.c The Associated Press
GENEVA (AP) - A U.N. panel reproached Cuba on Thursday for not investigating reports that police and prison guards torture suspects during their arrest, interrogation and imprisonment.
The Committee Against Torture said it was alarmed by reports from a U.N. investigator who said abuses in Cuban jails were affecting the health and safety of inmates.
The envoy, who has been denied entrance to Cuba for several years, based his report on information from non-governmental groups in Cuba, and Cuban refugees in Miami.
The committee also acknowledged that the American embargo against Fidel Castro's government has worsened the plight of detainees.
"The economic situation of Cuba is deteriorating, due in part to the embargo imposed, which has prevented the state from providing appropriate nutrition and essential medical care to prisoners,'' said Committee Chairman Dipanda Mouelle.
The panel noted some recent positive developments in Cuba, including a law that outlaws the use of violence or pressure against people to force them to testify or nullify statements.
Cuba is one of 104 countries that have signed the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The panel also noted reports of police brutality in Argentina, Cyprus, Portugal and frequent allegations of poor treatment during arrests in Switzerland, particularly of foreigners.
The committee also welcomed Spain's abolition of the death penalty, but criticized reports of racial discrimination in that country.
AP-NY-11-20-97 1848EST