Ref: 48/2007

Date: 27 June 2007

Time: 13:00 GMT

PCHR Is Deeply Concerned Over Storming Headquarters of Gaza Governorate by the Executive Force

PCHR is deeply concerned over storming the headquarters of Gaza Governorate on Wednesday noon, 27 June 2007, by the Executive Force, and calls for stopping such illegal practices.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 12:00 on Wednesday, a number of members of the Executive Force entered the headquarters of Gaza Governorate. They asked the Deputy Governor to search the building to ensure the stability of the security situation, as it overlooks the UNRWA headquarters. The Deputy Governor asked the officer of the force to present a checking warrant to allow him to search the building. The officer went out, where 2 vehicles of the Executive Force and a number of militants were waiting, and then came back with an unstamped checking warrant. The Executive Force then stormed the building, checked files and confiscated some old ones. The officer of the force also demanded the Deputy Governor to provide names of the employees and the record of their attendance and he did. They then left the building.

PCHR is deeply concerned for this incident, and:

1)      Calls upon the Executive Force to respect the special status of public institutions and protect them form any illegal searches that are conducted without warrants issued by the Attorney-General;

2)      Warns of the continuation of such incidents while the Attorney-General, his aides and the civil police have suspended their work, although the two aides of the Attorney-General and administrative staff attend their jobs, but do not receive or deal with complaints; and

3)      Reiterates its call for the Attorney General and the civil police to resume their work in the Gaza Strip to protect the rights of people.