PRESS RELEASE

Released @ 12.00 hours GMT 6th February 1997 Death of Yousef Al Baba

following imprisonment in PNA prison in Nablus

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights expresses its deep concern over the repetition of the cases of deaths of prisoners inside Palestinian detention centres as a result of torture. So far 11 people have died in such circumstances. The latest case was Youssef Al Baba who died on Saturday, 1st February 1997 in Rafydia Hospital, Nablus, to where he had been transferred the previous day from a PNA detention centre in Nablus.

The Palestinian Centre expresses its belief that such regrettable incidents and irregular practices contradict Palestinian values, morals and ethics which have been built throughout the years of legitimate struggle for self-determination and freedom from oppression. Such practices do not accord with the ambitions of the Palestinian people to have a democratic Palestinian state where basic human rights are respected.

The Palestinian Centre condemns the arbitrary arrest of Al Baba which has been confirmed by Mr. Fraih Abu Meddein, the PNA Minister of Justice, who announced that the arrest and detention of Al Baba was carried out without the authorisation of the Attorney-General. It is also apparent that his arrest and detention were not in accordance with the standards of due process established by the Justice Ministry.

The Palestinian Centre believes, and has repeatedly stated to the PNA that arbitrary arrest and deaths in detention can be prevented through the following:

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  1. A centralised authority for the issuing of detention and arrest orders.

  2. Guarantees to ensure that law officers act in accordance with standards of due process and arrest procedures which are established in Palestinian law. Including:

  i. being brought promptly before a judge;

  ii. the right to be informed of the grounds of arrest and the charges brought;

  iii. guaranteed access to a lawyer.

  3. There must be established clear regulations for interrogation procedures, which must provide a system for individual accountability.

  4. Individuals and their superiors, involved in cases of torture in PNA detention centres must be held accountable and brought to justice.