16 December 1999

According to eyewitness accounts documented by Al-Haq field workers, Abdul Jawad Saleh and approximately 30 other persons went to Jericho to conduct a peaceful sit in relating to the continued custody of the persons whom signed the 'Petition Twenty' accusing Arafat and the PNA of corruption and other wrong doings. At around 3:00 p.m., the head of intelligence in Jericho, know as Abu Amer, came out to have a peaceful discussion with some of the demonstrators.  At that time, Abdul Jawad Saleh asked if he could visit the prisoners.  He was told that he could not because he did not have a permit from the State General prosecutor’s office. 

According to Abdul Jawad Saleh, and other eyewitness accounts, around 3:30 p.m. a member of the intelligence asked Abdul Jawad Saleh to come in.  Thinking that they granted his request to see the detainee’s Abdul Jawad entered.  Abdul Jawad Saleh, stated that he was then attacked by 6 or 7 intelligence agents, after being asked  by the commander of the group what his name was and why he was there.  Besides being whipped, he was kicked, punched, and had his clothes partly ripped from his body.  The beating lasted for more than ten minutes. A bucket of cold water was then dumped on his head as he was tossed out of the doorway in the direction of the other demonstrators.  Witness’s stated that he was bleeding profusely from the nose and mouth. 

“If he wasn’t a physically strong man he would have died in their custody,” stated one dejected witness. 
This was the third such attack on PLC members by the PNA intelligence unit.  It is also the second attack on members who signed last month’s petition.  Al-Haq is concerned with the pattern of violence against those persons whom are publicly voicing their political beliefs.
 
Al-Haq calls on the PNA to:
1. Ensure that a speedy investigation be carried out and that conclusions are reached and made public.
2. Prosecute and publicly try those responsible of the beating of Abdul Jawad Saleh.  It is important to insure that these people are never employed by the PNA in a capacity in which they may use their authority to physically abuse someone.
3. Investigate and discipline prison official who watched as the incident occurred as well as any officials who knew of it in advance as it appeared to be premeditated.
4. Give Abdul Jawad Saleh compensation for his medical treatment as well as pain and suffering.  Also, Al-Haq demands that he be given a public apology for this humiliating event. 
5. Ensure the safety of all 20 person’s who signed the petition, particularly those in the custody of the PNA.