UN body cites numerous torture reports in Russia

GENEVA, Nov 24 (Reuters) A UN human rights body said today it had received numerous and consistent allegations of torture by Russian forces, including in secret detention centres in Chechnya.

The UN Committee against Torture called on Russia to investigate and prosecute all allegations of torture, including ''hazing'' in the military it said was carried out with widespread impunity, and report back in a year.

Its conclusions were issued at the end of a three-week meeting at which its 10 independent experts examined the records of seven countries -- Burundi, Guyana, Hungary, Mexico, Russia, South Africa and Tajikistan.

On Russia, the committee referred to ''widespread use of torture'' and expressed concern at ''the particularly numerous, ongoing and consistent allegations of acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment committed by law enforcement personnel, including in police custody''.

In Chechnya, it cited ''reliable reports of unofficial places of detention in the North Caucasus and the allegations that those detained in such facilities face torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment''.

The forum monitors compliance with a 1984 treaty banning torture, and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Russia is among 142 states to have ratified the pact.

REUTERS LL ND2312