INR WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTS IN HUMAN RIGHTS NO. 62, JUNE 28, 1978[SANITIZED] - 1978/06/28

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Keywords: HUMAN RIGHTS
• Collection: Argentina Declassification Project - The "Dirty War" (1976-83)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 00951321
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 9
• Document Creation Date: April 3, 2019
• Document Release Date: April 12, 2019
• Publication Date: June 28, 1978

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INR WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
OF DEVELOPMENTS IN HUMAN RIGHTS .
No. 62, June 28, 1978
AFRICA
Mobutu Announces Amnesty. In an extemporaneous speech on
June 24, President Mobutu announced that he intended to submit
a draft law to the Legislative Council providing amnesty for
Zairian refugees living in neighboring countries. On June 27
the Council unanimously approved the measure and extended it
to include political, prisoners in Zaire accused of "attacking
the security of the state.", According to Zairian radio, Mobutu
is expected to sign the bill within the next few days. Opposition
groups in Paris and Brussels have already declared that they do
not intend to take advantage of the amnesty. (CONFIDENTIAL,
Kinshasa 6603, June 24; UNCLASSIFIED, FBIS, June 27)
INF< Comment The amnesty, combined with other measures
that Mobutu announced on June 24, indicates a more forthcoming
attitude on his part toward pressures for reform. The amnesty
and the end of the emergency in Shaba also pave the way for
additional steps toward.iMproved relations between the Kinshasa
regime and Shaba. What remains to be seen, however, is the
extent to which Mobutu will, in fact, follow through.
(CONFIDENTIAL)
LATIN AMERICA
-Argentina
Human Rights Trends (INR Review and Analysis). Argentina's
human rights record in 1978 displays some improvement over the
1976-77 period, but conditions have changed little in the last
six months. Serious abuses still occur, despite reports of
efforts by military officials to curb renegade counterterrorist
activities. There is a reasonable prospect for gradual but
significant improvement over the next year or so, however, in
the meantime, the Argentines will probably pursue a damage-
limiting strategy in their relations with the US.
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In recent weeks, President Videla's government has taken
several noteworthy steps that are designed primarily to defuse
human rights criticism during the OAS General Assembly
(June 21-30).A
--On June 20, the Inter-American Human Rights Commission
was invited to pay a "special visit" to investigate
"legal-judicial conditions."
--President Videla is said to have informed an archbishop
on June 19 that 14 labor leaders would be released and
the cases of others reviewed.
--Alfredo Bravo, a well-known labor leader and rights
activist, returned home on conditional liberty on
June 16 after 10 months in jail.
s--Two restrictions on press freedom were rescinded on
June 5.
Impleidentation of well-timed human rights "concessions" has
been a consistent Argentine tactic over the past two years.
The prospects for gradual improvement during the coming
months will be enhanced by the continued diminution of the
terrorist threat and the likelihood that Videla and his fellow
moderates in the armed forces will consolidate their control
over the security forces. On the latter point,
50-60
junior and noncommissioned officers have been detained for
abuses during security operations, a number of others have been
reassigned, and over 400 policemen have been disciplined in the
last 18 months. 'We will be better able to assess the impact of
these steps after termination of the artificial environment
created by theWorld Cup soccer competition (June 1-25), during
which the security apparatus has been treading very lightly.
Those favoring gradual human rights improvements will argue
that such a policy serves Argentina's domestic and international
interests.
--Domestically, it will remove human rights considerations
as a divisive factor and an inhibition on the military's
reconstruction plans,
--Internationally, it will restore Argentina's tarnished
image, decrease the possibility of new political and
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economic sanctions, and open the way to improved
relations with the US.
The Argentines are willing to abide strained relations
with the US beeauae they assign a higher priority to their
counterterrorist objectives. Videla will feel forced to react,
however, when, as called for by the Kennedy-Humphrey Amendment,
all US security assistance is terminated bn September 30.
Even so, he will probably try to assuage nationalistic
sensitivities without unduly affronting the US. (CONFIDENTIAL/
NOFORN)
Brazil
Geisel Announces Constitutional Reform. Embassy Brasilia
reports that in a nationwide address on 3ine 23 President Geisel
anndunced a constitutional reform package which would re-
establish the principle of habeas corpus "in cases of political
crimes against the national security and the economic and
sociaL,order." Elaborating on the reform package, which still
must win congressional approval, Geisel stated that it would also:
--provide legal guarantees of life tenure for the judiciary;
--assure the inviolability of legislators exercising
their mandate to speak and vote (except in cases of
crimes against national security);
--regulate the organization and functions of political
parties; and
--end presidential authority to recess legislative bodies,
. declare a state of siege without legislative consent,
suspend individual political rights, and banish Brazilians.
