Ref: 137/2003

PCHR condemns today’s attack on Saed
Sheheibar, assistant to the Palestinian Attorney General.  Sheheibar was
shot and wounded this morning by a group of masked armed individuals. PCHR
calls on the Palestinian Authority to immediately initiate a thorough and
impartial investigation into the incident and to prosecute those responsible in
accordance with international legal standards.

 According
to PCHR’s preliminary investigation, at approximately 08:20, 3 masked men
approached Sheheibar as he was leaving his home on al-Jala’ street, in the
centre of  Gaza city, on his way to work.  One of the men opened fire
at Sheheibar, shooting him in the right thigh.  All three men then turned
and fled the area.  Sheheibar was evacuated to al-Quds Hospital in Gaza
city, where he is currently undergoing medical treatment.

 PCHR
condemns this attack, and calls for an immediate, thorough and impartial
investigation into the incident and prosecution of the perpetrators in
accordance with international legal standards.