Birzeit— On 9 June 1999, the Human Rights Action Project (HRAP) lawyer and coordinator visited detainee Ghassan Abdul Salam Al Addassi for the first time since his detention by the Palestinian Preventive Security on 29 March 1998. Addassi, a 20 year old second year Science student at Birzeit University from Al Bireh, is currently detained at the Jericho Preventive Security detention center without charge or trial.
HRAP lawyer Elia Theodory consulted with his client for over half an hour, although with the accompaniment of a member of the Preventive Security Service throughout the visit. Addassi was in good condition, and stated that he had been receiving regular weekly visits from his family. However, he expressed frustration over the fact that he had no indication as to whether or not he would be released or charged any time in the near future.
On 6 October 1998, Addassi’s case was taken to the Palestinian High Court protesting his illegal arrest and demanding that he be released or charged. The court subsequently ruled that Addassi’s arrest was unlawful and that he should be immediately released from detention. To date, the court ruling has not been implemented.
Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that "Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him." The Human Rights Action Project of Birzeit University calls on the Palestinian Authority to work within its commitment to ensure the basic human rights of all Palestinians and conduct itself according to the rule of law. The continued detention of Addassi without charge or trial is in contravention of international laws stipulating the basic rights of all detainees. HRAP asks the local and international community to send letters of protest to call on the Palestinian Authority to respect the ruling of the Palestinian High Court for the immediate release of Ghassan Abdul Salam Al Addassi, and if charges are brought against him, that the legal process be conducted according to international norms, due process of law and before an impartial court.
Letters of concern may be sent to:
President Yasser Arafat
President
Palestinian Authority
Office of the President
Gaza, Palestinian Authority
Fax: +972-7- 282 2365/6
Mr. Freih Abu Meddein
Minister of Justice
Ministry of Justice
Abu Khadra Building
Omar Al-Mukhtar Street
Gaza, Palestinian Authority
Fax: +972-7-286 7109
Col. Jibril Rajoub
Head of Palestinian Preventive Security Service
Preventive Security Service Office
Jericho, Palestinian Authority
Fax: +972-2-2321273/4
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Human Rights Action Project homepage - http://www.birzeit.edu/hrap/