Noting that the reform package was neither perfect nor exhaustive,
the President indicated that it was "better to have a good
package that can be approved in good time than tp try for an
optimum result that might never be achieved." He added that
the package represented "the closing of a first cycle of
reforms that my government proposes to make."
The Embassy considers that Geisel's current effort
represents a considerable and positive step forward, reflect-
ing pressures that have been exerted on the regime largely
through public debate by an aroused civilian elite supported
by broad segments in the military. (LIMITED OFFICIAL USE)
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Mexico
Student Death Triggers Riots. Rioting of several
thousand-studdnts in Matamoros on June 26 was touched off by
the death of a'youth who allegedly had been beaten while in
police custody. When the mayor of the city refused their
demands that the police chief be fired, mobs set fire to
the city hall, two state courts, and several automobi]es.
Windows were smashed in five banks, and at least 30 stores
were looted. Press reports indicate casualties of at least
one student killed and 30 injured. Federal troops
restored order after four hours. Two Matamoros policemen
have been jailed in connection with the death. (UNCLASSIFIED,
Matamoros 57, June 27; UNCLASSIFIED, Associated Press 9, 72,
112, June 27)
NEAR EAST AND SOUTH ASIA
Iran
'Shah Continues Liberalization Steps. The Shah told
Ambassador Sullivan in late March that, despite the continuing
unrest, he remained committed to a policy of political
liberalization. Recent government actions seem to underscore
this pledge. In early June, the Justice Minister announced a
revision of the military judicial procedure code. Under the
new procedures:
--civilian lawyers have the right to plead before a
military court;
--restrictions on the number of defense lawyers at
each trial are removed;
--detainees may have defense lawyers make final statements
before examining magistrates; and
--defense lawyers have up to 20 days to study a case, as
is the practice in civilian criminal courts.
The Minister also announced that the government was now con-
sidering reforming other judicial statutes.
"Progressive" lawyers have told Embassy Tehran officers
that they will monitor court cases closely for evidence of
improper procedure on the part of the government, prosecutors,
and judges. These lawyers were heartened by the freedom in
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which the June 10 elections to the executive board of the
Iranian Lawyer's Federation were conducted. In those elections,
"progressives� and "progressive"-supported independents won
9 of the 12board seats. Moreover, the courts apparently have
demonstrated gteater care in handling cases of those charged
with participating in recent riots. These actions have been
taken even though unrest continues, albeit on a much reduced
scale from last month. (CONFIDENTIAL, Tehran 2995, 4466, 5445,
5944, 5962, 5965, March 28, May 10, June 7, June 21, 21, and
21, respectively)
INR Comment. The Shah expects disorders to continue as
dissidents test the limits of his liberalization program.
Nevertheless, he seems to have realized that, while a reversal
of that policy might end public manifestations of turmoil, it
would not cure the root causes of the violence. He seems con-
vinCed that, over the long run, his tactics will defuse much of
the'opposition to his regime and also enhance Iran's standing
in the West. The recent easing of violence may give him some
breat4ing space to work toward a more stable political order.
(CONFIDENTIAL)
USSR AND EASTERN EUROPE
Soviet Union
Plight of'ffovieI. Pentecostal Church Worsens. Leaders of
the Soviet Pentecostal Church recently have expressed concern about
increased regime pressure against their church. They see it as
retaliation for, their rdusal to register and accept limita-
tions imposed by Soviet law on preaching and seeking converts.
They fear that. Soviet authorities intend to destroy the church
as part of the campaign against organized dissent. Pentecostal
leaders see emigration as their only Alternative, even though
all applications by Pentecostal believers for exit visas have
been rejected during the past two years. One source has
estimated that some 20,000 Pentecostalists are actively seeking
to emigrate. Frustrated by repeated refusals, seven
Pentecostalists forced their way into Embassy Moscow on June 27.
They say that they will not leave until they receive exit visas
and are rejoined by a youth seized by the police at the Embassy
entrance.
Georgiy Vins on Hunger Strike. Imprisoned dissident
Baptist leader Georgiy Vins began a hunger strike on June 12
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after being severely beaten and placed in an isolation cell.
According to bis wife, the USSR Supreme Soviet Presidium refuses
to accept a petition for clemency unless Vins first admits his
guilt --.a course of action he rejects on principle. At the
same time, Vin. feels that he is no longer able to carry on
his ministry in the Soviet Union and has expressed willingness
to emigrate. On June 20, visiting American Baptist leaders con-
veyed the concern of American Baptists over Vis' plight to the
Chairman of the Ukrainian Council on Religious Affairs. They
reported that the official's attitude was "unsympathetic and
unresponsive." (CONFIDENTIAL)
EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
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Q.1 ' , Detained Students Released. Over the weekend, the
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1I government honored a previous public commitment and released
26 student activists arrested for involvement in protests prior
� to the'March meetings of the People's Consultative Assembly.
