Rightwingers in jail threatened

2003-03-19 21:13

Pretoria - Alleged Boeremag members awaiting a treason trial in Pretoria have been subjected to death and sodomy threats, a lawyer claimed on Wednesday.

Some had also been tortured, said Paul Kruger, who acts as attorney for 13 of the 23 men accused of plotting to overthrow the government.

They have been arrested over several months in an extensive police investigation.

Kruger said the way in which the matter was handled contravened the Bill of Rights enshrined in the Constitution.

"The police investigation so far has been marked by gross violations of human rights," Kruger told reporters in Pretoria.

These included assaulting detainees, preventing contact between them and their lawyers, planting bugging devices in their cells, and taking privileged legal documents from them.

Kruger said one his clients, Dr Johan Pretorius junior, embarked on a hunger strike on Wednesday because he was not allowed access to his lawyer.

The trial of Pretorius and 22 other alleged Boeremag members is to start in the Pretoria High Court on May 18, and is expected to continue for three to four years.

They have been charged with treason, terrorism and sabotage.

'Undue influence'

Kruger said on Thursday family members of the accused had also been subjected to "undue influence" from the police during prison visits.

He did not provide full details on the alleged abuses he listed.

The reported assault - on Wilhelm Pretorius, brother of Johan junior - happened in December last year at a police station.

"I will not at this stage elaborate, except to say that Mr Pretorius has laid a charge with the SA Police Service."

Pretorius was also the victim of death threats after his arrest. Further details could not be provided at this stage, Kruger said.

Dr Johan Pretorius, father of the two Pretorius brothers, was earlier in the day refused bail.

Conveying the disappointment of Pretorius family, Kruger said he had received no instructions with regard to a possible appeal.

A third brother, Kobus, has also been arrested in connection with the alleged coup plot.

Kruger said the government had missed a "golden opportunity" in this matter to demonstrate its commitment to human rights.

"I can only hope that in future the accused will stand a greater chance of a fair trial," he said.

- SAPA