Press Release

27 May 1999

On 27 May, 1999 the Israeli authorities closed Al-Umma secondary and elementary schools in the Ad-Dahya area north of Jerusalem, justifying the decision as a response to the persistent stone throwing by children of the school. According to al-Haq's fieldworkers the Israeli Army and Border Patrol attacked a group of students while they were on their way to school. Dozens suffered injury after severe beatings by the soldiers.

For a time now, students of these schools have faced systematic and continuous attacks by Israeli soldiers, the latest of which was an arrest of two children, aged nine and ten yesterday. The General Director of al-Haq witnessed the incident and intervened to prevent the arrest. Heated arguments between the Israeli soldiers and the Director of al-Haq ensued, as a result of which one boy was released immediately and the other, Daoud Abu-Lubdah, after four hours. During which time, the boy was initially taken to the Civil Administration Headquarters in Ar-Ram and subsequently to the police headquarters in Nabi Yacoub in Jerusalem.

Al-Haq condemns the policy of systematic attacks on schools and the use of force by the occupying authority in its dealing with students. Furthermore al-Haq condemns the Israeli decision to close the school particularly now, as students prepare for their final examinations.

Al-Haq demands that the Israelis renege on their decision immediately and that they allow the children finish their scholastic year unimpeded.