Ref: 157/2003

 For the 5th
consecutive time, on Sunday, 16 November 2003, the Palestinian High Court of
Justice postponed the consideration of a petition submitted by PCHR against the
freezing of the funds of al-Salah Islamic Society.  The next hearing is
scheduled for 22 November 2003.  PCHR submitted a petition to the High
Court of Justice on 10 September 2003, requesting a temporary injunction on a
memorandum circulated by the Palestinian Monetary Fund following a decision
issued by the Palestinian Attorney-General.  The memorandum demanded all
banks working in Palestine to freeze the accounts of the al-Salah Islamic Society
and other charitable societies and NGOs.     

 The
High Court of Justice has since convened 5 sessions to consider PCHR’s
petition.  In each session the court has allowed a further postponement,
providing further time for the prosecution to present its evidence.  To
date, the prosecution has failed to provide any legal basis for the decision to
freeze the funds of the al-Salah Islamic Society and no evidence of any offence
committed, including any that may necessitate the freezing of funds, has been presented. 

 In a
memorandum circulated on 24 August 2003 to all banks working in Palestine, the
Palestinian Monetary Fund demanded that these banks freeze the accounts of 39
charitable societies and NGOs working in the Gaza Strip.  According to the
memorandum, the action was based on a decision issued by the Palestinian
Attorney General. These societies provide essential basic social,
educational, health and relief services to the poorest and most vulnerable
elements of Palestinian society. 

 PCHR
demands that the High Court of Justice consider the petition concerning the
al-Salah Islamic Society without further delay, taking into the consideration
the impact of this ongoing action on those who benefit from the essential
humanitarian services provided by the al-Salah Islamic Society.