PRESS RELEASE
Release @ 13.00 hours GMT 11th March 1997
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights appeals to the PNA to release Palestinian detainees held in its prisons
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights welcomes the Palestinian National Authority’s decision to release Dr. Ibrahim al-Maqadmeh. al-Maqadmeh is an Islamic activist from the Gaza Strip, who was arrested 1 year ago on 2nd March 1996 during the wave of arrests carried out by the PNA security forces, following suicide bomb operations in Israel in February and March 1996.
However the Palestinian Centre urges the PNA to release Palestinians who languish in prison without charge or trial, in contravention of Palestinian laws. Uncertain about their fate, these prisoners recently began protests, and some went on hunger-strike on 6th March 1997.
Today mothers of the those held in such conditions gathered in front of the Palestinian Legislative Council headquarters, in Gaza City, demanding the release of their sons, and the improvement of prison conditions. They called on the Legislative Council to intervene to implement a decision that the Council had previously taken to release all prisoners who have not been charged.
Legislative Council Members Rawhi Fattouh and Mussa Zaabout spoke to the protesters and requested them to give the Council time to intervene. Zaabout announced that the prisoners ceased their hunger strike on 10th March and that a list of names had been sent to the PNA President to approve their release.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights expresses its belief that there is a need to end this situation and to respect the rights of all detainees and prisoners, who have the right to be informed of the charge held against them and to have their case heard before a properly constituted court of law, and otherwise to be released, in accordance with Palestinian law. The Centre believes that such a step would contribute to the promotion of the rule of law, which is a basic component for the development of Palestinian democratic society.
