PALESTINIAN CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

PRESS RELEASE

 Ref: 157/2003

Date: 16 November 2003

Palestinian High Court of Justice postpones consideration in charity accounts freeze for the fifth time

 For the 5th consecutive time, on Sunday, 16 November 2003, the Palestinian High Court of Justice postponed the consideration of a petition submitted by PCHR against the freezing of the funds of al-Salah Islamic Society.  The next hearing is scheduled for 22 November 2003.  PCHR submitted a petition to the High Court of Justice on 10 September 2003, requesting a temporary injunction on a memorandum circulated by the Palestinian Monetary Fund following a decision issued by the Palestinian Attorney-General.  The memorandum demanded all banks working in Palestine to freeze the accounts of the al-Salah Islamic Society and other charitable societies and NGOs.     

 The High Court of Justice has since convened 5 sessions to consider PCHR's petition.  In each session the court has allowed a further postponement, providing further time for the prosecution to present its evidence.  To date, the prosecution has failed to provide any legal basis for the decision to freeze the funds of the al-Salah Islamic Society and no evidence of any offence committed, including any that may necessitate the freezing of funds, has been presented. 

 In a memorandum circulated on 24 August 2003 to all banks working in Palestine, the Palestinian Monetary Fund demanded that these banks freeze the accounts of 39 charitable societies and NGOs working in the Gaza Strip.  According to the memorandum, the action was based on a decision issued by the Palestinian Attorney General. These societies provide essential basic social, educational, health and relief services to the poorest and most vulnerable elements of Palestinian society. 

 PCHR demands that the High Court of Justice consider the petition concerning the al-Salah Islamic Society without further delay, taking into the consideration the impact of this ongoing action on those who benefit from the essential humanitarian services provided by the al-Salah Islamic Society.

Public Document

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For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 - 2825893

PCHR, 29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip. E-mail:pchr@pchrgaza.org, Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org