Soldiers Held in Coup Complain of Abuse

Some of the soldiers arrested after a failed coup last month say they are being starved and beaten in jail and denied legal and medical aid, human rights investigators said. The investigators were allowed to interview a few of the men after twice being denied access, said Judge Lombe Chibesakunda, head of the state-appointed Human Rights Commission. The London-based human rights organization Amnesty International has accused the government of torturing 34 detainees suspected of involvement in the revolt. But Chibesakunda said in a statement that investigators found all the prisoners in good condition except two who had complained of torture. He added that prison officials promised to ensure that medical attention is provided to detainees who need it.