Ref: 161/2007

Date: 14 November  2007

Time: 10:00 GMT

PCHR Condemns the Police Raid on Dr. Kamal Shrafi’s House and Confiscation of Some Possessions

PCHR condemns the police raid conducted two days ago on the house of Dr. Kamal Shrafi, the President’s Human Rights Advisor, located in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. The Centre also condemns the confiscation of belongings from the house. The Centre calls upon the dismissed government in Gaza to immediately investigate this attack, and to oblige the police to respect regulations pertaining to house raids and confiscation of materials.

The Center’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 16:15 on Monday, 12 November 2007, a large police force raided Dr. Kamal Shrafi’s house in Salhin area east of Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. They searched the house thoroughly and confiscated two computers, personal briefcases, and four boxes containing documentary films. Dr. Kamal’s brother, Mohammad Shrafi, informed PCHR that at about 16:15 he saw several policemen surrounding the 3-story house where he and Dr. Kamal live. They entered Dr. Kamal’s apartment in the first floor. He went to them immediately and asked the officer as to the reason of their presence. The officer replied, ‘you will know shortly.’ Mohammad repeated the question; but the officer did not respond. Dr. Kamal’s brother asked to see the search order; but the officer replied, ‘we are in an emergency. There is no search order.’ They searched the house thoroughly and ruffled beds and cloth cabinets. They confiscated 2 computers, a mobile phone, and several documentary films. Mohammad asked the officer to identify himself and his place of work. The officer refused to give any information. They left the house after about 90 minutes.

In a related incident at approximately 1:00 on Tuesday, 13 November, a police force raided the house of Hussein Shrafi, Dr. Kamal’s cousin, and confiscated Dr. Shrafi’s private vehicle and its official documents. The police did not leave behind any document indicating that they have confiscated the vehicle or that it is in their possession.

PCHR condemns the raid on Dr. Shrafi’s house, and:

1. Affirms the need for the police to respect legal regulations, especially Article 17 of the Amended Basic Law that states, “homes have a sanctity and cannot be monitored, entered, or searched except with a judicial order indicating the reasons. Any action in violation of this article is illegal. In addition, Article 21.4 of the same Law states, “No confiscation except by judicial order.”

1. Reminds that Dr. Kamal Shrafi is a Presidential Advisor with the rank of Minister in the President’s Office. He is livening in the Gaza Strip; but has not been summoned or questioned by the police of the Gaza government.
2. Calls upon the dismissed government in Gaza to open an immediate investigation into this attack, and to prosecute the perpetrators.

“END”