On Wednesday, 30.5.2001, Mr. al-Ahmar's detention was extended by 20 days, without the presence or the knowledge of Attorney Yossi Schwartz, who represents Mr. al-Ahmar and already visited him on 27.5.2001. Attorney Schwartz filed an appeal against this extension on Monday, 4.6.2001.

The appeal was heard this morning, Tuesday 5.6.2001, at the Military Court of Appeals in Beit El, in the presence of Mr. al-Ahmar and two PHRMG representatives. Mr. al-Ahmar appeared in good condition.

Attorney Yossi Schwartz based his appeal on two points: Firstly, he contends that there is no justification for the continuing detention and prolonged investigation of Mr. Al-Ahmar, since he was arrested merely for being in Jerusalem without a permit. The detention and investigation therefore seem to be unjustified except by old facts and past administrative detentions.

Secondly, Mr. Al-Ahmar's involvement in Israeli and international human rights organizations is evidence that he is not involved in any kind of prohibited activities, and his detention therefore is a way to punish him for his activities in the field of human rights, and specifically against torture by the Israeli General Security Services.

Military Judge Shaul Gordon dismissed both arguments, based on secret evidence accessible neither to Mr. Al-Ahmar, nor to his Attorney. He ruled that there exists sufficient updated material to justify the pursuance of the investigation and detention.

PHRMG and PCATI are concerned by the continuing detention of Mr. Al-Ahmar without charges, and based on secret evidence. Mr. Al-Ahmar cannot prepare any sort of defense if he is not even informed of the charges and/or evidence against him. This form of detention is a blatant violation of his rights, including the right to fair trial, and should not be tolerated in a State that claims to be democratic.

Furthermore, we are concerned both for the safety of Mr. Al-Ahmar and of any other persons involved in human rights activities in the Occupied Territories. Mr. Al-Ahmar's arrest is part of a recent pattern of arrest and detention of human rights activists and appears to be aimed at creating an atmosphere in which these activists will fear to continue their work monitoring and documenting human rights abuses and defending its victims.

Human rights lawyer Adnan al-Hajar, who was unjustifiably arrested on 23 April 2001 on suspicion of having links with Osama Bin Laden, was never formally charged and has since then been released, putting into doubt the well-foundedness of the allegations initially brought against him.

Once again, PCATI and PHRMG wish to thank the many organizations and individuals who expressed their concern regarding Mr. al-Ahmar's detention. Such pressure is now more important than ever since it is now clear that his detention has nothing to do with the fact that he entered Israel without a permit. We ask all to continue to pressure the authorities for his release. In addition, we request that you double your efforts to pressure Israel to implement international standards of human rights in the Occupied Territories.

For further details please contact:

PCATI - Hannah Friedman: Tel. 02-5630073, 056-556442
PHRMG - Mireille Widmer: Tel. 02-5823372

Kindly send copies of emails, faxes, or other correspondence regarding Mr. al-Ahmar's detention to:

PHRMG <admin@phrmg.org> Fax 02-5823385
PCATI <pcati@netvision.net.il> Fax 02-566 5477