Ref: 65/2007
Date: 25 November 2007
IOF Release Dr. Nabih Abu Sha’ban
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.
