In April 1994 the 11 suspects testified before a judge that they were subjected to repeated acts of torture by members of the military. All eleven also testified that they had been tortured during their detention in the OID, prior to signing self-incriminating statements. In August 1994 another judge ruled that there was not a case to answer in relation to four of the 11 defendants and ordered their unconditional release. Despite this conclusion, Amnesty International believes that the accused may also have been tortured in the OID headquarters. Amnesty International believes that torture is a gross violation of the fundamental right to the physical and mental integrity of the individual.
Torture is unacceptable under all circumstances, in all places and at all times.
Amnesty International also believes that torture is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights, the gravity of which cannot be minimized. The organization believes that allegations of torture should always be investigated by an independent body and the perpetrators brought to justice. Amnesty International has written to the Ministro Juez de la Cuarta Sala de la Corte Superior de Justicia de Quito, a high court judge presiding over the audiencia de estrados, a judicial hearing due to open on 22 March 1995. The organization requested the judge to take into account the present document. The organization has reminded the judge that he is under an obligation to adhere to international fair trial standards to which Ecuador is party.