Press Release December 6

POLITICAL PRISONER MAHMOUD MUSLEH REMAINS IN PA PRISON
AFTER HIGH COURT RULES FOR HIS IMMEDIATE RELEASE

6 December 1997

Mahmoud Musleh remains in General Intelligence prison despite a High Court ruling ordering his immediate release. On 30 November, the Palestinian High Court ruled that Mahmoud Musleh had been improperly arrested and illegally detained and must be released immediately by the General Intelligence Service. Mr. Musleh, along with 77 other suspected Hamas and Islamic Jihad activists, was arrested without a warrant on 4 September by the General Intelligence and has been held without charge, trial or legal representation since.

LAW expresses its deep concern over the violation of Palestinian law in the improper arrest and detention of Palestinian citizens, and the disregard shown to the orders of the High Court. LAW urges the following:

that the Palestinian Executive Authority follow the legal procedures for arrest, detention and investigation, which should be conducted only by the public prosecutors and the Attorney General.
that the Executive Authority issue clear regulations prohibiting the security forces from violating the law in arrest and detention procedures.
that the Executive Authority respect the decisions of the High Court and implement their decisions immediately.
that the law be applied after arrest according to articles 16 and 108 of criminal legislation of 1961, which states that charges must be brought within a 48-hour period or the detainee must be released.

LAW demands the immediate release of Mr. Musleh, according to the instructions of the High Court, and for the review of the cases of the other 76 detainees also currently held without charge or trial. LAW requests that the international community immediately write to the following, expressing your concern over the disregard for the rule of law and the decisions of the Palestinian High Court: President Yassir Arafat: (972) (7) 822365/6; Director of General Intelligence Tawfiq Tirawi: (972) (2) 9921283; Justice Minister Freih Abu Meddein: (972) (7) 822231; Attorney General Faiyyez Abu Rahmeh: (972) (7) 824503.

LAW - The Palestinian Society for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment is a non-governmental organization, dedicated to preserving human rights through legal advocacy. LAW is also an affiliate member of the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights.