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restriction since his government was overthrown by a coup d'état in June 1965. Al was also concerned at the introduction of the death sentence in February 1975 to punish drug smuggling "of such a nature as to undermine the moral health of the Algerian people".
Angola
Following the overthrow of the Caetano regime in Portugal in April 1974, the new Portuguese government began independence talks with the leaders of the three recognized liberation movements. These talks resulted in an agreement, signed in January 1975, establishing a provisional government to lead Angola to full independence on 11 November 1975.
Soon after the Portuguese coup d'état, all Angolan political prisoners were released. Recognizing their needs, AI has provided financial assistance to a rehabilitation project.
Since it took power, divisions within the transitional government, which includes representatives from the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), have led to violent clashes between supporters of the three movements. Censorship of the press has been re-imposed and a number of individuals have been deported and imprisoned in Portugal.
Botswana
Amnesty International has been particularly concerned throughout the year about the situation of South African and Rhodesian refugees in Botswana. Their number increased during the last months of 1974 when, following the arrest of many officials of the South African Students' Organization and the Black Peoples' Convention in South Africa, approximately 35 young supporters of those organizations took refuge in Botswana. The International Secretariat has been in contact with the Botswana government and the United Nations High Commiss- ioner for Refugees regarding the status and security against repatriation afforded to this latest group of refugees, some of whom were formerly detained or banned in South Africa. AI is presently considering a scheme for the provision of relief assistance.
The vulnerability of refugees in Botswana was vividly demonstrated during 1974. In October, Ethan Dube, an official of the Zimbabwe African Peoples' Union (ZAPU) and a Rhodesian national, was forcibly abducted from
Francistown. Reports suggest that Mr Dube was kidnapped by members of the Rhodesian security forces although the Rhodesian government has denied any in- volvement in the affair.
Burundi
During 1974, Amnesty International adoption groups continued to work actively on the cases of six prisoners convicted of political offences at a major trial in July 1971. One of these adoptees, Ernest Basita, was placed on the AI greetings card campaign in December 1974. The following month a number of Al groups and members who sent cards to Mr Basita received replies from him
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