PRESS RELEASE

Released @ 12:30 hours GMT 18th August 1997

Palestinian Authority security branches undermine authority of Attorney-General

The Palestinian Attorney-General Mr. Fayez Abu Rahmeh ordered the release of 11 Palestinian detainees who had been held in Gaza Central Prison for several months.The Governor of Gaza Central Prison, Colonel Muhammed al Tanani, carried out the release order at around 21:00 hours local time on 15th August 1997. Several hours following their release, Palestinian Authority security personnel re-arrested them.

The Centre has been informed that the Palestinian Authority’s Head of Prison Administration, a position also held by Colonel Muhammed al Tanani, and an assistant of the Military General Prosecutor, Mr. Imad Kaloub, were also arrested.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights is deeply concerned at the lack of respect by the security branches for the Attorney-General’s authority and jurisdiction, which is enshrined in Palestinian law.

The Centre condemns such measures as they have a dangerous impact on the rule of law.

We request that President Arafat intervene to ensure that the Attorney-General’s authority is preserved and that his decisions are respected by all the security branches which are granted the offices of law enforcement.