DR. EYAD SARRAJ RELEASED

27 June 1996

Dr. Eyad Sarraj, Commissioner General of the Palestinian Independent Commission for Citizens' Rights, was released at 2:00 a.m. on June 26. Dr. Sarraj had been imprisoned first for drug charges (charges which remain unproved, in serious doubt and for which he had already been released on bail by the magisterial court) and then for allegedly striking a police officer, an offense which was heard before the State Security Court. Dr. Sarraj received an additional 15 days imprisonment following this second charge.

Dr. Sarraj's midnight release falls on the eve of his scheduled hearing before the Security Court for this second charge.

His lawyers, attorneys Khader Shkirat and Raji Sourani, on 13 June had submitted a petition on his behalf to the Palestinian High Court, stating that the State Security Court had no jurisdiction to hear cases of a criminal nature, and that Dr. Sarraj was being detained illegally and in violation of due process.

On 1 July, the High Court will respond to the petition concerning the legal jurisdiction of the State Security Court.

LAWE wishes to thank all those who advocated on behalf of Dr. Sarraj, and for all those who contacted this office expressing their good wishes and support for him.

Land and Water Establishment is a human rights non-governmental organization, dedicated to preserving human rights through legal advocacy. LAWE is also an affiliate member of the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights. LAWE can be contacted by phone, fax, or email: lawe@netvision.net.il.