Press Release

In Contradiction with the Court Decision the Palestinian Police Continue to Detain Dr Abdel Azizi Ramtisi

 

Ref: 94/99

Date: 29 September 1999

Two days after the Central Court Decision to release Dr. Abdel Azizi Rantisi the Palestinian Police continue to detain him, claiming that he can be held on another charge, without giving details. The Central Court in Gaza was held on 27 September 1999 and issued its decision to release Dr Rantisi with a bond of about 3000 NIS.

Dr Rantisi, who is a prominent figure in the Islamic Movement in the Gaza Strip was detained by the Palestinian police on 9 April 1998. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights adopted Rantisi’s case and called on the Attorney General, through the Palestinian High Court, to explain Dr Rantisi’s arrest and detainment, which was in contradiction with legal measures and procedure.

4 June 1998 the Palestinian High Court ordered the immediate release of Dr Rantisi, for the illegal measures in his detention. However, the Palestinian police refused to implement the Court’s decision and continued to detain Dr Rantisi until 19 July 1999 when he was released after the death of his mother.

On 8 August 1999 was arrested again accused of disseminating false information in an attempt to terrorise the public (against Articles 95, 60 and 62 of the Palestinian Penalties Law of 1936). On 26 August 1999 the Reconciliation Tribunal in Gaza issued a decision rejecting the request to release Rantisi which was submitted by his lawyer. The request was rejected by the Tribunal in order to give the Attorney General one week in which to complete the interrogation of Rantisi and to forward a statement by the accused

 

For More Information Contact:

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

Tel/Fax: (+) 9727 2824776/2823725

E-mail: [email protected]