PRESS RELEASE
The Palestinian Authority Appoints a Chief Justice
Ref.,: 64/99
Date: 14th June, 1999
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) expresses its satisfaction with President Yasser Arafat’s decision on June 11 to appoint Mr. Radwan Agha as the Chief Justice and the head of the High Court of Justice. This crucial position in the Palestinian Authority had been vacant since February 1998 after the dismissal of Qusai Abadleh.
PCHR hopes that this very important step will contribute to strengthening the Palestinian judiciary and improving the work of the Palestinian courts through promoting the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. At the same time, PCHR calls upon the Palestinian Authority to take progressive action in this direction and to fill the position of the Palestinian Attorney General which has been vacant for the last 13 months after the resignation of Mr. Fayez Abu Rahmeh. PCHR believes that the positions of the Chief Justice and the Attorney General serve as basic safeguards for the system of justice and the rule of law in Palestine. These positions are also critical to ensuring the independence of the judiciary and the separation of powers.
For More Information Contact:
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
Tel/Fax: (+) 9727 2824776 / 2823725
E-mail: pchr@trendline.co.il, Web page: www.pchrgaza.org
