24 September 1997

Yesterday, an attorney from LAW met with Palestinian administrative detainees in Megiddo prison. They informed the lawyer that there are now approximately 400 Palestinian administrative detainees in Megiddo. The number of administrative detainees has doubled in the last two months in this prison. The Israeli prisons of Tel Mond and Damoun also hold Palestinian administrative detainees, bringing the total number of Palestinians in administrative detention to over 500 persons.

Administrative detention is long-term imprisonment without charge or trial.

The detainees reported that the 200 new administrative detainees in Megiddo arrived from Israeli interrogation centers without any change of clothing or personal supplies. Because their families have yet to receive permits to visit them, these detainees are facing a severe shortage of clothing and hygienic materials. The detainees are appealing to humanitarian organizations to send clothing, personal supplies, coffee and cigarettes.

Detainees reported that administrative detainee Marwan Maali committed suicide in Megiddo prison on 15 September, on the same day that he was informed that his detention was extended for another four months. The detainees said that from the beginning of his detention until his death, Maali was kept in an isolation cell. On September 3, the Ramle prison hospital determined that Maali was mentally ill. The Israeli security forces, which should have released Mr. Maali because of his precarious condition, instead extended his administrative detention for an additional four months. On 15 September Maali was found dead in his cell.

In the last two weeks, 14 Palestinians in Megiddo prison have received extensions of their detentions; some, like Mahmoud Yousef Jaradat, for the fourth time. The detainees informed LAW’s attorney that the frustration and anger at being held indefinitely without charge or trial was a significant factor in Maali’s suicide. They emphasized that the remaining detainees face similar mental and psychological stress which will continue to build if they are not released or tried immediately.

LAW calls on the Israeli government to bring to trial or release the Palestinian administrative detainees and to put an end to this ongoing violation of liberty, due process and freedom.

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.