Press Release

 

On the Background of a Critical Press Release:

The PA Arrests a Number of Well Known Public Figures

Date: 29 November 1999

Ref: 122/99

PCHR expresses its deep concern over measures taken by Palestinian Authority against a number of Palestinian public figures during the last two days on the background of the circulation of a press release critical of the policies of the PA.

Palestinian Security Forces placed both Bassam Shaka’a, ex-mayor of Nablus, and Waheed Hamdallah, ex-mayor of Anabta, under house arrest. The following public figures were also arrested:

1. Dr Abdul Sattar Qasel, professor of poltical science at Annajah University in Nablus.
2. Dr Adel Samara, wellknown economist.
3. Dr Abdul Raheem Kettana,.
4. Ahmad Qatamesh, Member of the politbureau of the PFLP.
5. Dr Yassef Abu Safieh, board member of the Union of Health Work Committees.

Mrs Ismat Shakhshir was summoned to the offices of Palestinian Security but was later released.

The names of the above mentioned public figures were included in a list of signatories to a press released issued on 27 November 1999 which strongly criticized the policies of the Palestinian Authority. Nine members of the Palestinian Legislative Council also signed the press release. These members were: Moaweya Al-Masri; Hassan Khraisha; Rawia Al-Shawa; Raafat Al-Najjar; Fakhri Al-Turkman; Abdul Jawad Saleh (Former Minister of Agriculture); Husam Khader; Ali Abu Reesh; and Zahran Abu Qabita.

PCHR believes that the measures carried out by the PA constitute flagrant violation of basic human rights, especially the right to freedom of expression. Such measures also contradict the Palestinian Press Law of 1995. Article 2 of this law states that “the freedom of opinion should be entitled to every Palestinian individual who attains the absolute right to express his opinion in a free manner either verbally, in writing, photography or drawing as different means of expression and information.” PCHR calls upon the PA to immediately release all prisoners and to lift the house arrest imposed on Mr. Shaka’a and Mr. Hamdallah.