Nafi’ Hassan Suleiman Mardawi, a detainee in Nablus Central Prison, died on Monday 10 November after suffering a heart attack . Mardawi, 50 years old, was from Habla village near Qalqilya. Doctors from the National Hospital in Nablus told LAW his death was from natural causes and not due to torture. His family confirmed that his body showed no signs of torture, although they noticed bruising on his chest. An independent cardiologist explained that bruises commonly appear following a heart attack.

Nafi’ Mardawi was arrested by the Preventative Security Service (PSS) on 9 June and taken to their headquarters in Qalqilya. He was suspected of being a land-dealer who sold land to Jewish settlers using forged documents. The day after his arrest, the PSS referred his case to the General Civil Prosecutor. He was then transferred, under the custody of the civil police, to the Nablus Central Prison. He remained there for 4 months until his death.

Mardawi suffered 3 heart attacks while in jail. He was married with 4 children and 3 daughters, aged between 15 and 25.

From the information available, LAW finds no suspicion of torture.

LAW however calls on the various prison administrations to take all necessary precautions to ensure that prisoners receive adequate and prompt medical treatment.

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.