Ayman Mohammad El-Ammasi (32, from Jabalia) was transferred from the Police headquarters in Gaza to the Intensive Care Unit of Shifa Hospital in a state of unconsciousness and with visible signs of torture on his body.  This incident brings back to mind memories of previous incidences of torture and death in custody, which the Palestinians suffered from during the Israeli occupation and when the Palestinian Authority was established.

At the time, human rights organizations and activists joined international efforts to pressure the PA in adopting a policy of respecting human rights.  Consequently, there was tangible improvement in the PA's human right record; and some of the PA security branches opened their prisons for monitoring.

However, this incidence of Ayman El-Ammasi raises the question of the respect of human rights, especially in Palestinian prisons.  In this regard, it is a necessity that we all take practical steps to stop the human rights violations.  On the personal and popular level, we all should lobby the PA to ensure its respect of human rights by drafting laws that include human rights as a key component, and opening prisons to independent monitoring.

As to the case of Ayman El-Ammasi, it is necessary that the PA establish an commission to investigate the incidence and get to the truth behind it.  Was the arrest legal? What are the reasons that led to transferring Ayman to the hospital?  Who, if any, are responsible?  All those found of breaking the law should be put to trial.
 

Dr. Eyad El-Sarraj