| Press
Release
21 December 1999 |
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| Press Release Index | ||||
| The Palestinian National Authority releases six of the eight detainees | ||||
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| On
Sunday, the 18th of December 1999 the PNA released six of the eight
detainees arbitrarily arrested three weeks ago for signing the now infamous
petition "A Cry From the Home Land." This petition criticizes the PNA of
'oppressing' the Palestinian public at large.
On 18th of December 1999 the PNA released Adnan Odeh, Dr. Yaser Abu Safiyya, Dr. Abdulrahim Kittaneh, Ahmed Qatamesh, Dr.Adel Samara and Dr. Afif Suleiman. They were released following widespread protests and hunger strikes from some of the prisoners. However, al-Haq is greatly concerned for the safety and welfare of Dr. Abdulsatter Qasim and Ahmed Shaker Doodeen. They remain in custody without criminal charges. On Sunday 19th of December 1999, they were transferred from Nablus Prison to the General Intelligence Detention Center in Jericho. So far no satisfactory explanation was given for their prolonged detention. It is unclear, whether the Attorney General of the State Security Court still intends to bring them before the State Security Court for the alleged accusation of incitement. The State Security Court has been widely condemned for its notorious lack of fair trials as well as its use of the Court as a means to silence political dissidents. These incidents are of great concern in light of Thursday's attack of PLC member Abduljawad Saleh. On the 16th of December 1999, Abduljawad Saleh, Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and former Minister of Agriculture, was severely beaten by members of the General Intelligence Forces during a peaceful demonstration outside the Jericho Prison on behalf of the detainees. The Palestinian Human Rights Council held a press conference on Friday, 17th December 1999, on the arbitrary arrests in connection with the petition, and expressed its great concern over the conduct of the PNA. This conduct constitutes a blatant violation of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Al-Haq will continue its campaign against the arrests by taking all possible legal steps, until all of the detainees are released. The family of Ahmad Shaker Doodeen has authorized al-Haq to act on his behalf and Adnan Amer has been appointed to be his lawyer, in co-ordination with human rights organizations and the Palestinian Human Rights Council. Al-Haq welcomed the release of the six detainees, but reiterates its demand for the immediate release of the remaining two detainees, Ahmed Shaker Doodeen and Dr. Abdulsattar Qasim. Al-Haq urges other NGO's and those concerned for human rights to: 1. Demand the immediate
release of those signatories who remain detained, as well as all political
detainees imprisoned for exercising their international right to freedom
of expression.
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