Ramallah, 22 November 2012 – Human rights defender Ayman Nasser, who has spent 39 days in interrogation since his arrest on 15 October 2012, has had his detention extended five more days until Monday 26 November 2012, in which it is expected that he will be presented with his accusations.
Addameer is concerned for Ayman’s health and well-being, as the prison administration’s treatment of him is in violation of international humanitarian law.
Ayman has been subject to regular interrogation sessions that last for over 20 hours at a time. He is held in painful stress positions during these interrogations. When not under interrogation, Ayman is held in a windowless isolation cell and subject to forms of intimidation, including sleep deprivation from a constant fluorescent light, freezing temperatures from an air conditioning unit and lack of proper clothing and blankets. Furthermore, we are exceptionally concerned for Ayman’s health, as he is routinely denied the proper medication he needs for pre-existing health issues. Under these conditions, his health has deteriorated drastically in detention.
Addameer calls on the international community to intervene immediately with the Israeli authorities to ensure Ayman’s speedy release. In particular, we call on the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders to get involved in Ayman’s case.
“Human rights defenders” are formally defined as persons who work peacefully for any or all of the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Ayman clearly falls within the category, in that his activities are peaceful in nature and aimed at the promotion of human rights.
Addameer views Ayman‘s imprisonment as a deliberate violation of his fundamental freedoms and special protections provided under international law for human rights defenders, particularly freedoms of movement, expression, association and peaceful assembly.
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Write to the Israeli government, military and legal authorities and demand that those arrested be released immediately*
Brigadier General Danny Efroni
Military Advocate General
6 David Elazar Street
Harkiya, Tel Aviv
Fax: +972 3 608 0366; +972 3 569 4526
Email: arbel@mail.idf.il; avimn@idf.gov.il
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ehud Barak
Ministry of Defense
37 Kaplan Street, Hakirya
Tel Aviv 61909
Fax: +972 3 691 6940 / 696 2757
Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon
OC Central Command Nehemia Base, Central Command
Neveh Yaacov, Jerusalam
Fax: +972 2 530 5741
Col. Eli Bar On
Legal Advisor of Judea and Samaria
PO Box 5
Beit El 90631