Ref:
136/2003

The commander of the Israeli military forces in Gaza Strip, General Dan
Harel,  issued a military order yesterday to transfer prisoner, ‘Izz
al-Deen ‘Atiah ‘Abdul Rahman al-Masree, 35, to administrative detention for a
period of 6 months, beginning 10 October 2003.  Al-Masry, who is from Khan
Younis, works as a teacher and is a father of four.

 Al-Masry was detained by Israeli occupying forces on 2 December
2002 at the Abu Houli checkpoint.  He was then transferred for
interrogation to Ashkelon Prison.  During the period of interrogation, a
number of allegations were made against him.  On 9 April 2003, an Israeli
military court in Erez reached a verdict, sentencing Al Masry to a period of 11
months in prison and a fine of 5000 NIS.  On 16 June 2003, an Israeli
military appeals court confirmed the verdict.  Al-Masry’s family paid the
fine.  The prison sentence was due to expire on 1 November 2003. 

 PCHR instructed an Israeli lawyer in defense of Al Masry. 
The lawyer was able to visit Al Masry several times, in addition to attending
the court sessions.

 Despite requests by PCHR, no information has been provided as to
why Al Masry has been subjected to an administrative detention order.

 PCHR is gravely concerned at the increasing use of administrative
detention by the Israeli military against Palestinians.   Israeli
military administrative detention orders fail to reach even minimum
international standards, including on the rights to a fair trial, the right to
appeal, knowledge of the charge etc.  Administrative detention orders are
generally issued for periods of six months, without access to an effective appeal,
and are renewable indefinitely.

 PCHR calls upon the international community to immediately
intervene to put an end to all unlawful Israeli military actions against
Palestinian civilians, including arbitrary arrests and detentions.  In
particular, PCHR calls for an end to the use of administrative detention.