June 23, 2015
PLC Member Khalida Jarrar Detained Indefinitely
PLC Member Khalida Jarrar Detained Indefinitely

Ref: 34/2015
Date: 23 June 2015
Time: 12:30 GMT

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) strongly condemns the decision taken by the Israeli military court in Ofar Prison adjourning the trial of Khalida Jarrar, 52, Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and deputy chairperson of the board of directors of al-Dameer Association for Supporting Prisoners and Human Rights, indefinitely.

The Israeli military court in Ofar Prison held a session on Monday morning, 22 June 2015, to consider the bill of indictment presented against Jarrar. The court adjourned the trial indefinitely.

On 15 April 2015, the Israeli Military Advocate General (MAG) presented a bill of indictment against Jarrar accusing her of being a member and activist of an illegal organization in violation of Regulation 85(1)(a) of the Defense (Emergency) Regulations 1945.

According to sources of al-Dameer Association for Supporting Prisoners and Human Rights, the MAG stated in the court hearing that it would submit an application to rely on confidential evidence during the trial proceedings.

It is worth noting that Ms. Khalida Jarrar was arrested from her house in Ramallah on 2 April 2015, and on the same day, the Israel military commander issued an order placing her under administrative detention for six months. However, on 5 May 2015, the military commander issued another order reducing the period of administrative detention to one month and two days ending on 4 May 2015. By detaining Jarrar, the number of PLC Members detained in Israeli prisons has amounted to 12.

In light of the above:

  1. PCHR strongly condemns detaining PLC Member Khalida Jarrar by the Israeli authorities and calls for immediately releasing her and all PLC members detained in Israeli prisons.
  2. PCHR stresses that the bill of indictment against Jarrar is an evidence that Israel is trying her for her political affiliation in violation of international law and humanitarian law.
  3. PCHR calls upon the international community, including the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention, to fulfill their obligations and take immediate action to stop violations of international law perpetrated by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians.

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