AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

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AAAS Human Rights Action Network

FACTS OF THE CASE:

Leith Shubeilat, the head of the Engineers' Union and a leader in the Jordanian opposition, was arrested on December 9, 1995, apparently for the non-violent expression of his political views. He is currently being held in Jwaideh Prison under charges of lese majeste (offenses against the King's dignity) and distributing communiques against the King for a speech he made on November 7 criticizing the monarchy for making peace with Israel. At that same speech, Shubeilat criticized King Hussein for his words of praise and expressions of friendship for Yitzhak Rabin, the late Prime Minister of Israel.

Leith Shubeilat, a former parliamentarian and a leader of the Muslim Brothers, has been a vocal critic of the peace agreement signed with Israel in 1994. The professional associations in Jordan, including the Engineers' Union, have campaigned vigorously against closer relations with Israel in recent years.

Shubeilat's lawyers were not allowed to be present at his initial interrogation. While they have been present at subsequent interrogations, as of late December they had not been allowed to meet with him without a guard present. In addition, he has reportedly not been allowed to see his wife or other family members since his December 9 arrest.

From December 19 to 25, Shubeilat staged a hunger strike in protest of his detention without trial.

While Shubeilat has not, apparently, been interrogated about any act besides the expression of his opinions, bail has so far been denied. The charges under which he is currently being held carry a possible penalty of five years' imprisonment.

The arrest and continued detention of Leith Shubeilat solely for the peaceful expression of his opinions represents a clear violation of international human rights standards. Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Jordan ratified in 1975, guarantees: Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference. (1) Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information of all kinds... (2) Furthermore, the denial of any private consultations between Shubeilat and his lawyer violates the United Nations Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment which states that:

• The right of a detained or imprisoned person to be visited by and to consult and communicate, without delay, censorship and in full confidentiality, with his legal counsel may not be suspended or restricted except in exceptional circumstances. (Principle 18(3))
• Communications between a detained or imprisoned person and his legal counsel may be within sight, but not within hearing, of a law enforcement official. (Principle 18(4))

[Source of information on this case is Amnesty International.]

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Faxes and letters are requested to the addresses given below. Make mention of any previous appeals which you have made regarding this case. Communications should:

• request clarification about the accusations against Leith Shubeilat;
• urge the Jordanian government to immediately and unconditionally release Shubeilat if he is being held solely for the peaceful expression of his views;
• urge that he be allowed access to his lawyer in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment.

APPEAL AND INQUIRY MESSAGES SHOULD BE SENT TO:

His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal
King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
The Royal Palace
Amman
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Fax: 011-962-6-634-755
Salutation: Your Majesty

Sharif Zayd bin Shakir
Prime Minister and Minister of Defense
Office of the Prime Minister
P.O. Box 80
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Fax: 011-962-642-520
Salutation: Your Excellency

His Excellency Hisham al-Tall
Minister of Justice
Ministry of Justice
P.O. Box 6040
Amman
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Salutation: Your Excellency

His Excellency Salamah Hammad
Minister of the Interior
Ministry of the Interior
Amman
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Fax: 011-962-6-606-908
Salutation: Your Excellency

COPIES SENT TO:

Ambassador Fayez A. Tarawneh
Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
3504 International Drive, NW
Washington, DC 20008

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