PALESTINIAN CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

PRESS RELEASE

Ref: 75/2003

Date: 28 May 2003

The Israeli military court in Erez is to hold a session to consider the case of Dr. Fadel Abu Hain

On Thursday, 29 May 2003, the Israeli military court in Erez will hold a session to consider the case of Dr. Fadel Abu Hain, after the Israeli military prosecution had prepared a bill of indictment against him, although he did not confess the charges he is accused of, which include the possession of weapons, leaflets and unlicensed declarations. 

Dr. Abu Hain and 19 members of the family were arrested by Israeli occupying forces that invaded al-Shojaeya neighborhood in Gaza city on 1 May 2003.  He, Yasser Abu Hain, a journalist, and Ussama Abu Hain, a student, have remained in custody, while the others were released later. 

Dr. Abu Hain had been interrogated for more than two weeks, during which he was subjected to methods of torture, including Shabeh and sleep deprivation. 

The Israeli military judiciary approved an order issued by the head of the Israeli military southern command to place Yasser Abu Hain under a 6-month administrative detention without any charge.  Abu Hain is detained in the Negev Desert prison.  In the meanwhile, Ussama Abu Hain is being interrogated in Ashkelon prison. 

As part of the legal aid it provides for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, PCHR has authorized lawyer Tamim Younis to defend the abovementioned detainees. 

PCHR is deeply concerned about the continued detention of the three Palestinians, and reiterates its call upon relevant international organizations to immediately intervene to ensure the immediate release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. 

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