Those released constitute only the second echelon of arrested
student leaders, however.&proximately 35 more prominent
students are still detainee, of whom some 15 reportedly will
be tried in court. (CONFIDENTIAL, Jakarta 8598, June 27)
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INR Comment. The releases may give a new impetus to newly
resurfacing anti-government campus restiveness. In the past,
the government has dealt with student protests through a com-
bination of arrests and the use of faculty-student communication
channels. The government recently dismantled the latter,
however, and future student protests may not be so easily
quelled. This Could lead to increased arrests. (CONFIDENTIAL)
Philippines
Prominent Detainees Released. The Philippine Church
Task Force on Detainees (TFD)-provided Embassy Manila on June 22
with a list of 50 "political detainees" released by the Marcos
government thus far in June. Prominent among those.released were:
--the six opposition leaders released on June 5;
--Nelia Sancho, "the Red Beauty Queen," a Philippine
University student and beauty contestant detained
in 1976 on charges of involvement with the Communist
New People's Army;
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--Mario and Melvin Cayabyab, a married couple who were
among those reportedly tortured by Philippine security.
agents in the post-April 7 election crackdown;
--Father Emanuel Nabayra, one of seven Davao priests
charged with subversion; and
--three co-defendants of Father De La Torre, another
Davao priest also charged with subversion (De La Torre
is still in detention). (LIMITED OFFICIAL USE,
Manila 10604, June 23)
INR Comment. We are uncertain about the ultimate status
of these cases. In a series of announcements early in June,
Marcos ordered charges against some detainees dropped, promised
amnesty for others, and directed that still others be released
temporarily from detention. Earlier reporting indicated that
the charges against some of the detainees mentioned above had
been dropped. A TFD staffer, however, had the impression that,
with the exception of the six opposition leaders, the releases
from detention are only temporary and formal charges remain
against the individuals. (LIMITED OFFICIAL USE)
Assassination Plot Defendants Released. Antonio
Nepomuceno and seven codefendants, charged in 1972 with
attempting to assassinate-President Marcos, were released from
detention on June 16, according to Nepomuceno's wife.
President Marcos earlier had announced their release as part
of his June 10 directive on amnesty for detainees.
(LIMITED OFFICIAL USE, Manila 10604, June 23)
INR Comment: Nepomuceno, who was accused along with
Serge Osmena, Jr. and Eugenio Lopez in the assassination plot,
has been the subject of considerable interest by Amnesty Inter-
national, which has lobbied extensively for his release. Under
the terms of his release, the charges remain outstanding but
his trial has been indefinitely suspended. (LIMITED UFICIAL USE)
Taiwan
Political Activist Arrested. Chen Chu, a 28-year-old
native Taiwanese political activist, is being held by the
Taiwan Garrison Command after her arrest on June 23. She had
been in hiding since her house was searched on June 15. Formal
charges, if any, will not be brought until an investigation of
her case is completed. A June 26 Garrison Command press
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release stated, however, that "unlawful reactionary documents
and books" had been found in her house.
%
Chen was Active in an independent politician's election
campaign last November, contributed to a book on those
elections,. and wrote a rather inflammatory poem published in.
a new oppositionist magazine. The government confiscated
both the book and the magazine upon publication. (CONFIDENTIAL,
Taipei 3925, 3978, 4010, 4022, June 22, 24, 26, and 27,
respectively)
INR Comment. Chen's case has attracted considerable
attention on Taiwan. Many believe that its handling by the
authorities will indicate the government's, attitude toward the
recent upsurge in independent political activity on Taiwan.
The unusual issuance by the Garrison Command of a press release
on the incident may indicate, in itself, that the. government
will proceed cautiously. (CONFIDENTIAL)
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SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Philippines
Aquino Amnesty/Exile Still Up ih the Air. An amnesty/exile
agreement for imprisoned Philippine opposition leader Benign()
Aquino, widely rumored as imminent for the past three weeks,
reportedly still is under consideration. President Marcos is
continuing to delay a final decision on the matter,
Marcos is annoyed
with, the "heavy pressure" from the US to release Aquino and
has postponed the decision because he does not want to appear
to be submitting to US pressure after his having placed so
much emphasis on national sovereignty. First Lady Imelda Marcos,
and possibly Foreign Minister Romulo, have been lobbying
against amnesty for Aquino, who they fear will be a potent
anti-Marcos foe in the US.
Marcos does not trust Aquino's
pledge to abstain from any exile activity which would "impair
the prestige or security, of the Philippines." He is consider-
ing making ,Aquino's releae contingent upon a US guarantee of
Aquino's good behavior in this regard.
Aquino and his supporters are still optimistic that an
agreement will be worked out in the near future.
the long delay in the expected release is
putting great strain on Aquino and his family. (SECRET/NOFORN/
NOCONTRACT/ORCON,
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