URGENT COMMUNIQUE

PALESTINIAN HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE SAYS NO CASE TO ANSWER

ON DR. SARRAJ CASE

Published @ 10.00 hours GMT/14 July 1996

Today, 14 July 1996 at 10:30 hours local time, the Palestinian High Court of Justice decided not to consider the petition submitted on the case of Dr. Sarraj because he had been released from detention.

The hearing originated from an application submitted by Raji Sourani, lawyer to Dr. Sarraj, on 13 June. The petition asked the High Court to consider the lawfulness of Dr. Sarraj’s arrest and continued detention; the procedures adopted, including the denial of legal access to Dr. Sarraj; and whether the State Security Court has jurisdiction over a matter of ordinary criminal law. As Dr. Sarraj was released on 26 June 1996, the Palestinian High Court decided that the petitition would not be considered.

A hearing scheduled for 1 July to rule on his case and the petition filed on his behalf was re-scheduled for today, 14 July, so that the Attorney General could provide the courts with a reponse to the petition. No response was submitted by the Attorney General at the hearing today.

Dr. Iyad Sarraj is the Head of the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme and the Commissioner General of the Palestinian Independent Commission for Citizens’ Rights. Dr. Sarraj was held in detention from 9 June until his release on 26 June 1996. Charges remain pending against Dr. Iyad Sarraj.