so, what measures had been taken to prevent their recurrence; and what progress had been made in reducing infant mortality. 271. With reference to articles 7, 9, 10 and 11 of the Covenant, members of the Committee wished to know what measures had been taken to ensure respect for article 7 of the Covenant, particularly during the states of emergency; what measures had been taken to punish individuals responsible for acts of torture or cruel/ inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and to prevent the recurrence of such acts; whether there were any difficulties in carrying out medical examinations of detained persons, particularly during states of emergency; how soon after arrest a person's family was informed and how quickly such person could contact a lawyer; what the normal time-limit for custody was; what the reasons were for placing people under administrative detention in internment camps; and what were the conditions of detention and the current number of detainees in such camps. Clarification was also requested of the compatibility with article 11 of the Covenant of the provision of the domestic law referred to in the report that provided for criminal prosecution on the grounds of fraud or misrepresentation, 272. Regarding article 14 of the Covenant, members of the Committee wished to receive further information on the guarantees for the full independence and impartiality of the judiciary, in particular in such matters as the right to retire, the independence of the bocty responsible for appointments, and the protection of judges from criminal and civil process and against any form of pressure; on the composition and functions of the Constitutional Council and the High Council of the Judiciary; and on the status, composition and procedures of military tribunals. In that regard, it was asked how the practice of having military courts deal with offences committed by?civilians could be reconciled with the provisions of the Covenant. It was also asked why the High Council of the Judiciary was headed by the President of the Republic; whether the six-year term accorded to the President of the Constitutional Council was sufficient to guarantee his independence; why judges become irremovable only after 10 years of effective service; and whether free legal aid was available to persons facing sentences of less than five years of imprisonment. 273. In connection with articles 17, 18 and 19 of the Covenant, additional information was requested on restrictions on freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of the press, particularly during the states of emergency. Clarification was also requested of article 77 of the Information Act, which prescribed penalties and imprisonment for criticism of Islam; of the privileges enjoyed by Islam, which was the State religion, as compared with other religions, including newer religions; and of any problems encountered regarding the relationship between Islam and human rights. 274. With regard to articles 21 and 22 of the Covenant, members of the Committee wished to know whether the National People's Assembly had been allowed to meet during the states of emergency declared in June 1991 and February 1992 and whether any restrictions had been placed on freedom of association, the right to strike and the right to hold public meetings during those states of emergency. 275. With reference to article 25 of the Covenant, members of the Committee wished to receive additional information on the general legal framework and -63-