Committee shall publish its report, together with any comments of the State concerned, whenever requested to do so by that State.

Following the visit, an ongoing dialogue has been established between the Committee and the Swedish authorities.

The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture was set up under the Council of Europe's 1987 Convention and is in force between Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, The Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

The Committee's task is to examine the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty. For this purpose, it is entitled to visit any place where such persons are held by a public authority. It may formulate recommendations to strengthen, if necessary, their protection against torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The Committee organises periodic visits as well as any other visits which appear to it to be required in the circumstances.

The Committee's report on its visit to Sweden can be obtained from the Committee for the Prevention of Torture's Secretariat (Tel. 88 41 20 00, extension 31 33; fax 88 41 27 72) or from Sabine ZIMMER, Press Department (Tel. 88 41 25 97; fax 88 41 27 90).