Ref: 145/2007

Date: 23 October  2007

Time: 10:30 GMT

Condemns Torture Practiced by Security Services in the West Bank and Calls of Investigation

PCHR condemns the use of methods of torture against detainees during interrogations by Palestinian security services in the West Bank. In light of close monitoring of human rights violations perpetrated by security services and the difficulties in convincing victims to give testimonies to PCHR staff members or their demand not to publish their names, PCHR is concerned that such victims are threatened by security services not to inform human rights organizations about human rights violations against them. PCHR reiterates its call for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian government in Ramallah to stop such illegal acts and bring their perpetrators to justice.

According to latest information available to PCHR in this regard, on 17 September, M. K., from Nablus, was arrested by officers of a security unit, who introduced themselves as members of the Preventive Security Service. He was taken to the headquarters of the service in Nablus. He was interrogated about his links with Hamas and owning a firearm. During the interrogation, he was subjected to various methods of torture, including forcing him to step up and down on stairs and beating with hands, shoes, hoses and sticks. He was released on 11 October 2007.

In his testimony to PCHR, M. K. stated:

“…The interrogators asked me to put my tied hands behind my neck and to step up and down on stairs for 100 times. When I denied the questions he asked me, he forced me to step up and down for additional 200 times until I was forced to step up and down for nearly 500 times in total. When he found that my answers did not change, he ordered me to stand with my hands up, one leg on a chair and the other leg on the ground without changing my position. Whenever I moved, he hit my shoulders and back. An hour later, I fell onto the ground as I was extremely tired. When I fell onto the ground, two persons violently beat me. I was subjected to torture and beating for at least 12 hours.”

Later, the detainee was transferred to Junaid Prison in Nablus, where he was also subjected to torture. He stated:

“… An officer came, covered my head with a sack and handcuffed me. He took me into an office. There, I was asked the same questions. I was subjected to torture for 18 days, nearly 20 hours daily. I was beaten with hands, sticks, hoses and even with shoes. They also tied my hands behind my back and officers stepped on my back. Other methods of torture included tying my hands behind my back and hanging me on a wall until I fall down. In other times, they forced me to sit on my knees and an officer stood on my knees. Another officer came and put a sponge into my hands in order for my voice not to be heard. He also pushed my shoulder backward. I fainted. I used to wake up in my cell after each round of torture when they sprinkled water on my face.”

In light of the above:

1)      PCHR reiterates its strong condemnation for torture and calls upon the Attorney-General to investigate such practices and take legal action against the perpetrators to ensure their non-recurrence.

2)      Reminds that torture is outlawed by Palestinian Law, and is a grave human rights violation under international human rights instruments, especially the Convention against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhumane, or Degrading Treatment (1984).

3.   Stresses that arrests under the Palestinian Law are the mandate of judicial warranty officials represented by the civilian police, working under the instruction and supervision of the Attorney-General.