In one grisly experience a prisoner accused of a homosexual act was immediately executed by a pistol shot to his head.

The Syrian government responded by sentencing to death about 15 prisoners, already accused of being Iraqi agents, for belonging to the Islamic resistance movement.

The great majority of prisoners accused or convicted of genocide have been released.

Last month, seven prisoners accused of ties to the Taliban escaped during visiting hours.

But human rights groups, church officials and other foreign experts have questioned the legal proceedings against many prisoners accused of anti-Government activities.

The government does not hold political prisoners, although in 2003 it held approximately 6,800 prisoners accused of terrorism, rebellion, or aiding and abetting insurgency.

All prisoners not accused of criminal acts should of course be released.

He has said he opposes the release of large numbers of prisoners accused of contra activity.

Despite of his death, Lopez remains a prisoner, now accused of being Crypto-Jew.

The law is believed to have led to the release of more than 400 political prisoners accused of being leftist guerrillas, according to human rights officials.