3 February 1997

Palestinian Prisoner Omar Kamel Mohammed Dabour was arrested on 18 January from his home in el Birreh (near Ramallah) by the Palestinian Intelligence, and has been held without charge in the prison in Jericho since then. His wife has been allowed to visit twice, and she reports that he has been tortured through sleep deprivation during interrogation.

Mr. Dabour began a hunger strike on 29 January, demanding that he be charged or released. Due to stomach ailments and his weakened condition, he was admitted to hospital on Saturday, 1 February.

An attorney from LAW, who represents Mr. Dabour, attempted to visit him on 2 February. He was refused permission by the prison authorities and by Colonel Abu Hussein, head of the Palestinian Intelligence. The Colonel informed the attorney that no lawyer visits were allowed until the end of the investigation.

Currently some 1600 prisoners are held in Palestinian prisons, of whom 23 are women. About 700 of these prisoners are detainees held without charge; some have been imprisoned for up to 15 months.

LAW strenuously objects to the detention without charge of these 700 prisoners, whose detention violates articles 16 and 108 of criminal legislation of 1961 which state that charges must be brought within 48 hours. In addition, LAW maintains the right of every prisoner to have access to legal representation. Moreover, LAW expresses its concern over the health and physical integrity of Mr. Dabour and other prisoners undergoing torture during interrogation. Particularly following the death by torture of Palestinian prisoner Yussef Ismail al Baba two days ago, LAW calls on the international community to demand the immediate halt to the use of torture during interrogation, and the immediate release of all administrative detainees. Send your faxes to: President Yasser Arafat (972) (7) 822365/6, Justice Minister Freih Abu Medein (972) (7) 822236 and Attorney General Khaled al Qidra (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.