On
Friday, 23 November 2007, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) released Dr. Nabih Abu
Sha’ban following 17 days of detention. During his detention, he was
interrogated by IOF about patients whom he had treated in Gaza in the context of
his job as a physician.
IOF arrested Dr. Nabih Abu Sha’ban, 52, a neurosurgeon from Gaza City, at Beit
Hanoun (Erez) crossing. Abu Sha’ban was accompanying his son to Jordan for
medical treatment. He was arrested despite having permission from IOF to pass
through. His detention was extended twice; from 7 to 15 November and then from
15 to 25 November 2007.
Abu Sh’ban informed a PCHR lawyer who visited him at ‘Asqalan (Ashkelon) Prison
that IOF interrogated him about patients whom he treated in Gaza.
PCHR reiterates
its condemnation for the arbitrary arrest of Dr. Nabih Abu Sha’ban, since his
arrest was motivated by his work in a humanitarian profession of treating
patients and wounded in Gaza. Medical professionals enjoy protection under
international humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention of
1949. Article 20 of the Convention stipulates protection and respect for
professionals working in the operation and administration of hospitals,
including ambulance crews, nurses and paramedics transporting the wounded from
the field of operations. In addition, Article 31 of the Convention prohibits any
measures of physical or psychological coercion against protected individuals,
especially with the aim of obtaining information.
