Ref: 42/2009

Date: 25 March 2009

Time: 12:30 GMT  

PCHR Demands Investigation into Death of a Civilian Tortured by Members of the Intelligence Services in Gaza

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) demands an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jamil Naser ‘Assaf, 20, from Gaza City, who died yesterday after being tortured by members of the Security Services. PCHR is also calling for the results of the investigation to be made public, and the perpetrators to be prosecuted and brought to justice.  

According to PCHR investigations, at approximately 01:30am on Tuesday 24 March 2009, medical sources at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City pronounced the death of Jamil Naser ‘Assaf, 20, from the ‘Asqoula neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. ‘Assaf died after suffering severe kidney failure, resulting from beating and torture carried out by members of the Security Services. The injuries were sustained while Jamil ‘Assaf was being detained at al-Tufah police station on charges of theft.

The victim’s mother, Nuha Zaki ‘Assaf, 46, gave the following statement to PCHR:

“At approximately 09:00am on Sunday 8 March 2009, members of the General Intelligence Service arrested my son, Jamil, from his house. They accused him of theft and led him to an unknown destination. On 12 March 2009 we heard that Jamil was detained at al-Tufah police station on theft charges. The following day, 13 March 2009, Jamil was transferred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. He was unconscious. After medical checks, it was found that he suffered severe kidney failure after he had been severely beaten and tortured by members of the Security Services. He was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit due to the seriousness of his health condition. He died of his injuries on Tuesday, 24 March 2009.”

Dr. Abdullah al-Qishawi, a specialist in kidney and internal diseases, said that ‘Assaf was admitted to hospital because he suffered severe kidney failure due to muscle tearing, and bruises on the body. In addition, medical sources in the forensic medicine department at al-Shifa Hospital said that ‘Assaf was beaten and tortured, and that bruises were clear on his upper and lower limbs.

In view of this incident, PCHR:

1.         Calls upon the government in Gaza to open an immediate investigation into this crime, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

2.         Reiterates that torture is prohibited under Palestinian law, and also constitutes a serious violation of international human rights standards and instruments, especially the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and that crimes of torture remain punishable long after they have been committed.

3.         Stresses that arrests and detentions are regulated by Palestinian law and fall under the mandate of judicial officials, including the civil police, who are under the supervision of the Attorney-General.

4.         Expresses its deep concern at the continuing occurrence of such crimes, especially in view of the failure of the Palestinian authorities to take any action to prosecute the perpetrators or to make available the results of any investigations. This contributes to the proliferation of such crimes.