E/CN.4/1992/52 page 88 74. The following information was transmitted under annex III: "The Special Rapporteur was not able to establish beyond doubt whether Mr. LaRouche's association can be considered as falling under the terms of the Declaration on the Eliminaton of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief. He nevertheless felt obliged to ask the Government of the United States of America to provide him with comments and observations thereon, since the allegations have been submitted to him with specific reference to the Declaration. According to the information received, United States citizen Mr. Lyndon H. LaRouche is reported to have been subjected to harassment, investigation and prosecution solely because of his beliefs. Mr. LaRouche, who is said to be the founder and leader of a metaphysical association whose beliefs are reportedly centered on the right of all peoples to development and economic justice, was indicted on 14 October 1988 and charged with 'conspiracy to commit fraud', 'mail fraud' and 'conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service'. On 27 January 1989 he was reportedly sentenced to five years' imprisonment on each charge, amounting to a sentence of 15 years in prison, by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division. Mr. LaRouche's trial is said to have been unfair and conducted in disregard for guarantees necessary for the defence. Exclusion of evidence has also been reported in this connection as well as the passing of an excessive sentence for crimes which are usually said to be regarded as minor civil or administrative infractions. On 22 January 1990 Mr. LaRouche's appeal of sentence was denied by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals which upheld the ruling of the District Court of Alexandria. It has been alleged that about 50 persons have so far been indicted because of their links with Mr. LaRouche's association and it has been reported that they, too, have had unfair trials. According to the sources, Mr. LaRouche's beliefs have reportedly also resulted in the seizure and closing down of five publishing companies whose publications had disseminated the ideas of his association." 75. In a communication sent on 8 October 1991 addressed to the Government of Zaire, the following information was transmitted by the Special Rapporteur: "According to information received, the Association of Jehovah's Witnesses has been dissolved in Zaire by Ordinance No. 86-086 of 12 March 1986, which came into force on the date of signature, thus abrogating Ordinance No. 80-124 of 30 April 1980, which granted the same Association legal personality. According to the sources, the Jehovah's Witnesses have suffered both material and moral injury and are persecuted in all parts of the country. Their moveable and real property is confiscated, and members have been arrested, illegally detained and often tortured. Some of them have lost their jobs and children have been sent home from school. The value of the material damage suffered is said to amount to Z 70 billion."