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In Issue 539 of Al-Resala
Newspaper dated 18 October 2007, the newspaper published an interview with Raji
Sourani, PCHR’s Director. Regrettably, the published material was selective in a
manner that infringed upon Sourani and PCHR. It was clear that expressions were
selected out of context, depriving them of their intended meaning.
As a result, Sourani sent a
letter dated 22 October 2007 to Dr. Jawad El-Dalou, the editor-in-chief of the
newspaper, replying to the published materials. Sourani demanded that this reply
be published in the newspaper in exercise of his legal right.
The text of the letter sent to
the newspaper is below:
22 October 2007
Dr.
Jawad El-Dalou
Editor-in-Chief,
Al-Resala
Newspaper
Dear
Dr. El-Dalou,
Exercising my right to reply under Article 25 of the Publications Law No. 9 for
the Year 1995, I kindly ask you to publish the following reply in the next issue
of Al-Resala Newspaper. This reply comes in response to what was published in
pages 1 and 8 of issue 539 of Al-Resala Newspaper distributed on 18 October
2007, under the title of “In an Interview with the Director of the Palestinian
Centre for Human Rights, Sourani: No One can Deny the State of Security
Prevailing in the Gaza Strip.” I kindly ask that this reply is published in same
place and same font in which the interview was published, also in line with
Article 25 of the previously mentioned Publications Law.
1-
There is selectiveness
in the letter and spirit of the interview. It is clear that some statements were
selected out of context, which made them devoid of their intended meaning and
implications.
2-
The way in which
certain issues were highlighted at the expense of others, starting with the
title and the content, reflect a politicization of the interview and using it
for political reasons. This constitutes an infringement on me personally and on
the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and human rights organizations in
general.
3-
Human rights
organizations do not have a roll of providing “good conduct” certificates to any
political party. It is unacceptable to use or manipulate what these
organizations issue for this purpose.
4-
Human rights
organizations are independent and professional organizations; and they will not
glorify any authority. On the contrary, the role of human rights organizations
is to confront force with “right,” and to say the truth in the face of an unjust
ruler. The core of these organizations’ work is to protect human rights under
any and all circumstances, and to shed light on human rights violations
regardless of the identity of the perpetrators without any political motives or
interests.
5-
We always believe that
there should be an integral relationship between the media and human rights
organizations. We hope that the media will contribute to protecting human rights
by publishing the outputs of human rights organizations or portraying their
reservations; but not for the media to use human rights organizations for
political reasons.
6-
We view Al-Resala
Newspaper with distinction because PCHR bore with the implications of defending
it in the most difficult circumstances, and confronting the arbitrary measures
of the Palestinian National Authority against it. This was based on the
principle of defending freedom of expression.
7-
We view the interests
of the newspaper and any political party in:
a.
Understanding the
outputs of human rights organizations and highlighting the criticisms directed
to any party; and to work hand in hand with these organizations to promote human
rights.
b.
To work in line with
their principles, and not to deviate their work for narrow political gains.
c.
To preserve and uphold
the independence and integrity of human rights organizations.
8-
PCHR’s position is
crystal clear regarding the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian
Territory (OPT), especially the Gaza Strip. We are aware of the magnitude of the
efforts exerted to enforce the rule of law and preserve public order after years
of escalating security chaos. However, this does not explain the whole
situation, and cannot be used to imply respect of human rights. Establishing
order and security alone is not enough. There should be a careful balancing
between the need for order on the one hand and respecting human rights and
freedoms on the other. The Centre views this as the real challenge: how to
establish order and protect human rights at the same time. The Centre totally
rejects making security an excuse to sacrifice human rights and public freedoms.
The Centre views correct entry to true security to be respecting and protecting
human rights.
Sincerely,
Raji
Sourani | 
