CONFIDENTIAL
MALI
Report by HM Embassy, Dakar
General Observations
The position in Mali is about average for an African one-party state. Some political prisoners still exist. There have in the past been some repressive actions against nomads whom the government has been trying to bring under closer control. This issue seems to have died down recently. But in the move towards a draft constitution and civilian rule, the trend is towards greater liberalism.
Right No.
Rating suggested
by Post
(i)
Some political prisoners still exist. trial means satisfactory trial' bad marks should be awarded.
If
5
(ii)
There is no torture in the full sense of the word, but some evidence of police
brutality.
3
(iii)
There is no slavery.
O
(iv)
All information is controlled by the government. Very little information is made public.
6
(v)
The independence of the judiciary is fairly problematic.
7
(vi)
Trade unions are tightly controlled by State.
7
(vii) Emigration is not a topical issue, but because
of the repressive actions against nomads, we have suggested a high rating under this heading.
7
CONFIDENTIAL
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