Rwandan-backed rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo have rejected allegations that they have tortured and mistreated detained opponents.
The U-S based group Human Rights Watch on Wednesday accused the Congolese Rally for Democracy rebels of beating and arresting human rights activists and journalists, and detaining opponents inside a shipping container.
Moise Nyarugabo of the rebel group's Justice Ministry dismissed the allegations, saying they were exaggerated and that no one is being held in a shipping container.
The rebel official said prisoners are being held in various small jails after a volcanic eruption in January destroyed the central prison in the eastern Congolese town of Goma.