Reuter: Amnesty calls for probe int

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Subject: Reuter: Amnesty calls for probe into Burma consul's death

BC-BURMA-AMNESTY
Amnesty calls for probe into Burma consul's death
    LONDON, June 25 (Reuter) - Amnesty International called on
Tuesday for a full investigation into the death in a Rangoon
jail of honorary consul Leo Nichols, a friend of pro-democracy
leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
    The London-based human rights group said it had obtained
credible reports that Nichols had been deprived of sleep during
long interrogations prior to his death.
    "We are calling for a thorough and prompt investigation. We
are concerned that an ill man was not receiving adequate medical
treatment," Amnesty Burma researcher Donna Guest told Reuters.
    James Leander "Leo" Nichols, a 65-year-old businessman of
Burmese and British descent who served as honorary consul for
Norway and represented Denmark, Finland and Switzerland, died in
jail on Saturday of a heart attack, diplomats said.
    There has been no official confirmation of Nichols' death by
the ruling Burmese State Law and Order Restoration Council.
    Denmark and Norway said on Monday they were sending envoys
to Burma to seek a full explanation for the death of their
shared consul.
    At the time of Nichols' arrest in April, diplomats from the
four nations said they were worried about his health and
questioned whether he could endure harsh prison life because he
had diabetes and high blood pressure.
    Nichols was jailed for three years by Burmese military
authorities for operating telephones and fax machines at his
house without permission.
    Diplomats and opposition sources believe he was arrested
because of his long-time friendship with Suu Kyi and his
financial assistance to her National League for Democracy (NLD),
which is at odds with the Burmese authorities.
    Amnesty said it was not allowed to visit Burma to confirm
its reports but said it wanted to find out if Nichols had been
allowed to see a doctor and receive regular medication.
 REUTER
1203 250696 GMT