Ref: 97/2009

Date: 12 August 2009

Time: 11:38 GMT

PCHR Expresses Concern Regarding Security Forces Inspection of the National Association for Democracy and Law in Rafah

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) expresses its concern regarding the Security Forces inspection of the National Association for Democracy and Law’s (NADL) offices in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah. PCHR calls upon the security services in Gaza to cease intervening into the affairs of NGOs, and to respect the right to freedom of association which is guaranteed by the Basic law and international human rights standards.

Ibrahim Mo’amar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NADL, stated to PCHR that at approximately 11:00  on Monday, 10 August 2009, four persons arrived at NADL’s offices located in the Zo’rob building in Rafah town.  They introduced themselves as members of the Institutions Security Service and requested to meet him in person.  He told them to wait in the executive manger’s room until he finishes a meeting he was holding in his office.  “A few minutes later, I went to the executive manger’s room, so I saw the security officers checking two of the association’s computers, which aroused a debate among them concerning whether they have the authority to search the offices without the Attorney General’s permission,” Mo’ammar added.

In the light of the above:

1) PCHR stresses that the right to freedom of associations is ensured under the Basic Law and relevant international standards.

2) PCHR affirms that security services’ intervention in NGOs’ affairs contradicts with the Charitable Associations and Local Councils Law #1 of 2000 and its Executive Bill.

3) PCHR reminds of Article 41 of the Charitable Associations and Local Councils Law, which provides that:  “Expropriation of funds of any association or institution, or to close or inspect its office, centers or branches without a warrant issued by a relevant judicial body is prohibited.”