Press Release

PCHR welcomes the release of Dr Abed Aziz El Ramtisi

Date: 8 February 2000

Ref: 14/2000

Yesterday afternoon, 7 February 2000, the Palestinian police released Dr. Abed El Rantisi more than four months after the court decision for his release. On 27 September 1999, the Central Court in Gaza issued a decision to release Dr Rantisi on bail, but he remained under detention without any charges filed against him.

Dr Rantisi was arrested by the Palestinian police on 9 April 1998. Following intervention by PCHR’s lawyers, on 4 June 1998 the Palestinian High Court issued a decision for his release. The decision of the court was not implemented by the Palestinian police at the time and the detention of Dr Rantisi continued contrary to the law until he was released on 19 July 1999 due to the death of his mother. On 8 August 1999, Dr Rantisi was arrested once again, and detained until his release yesterday.

PCHR welcomes the release of Dr Rantisi and expresses its hope that this is the first step towards the release of all Palestinian detainees held in Palestinian security forces prisons contrary to law.