TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 225

CONFIDENTIAL

UPPER VOLTA

Report by HM Embassy, Abidjan.

Right No.

(i)

(ii)

Rating Suggested

by Post

All criminals are brought to trial. "Political" prisoners, though not classed as such, number probably not more than 30 to 40 and receive, it is believed, some kind of summary trial though not a public one.

Police brutality, but not torture

P

in the case of petty criminals - is not

3

usually

uncommon.

3

(iii)

There is no slavery.

О

(iv)

There is complete freedom of speech. independent press also exists. But radio is state controlled.

An

(v)

The judiciary is entirely independent.

O

(vi)

There is complete freedom. The Trade Unions represent in a way the political parties which were dissolved in 1974.

(vii)

There is no restriction on emigration.

О

CONFIDENTIAL

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