AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

View Alerts By > Case | Date | Country | Victim

AAAS Human Rights Action Network

FACTS OF THE CASE:

On Sunday, 26 May, Palestinian authorities released psychiatrist Dr. Iyad al-Sarraj, a well known human rights activist, Director of the Gaza Community Mental Health Program, and Commissioner General of the Palestine Independent Commission for Citizen's Rights (PICCR).

Mr. Arafat reportedly ordered the release of Dr. al-Sarraj. However, according to the Palestinian Attorney General, Khaled Kidreh, he could still be tried on charges of libel, incitement, and harming the pubic interest.

Dr. al-Sarraj was arrested on 18 May 1996, apparently in connection with comments he made to the New York Times, which appeared on 6 May 1996, critical of the Palestinian self rule government and its security forces.

(Sources of information on this case include Human Rights Watch/Middle East, the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, and The New York Times, 28 May 1996.)

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Please send telexes, telegrams, faxes, or airmail letters:

• expressing concern about the pattern of arrest and detention of activists who criticize the Palestinian Authority;
• praising the release of Dr. al-Sarraj from detention; and urging the Palestinian authorities drop all charges against Dr. al-Sarraj.

APPEAL AND INQUIRY MESSAGES SHOULD BE SENT TO:

Mr. Yasser Arafat
Chairman of the Palestinian Authority
Fax: 07-822365/6
Salutation: Your Excellency:

Mr. Frieh Abu Medin
Minister of Justice
Fax: 07-822236
Salutation: Dear Minister:

Mr. Khaled El Qidra
Attorney General
Fax: 07- 822388
Salutation: Dear Attorney General

Main | CSFR Letters | Science and Human Rights Program