Dr. Eyad Serraj was once again arrested without charge on 18 May 1996. Serraj, who serves as director of the Gaza Community Mental Health Program, and Commissioner General of the Palestine Independent Commission for Citizens’ Rights (PICCR), is a well- known human rights activist in Gaza. According to Human Rights Watch, it is believed that […]
Dr. Eyad Serraj was once again arrested without charge on 18 May
1996. Serraj, who serves as director of the Gaza Community Mental
Health Program, and Commissioner General of the Palestine
Independent Commission for Citizens’ Rights (PICCR), is a well-
known human rights activist in Gaza. According to Human Rights
Watch, it is believed that he was arrested because of critical
comments he made to “The New York Times” on 6 May 1996, about the
human rights situation in Gaza. Serraj was denied access to a
lawyer during the first forty-eight hours of his detention, and
neither he nor his family have been informed of the reason for his
arrest. Serraj had also been detained without charge on 7 December
1995.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Palestinian authorities:
detention of activists who criticize the Palestinian Authority
to punish or intimidate those who wish to express criticism and
dissent, and that such actions violate the internationally
guaranteed right to freedom of expression
a recognizable criminal offense, calling upon the Palestinian
Authority to release him immediately
Appeals To
His Excellency Yasser Arafat
President
Palestinian Autonomous Authority
Gaza City, Gaza
Fax: +972 7 823 744
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
