10 February 1997

On Friday 7 February at 10:30 p.m., the Palestinian Intelligence (Mukhabarat) released Omar Dabour. The Mukhabarat arrested Mr. Dabour at night on 18 January and, for the full 16 days of his detention, never brought him before a judge or the Attorney General and consistently denied him legal counsel. LAW began a campaign for his release based on these factors.

LAW’s case was strengthened by an affidavit from Mr. Dabour’s wife, who was allowed to visit Mr. Dabour. In her affidavit, she stated that Mr. Dabour was deprived of sleep, one form of torture used during interrogation. She also said that Mr. Dabour began a hunger strike on 29 January, and was taken to hospital on 1 February because of stomach ailments and his weakened condition.

The release of Mr. Dabour stresses the importance of the work of human rights institutions in this area. LAW emphasizes again the right of every prisoner to legal representation, and the need to either bring before a judge, charge or release every prisoner currently detained without charge or due process.

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.