AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

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AAAS Human Rights Action Network

FACTS OF THE CASE:

There is now fear for the safety of 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) who was rearrested at midnight on 9 June 1996.

Amnesty International has received reports from "reliable sources" indicating that Dr. al-Sarraj has been beaten. The Attorney General of the Palestinian Authority, Khaled al-Qidreh, has stated that Dr. al-Sarraj will be in custody for 48 hours while an investigation is undertaken. Material from the offices of the Gaza Community Mental Health Program was reportedly confiscated during a search. Although no reason has been given for his arrest, the Attorney General has insisted that the arrest of Dr. al-Sarraj is not related to his human rights activities or to the exercise of his freedom of expression.

This is the third time Dr. al-Sarraj has been arrested by the Palestinian Authority. He was most recently 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.

He was released by order of Mr. Arafat. However, at the time of his release, the Attorney General announced that Dr. al-Sarraj could still be tried on charges of libel, incitement, and harming the public interest.

(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:

• seeking assurances that Dr. al-Sarraj's safety and security will be guaranteed;
• calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. al-Sarraj if he is not charged with a recognizable criminal offense;
• insisting that if charges are brought against Dr. al-Sarraj, he be given a speedy, fair, and impartial hearing before a competent civilian tribunal that complies with international legal standards; and
• expressing concern about the pattern of arrest and detention of activists who criticize the Palestinian Authority.

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

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