There were no reports of political or other extrajudicial killings. There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances. Although the Constitution prohibits such practices, government statistics for 1995 showed 615 complaints against police officials for illegitimate use of force, a decrease of 61 compared with 1994. In six cases, police officials were convicted and required to pay fines. In nine cases, officers faced disciplinary proceedings, and in one case, the disciplinary proceeding was terminated.
Prison conditions meet minimum international standards.
The Government is a party to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, which includes a provision for human rights monitoring missions. In individual cases, investigating judges or prison directors have jurisdiction over questions of access to the defendant. The Constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile, and the Government observes this prohibition. The grounds required for such investigative detention are specified in the law, as are conditions for bail. The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary, and the Government respects this provision in practice.