Alleged human rights abuses in Côte d'Ivoire concern UN mission

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Côte d'Ivoire today said it was very concerned by allegations that human rights violations took place last month at a popular market in the country's biggest city.

On 29 September some 380 people at the Adjame market in Abidjan were detained by Ivorian security forces and released a few days later, according to the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI). Some of those detained said they had to pay money for their release, while others reported that they were beaten. Three are said to be in a coma.

UNOCI said it was in contact with national and local authorities and was interviewing victims. It is asking the authorities to investigate the matter and make public the results.