PREE RELEASE

RELEASED @ 10:00 GMT 10^TH October, 1998

Gaza Municipality Once Again Ignores High Court Ruling

In defiance of a ruling from the Palestinian High Court of Justice, the Municipality of Gaza City demolished the house of Jamal Thalathini by bulldozer last Monday (5/10/98). Thalathini, who protested against the Municipality’s illegal action, was beaten by members of the Palestinian Security Forces (Military Intelligence) and transferred to Al-Shifa hospital unconscious. He suffered injuries to his head, nose, ear, chest and back. Until now, Thalathini remains in hospital while his family is left without shelter.

On the day before the demolition of the his house (4/10/98), Jamal Thalathini received a notification of removal from the Municipality, but he managed to obtain an order from the High Court of Justice suspending the removal of his home.

Once again the Municipality of Gaza has defied the decision of the highest Palestinian judicial authority. The Palestinian Authority has taken no firm action to stop such illegal activities. On the contrary, the National Security Forces and Military Intelligence, who should not be involved in such cases, appear to lend their support to the Municipality.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, which expresses its deep concern about the repeated illegal activities of the Gaza Municipality;

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  1. calls upon the Palestinian Authority to ensure that all those involved in defying the ruling of the Court are held accountable for their actions

  2. condemns the use of violence against Jamal Thalathini by members of the Palestinian Security Forces

  3. calls for an appropriate remedy and redress for the family of Thalathini, including the provision of decent housing for them