"Welcoming the release today off Suha Bshara after nearly 10 years (detention without trial in the notorious Khiam Detention Centre in South Lebanon,  Amnesty International called on "Israeli" and the south Lebanon Army to immediately release all others held as (hostages) in Khiam."

"The continued detention of other detainees hold as hostages in Khiam is unacceptable and must step said Amnesty International - "no one should be held outside the law."

"Suha Bshara was the only person held in Khiam whose offence was known: she tried to kill General Antoine Lahd, the leader of the south Lebanon Army (SLA), "Israel's" proxy militia in South Lebanon. Around 140 other detainees, including about five women an, 10  (minors), have been held in Khiam for up to 13 years without any charge or trial."

'They are held outside any legal framework."

"Khiam Detention Centre, administered by the SLA, is in the area of South Lebanon occupied by "Israel". Although "Israel" denies being involved in the running of the centre, as occupying power it is ultimately responsible for the area. Moreover, such involvement has been affirmed by "Israeli" soldiers and General Lahd himself."

"Detainees in Khiam appear to be held as hostages for "Israeli" soldiers missing in action or killed. In June 1998, 50 detainees from Khiam and 10 Lebanese detainees held in "Israel" were released in exchange for the body of an "Israeli" soldier who died in Lebanon in 1997."

"Amnesty International has consistently called in the "Israeli" Government to release all hostages and abide by the international human rights instruments it has ratified which state that people must not be detained arbitrarily and must be tried within a reasonable time or released."