PCHR Condemns Arrest of Hamas Supporters in the West Bank

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns by Palestinian security services campaign of arrest against a number of Hamas supporters in the West Bank.  PCHR calls upon the government in Ramallah and Gaza to stop arbitrary arrests and to release all political detainees.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, in the past two weeks, Palestinian security services have conducted a number of political arrests in Tulkarm and Salfit targeting activists and supporters of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).  The detainees have included university students, professionals and two journalists, one of whom was released.  A number of detainees have remained in the custody of the General Intelligence Service (GIS) and the Preventive Security Service (PSS).    

• On 01 November 2009, the GIS arrested Hassan Mustafa Jadallah, 24, from ‘Anabta village east of Tulkarm, after summoning him.
• On 02 November 2009, the GIS arrested Mohammed Shihada Hersha, 22, a student at an-Najah National University, from Qiffin village north of Tulkarm, after summoning him.
• On 07 November 2009, the PSS arrested Khaled Mahmoud ‘Olayan, 41, from Deir al-Ghossoun village north of Tulkarm, after summoning him.
• On 08 November 2009, the PSS arrested Mohammed Fat’hallah Sa’idi, 51, from Tulkarm, after summoning him.
• On 11 November 2009, the PSS arrested Ahmed Riad Raddad, 24, from Saida village north of Tulkarm, after summoning him.
• On 12 November 2009, the PSS arrested Na’im ‘Ayat, 42, from Tulkarm, after summoning him.
• On 14 November 2009, the Military Intelligence Service arrested Mohammed Eshtaiwi, 44, from Tulkarm, director of the offices of al-Aqsa Satellite Channel in the West Bank. He was released on Sunday, 15 November 2009.
• Also on 14 November 2009, the Military Intelligence Service arrested ‘Alaa’ Sameeh al-Aa’raj, 23, a student at an-Najah National University, from ‘Anabta village east of Tulkarm; Khaled ‘Ali Hmaidan, 40, from Tulkarm; and journalist Samer Younis, 36, from Bal’a village east of Tulkarm.

Additionally, on 12 November 2009, PCHR received a complaint from the family of Cana’an Mustafa Shatat, 32, from Bedua village northwest of Salfit. Mr. Shatat, a Palestine Telecommunications Company employee, alleged that he was subjected to torture perpetrated by at least 10 GIS officers, resulting in fractures to his skull, broken teeth, and bruising throughout his body.

Ramadan Mustafa Shatat, the detainee’s brother, stated to PCHR that:

"At approximately 20:00 on Monday, 09 November 2009, my brother Cana’an, 32, was in al-Nour Pharmacy at the eastern entrance of our village, Bedia.  He was surprised by a number of persons wearing civilian clothes, including M. A. and S. D., officers in the GIS.  They attacked him, violently beat him and then transported him in a civilian vehicle to the headquarters of the GIS in Salfit.  There, at least 10 GIS officers brutally beat him, causing factures to his skull behind the right ear, breaking his teeth and inflicting acute bruises throughout his body." 

PCHR reiterates its condemnation of all politically motivated arrests and torture, and:

1)    Reminds all parties of the Palestinian High Court of Justice ruling of 20 February 1999 which considered political arrests illegal, and calls upon all executive parties to respect the Court ruling and refrain from conducting illegal political arrests.

2)    Stresses that torture is prohibited under Palestinian law, constitutes a jus cogens (pre-emptory) norm of international law, and constitutes a serious violation of international human rights instruments, particularly the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment of 2009. There is not statute of limitations for the crime of torture.

3)    Affirms that all forms of detention under Palestinian Law are the mandate of judicial warranty bodies, represented by the civil police, working under instruction and supervision of the Attorney-General.

4)    Calls for the immediate release of all political detainees held by security services in the West Bank and Gaza Strip