Senegal says its security forces have conducted "minimal" acts of torture, but says the country is and always has been committed to investigating and prosecuting such acts.
Responding to a report by Amnesty International, government spokesman Moustapha Guirassy said Thursday that Senegal respects the rule of law and works to preserve and defend human rights.
In its report, the rights group said 12 years of research showed that Senegal's security forces have electrocuted, burned, beaten, and asphyxiated prisoners.
Researcher Salvatore Sagues said at least six prisoners have died in Senegalese custody in the last three years. He said that due to a requirement for government permission, cases against police and soldiers are rarely prosecuted.
Guirassy Thursday denied there is impunity for officers. He said prosecutions must proceed slowly while a thorough investigation is made.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP.
