- 11 14. In their letter sent in response to the immediate observation made by the CPT's delegation at the end of the 1999 visit, the Greek authorities informed the Committee that "in spite of the general and vague nature of the allegations reported by the Committee [at the end of the visit], because of the sensitivity of the Greek authorities in this regard and their firm intention to ensure the unwavering observance of the standing provisions concerning the protection of human dignity, an investigation of the allegations was carried out at the Police Station of Omonia. As a result of the investigation, the allegations have not been substantiated. It is believed that such allegations were made by the detainees in order for their time of detention until deportation to be shortened." Further, in the same letter, the Ministry of Public Order requests the CPT's delegation to provide more information concerning the allegations received by it of physical ill-treatment of detainees, in order for it to investigate these investigations thoroughly and inform the Committee of the results of its investigation. In this connection, it should be recalled that the CPT interviews in private persons deprived of their liberty; such persons are told that the discussion will be treated as strictly confidential by the delegation. Consequently, the Committee is unable to disclose the names of persons making specific allegations unless they consent to this. In the cases presently in question, it was apparent that the persons concerned did not wish their identity to be revealed. 15. It should also be noted that the interim report of the Greek authorities sent in response to the CPT's 1997 visit report failed to address the recommendations made by the Committee designed to prevent ill-treatment, in particular those in paragraphs 16, 17, 18 and 19 of that report1. The CPT calls upon the Greek authorities to implement these recommendations. 3. Conditions of detention 16. Although not deliberate ill-treatment, the CPT feels compelled to point out that at the police establishments visited, a large number of foreign nationals were subjected for prolonged periods of time to a combination of negative factors – overcrowding, appalling material conditions and levels of hygiene, lack of outdoor exercise, absence of any activities – which could easily be described as inhuman and degrading treatment. 1 I.e. that police officers be reminded, through a formal statement by the Ministry of Public Order, that they should be respectful of the rights of persons in their custody and that the ill-treatment of such persons will be the subject of severe sanctions; that police officers be reminded that no more force than is reasonably necessary should be used when apprehending a person; that whenever a public prosecutor or judge receives an allegation of ill-treatment by the police, or observes that a detained person brought before him could have been a victim of ill-treatment, he should immediately request a forensic medical examination of the person concerned and bring the matter to the attention of the relevant public prosecutor; and concerning the issuing and content of medical certificates.