Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
License needed for work use Register

World Video | Defence | Foreign Affairs | Natural Events | Trade | NZ in World News | NZ National News Video | NZ Regional News | Search

 

Israel: New Holding Cells are Being Built

Following a Petition Filed by the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI)

New Holding Cells are Being Built Adjacent to the Ofer Camp Military Courts

Following a petition filed by the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI) to the High court of Justice, the State announced this week that it has begun building a new detention complex next to the Ofer Camp military courts (near Ramallah) that will replace the present facility. According to the state, the new facility "will be built with high standards, and an emphasis on the quality of the conditions of detention of those being held in the cells", and that the construction is expected to be completed in six months.

The State also said that efforts will also be made in the beginning of 2010 to find a solution to the harsh detention conditions in a similar facility at the Salem Camp (near Jenin) through the appointment of an expert in air conditioning and ventilation.

The petition was filed in November 2007 on behalf of a number of Palestinian detainees, Attorney Fares Abu Hassan who represents many detainees, and Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) against the appalling conditions of detention in the holding cells adjacent to the military courts in the Ofer and Salem military courts. Detainees awaiting legal proceedings at the courts are held in these cells in crowded, noisy conditions, without free access to toilets and drinking water, and are exposed to extreme weather conditions in both winter and summer. Food is not provided regularly and there is no ventilation.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Attorney Bana Shoughry-Badarne, director of PCATI's legal department, expressed her hope that the construction that has begun will bring about a substantial improvement of the conditions of detention in these holding cells and stated that this is the first significant step on the path to the realization of appropriate conditions of detention for all Palestinian detainees being held by Israel.
In spite of this, PCATI regrets that ensuring basic conditions of detention necessitates the submission of petitions and long legal processes.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
World Headlines

 
UN News: Aid Access Is Key Priority

Among the key issues facing diplomats is securing the release of a reported 199 Israeli hostages, seized during the Hamas raid. “History is watching,” says Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths. “This war was started by taking those hostages. Of course, there's a history between Palestinian people and the Israeli people, and I'm not denying any of that. But that act alone lit a fire, which can only be put out with the release of those hostages.” More

Save The Children: Four Earthquakes In a Week Leave Thousands Homeless

Families in western Afghanistan are reeling after a fourth earthquake hit Herat Province, crumbling buildings and forcing people to flee once again, with thousands now living in tents exposed to fierce winds and dust storms. The latest 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit 30 km outside of Herat on Sunday, shattering communities still reeling from strong and shallow aftershocks. More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.