Ramallah, 8 November 2012 – Addameer researcher and human rights defender, Ayman Nasser, today has his interrogation period extended by an Israeli military court for a further seven days. Ayman, who was arrested on 15 October 2012, has now spent 25 consecutive days in interrogation, some of which involved 20 hours of interrogation, during which time his hands have been constantly handcuffed behind his back.
 
Ayman appeared before the Moskobiyyeh Israeli military court in Jerusalem, where the prosecution requested that his interrogation period be extended for 12 days. However, following the intervention of Addameer lawyer Mahmoud Hassan, this was reduced to seven days.
 
Addameer are particularly concerned for Ayman’s health, considering the length of some of the interrogation sessions, which have risen to 20 hours in duration. These interrogations are causing Ayman immense back pain and he continues to be denied the appropriate medication. As previously reported Ayman suffers from a number of health issues including inflammation in his colon and back pain. Until his arrest he was receiving constant medical treatment by specialized doctors.
 
When not in interrogation Ayman continues to be held in isolation in a cell that is 2 meters in height and 1.5 meters in length. The air condition is continuously on a low temperature, emitting cold air and causing Ayman severe distress, while he only has one blanket with which to keep himself warm. The sole light in Ayman’s cell is on continuously, making it difficult for Ayman to sleep. Due to the conditions of his isolation Ayman does not know if it is day or night.
 
The main focus of his interrogation continues to be his civic activities relating to his role in advocating for the rights of Palestinian political prisoners and his involvement in the Handala Center, which is an educational, artistic center in Ayman’s village Saffa and of which Ayman is the Chairperson.
 
Addameer is also concerned that the interrogation sessions are not being recorded which leave open the possibility of abuse by the interrogators.
 
For more information on Ayman’s case and to view his profile please click here.
 
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“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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ACT NOW!
 
*Write to the Israeli government, military and legal authorities and demand that Ayman Nasser be released immediately.
  • Brigadier General Danny Efroni
    Military Judge Advocate General
    6 David Elazar Street
    Harkiya, Tel Aviv
    Israel
    Fax: +972 3 608 0366; +972 3 569 4526
    Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
  • Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon
    OC Central Command Nehemia Base, Central Command
    Neveh Yaacov, Jerusalam
    Fax: +972 2 530 5741
  • Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ehud Barak
    Ministry of Defense
    37 Kaplan Street, Hakirya
    Tel Aviv 61909, Israel
    Fax: +972 3 691 6940 / 696 2757
  • Col. Eli Bar On
    Legal Advisor of Judea and Samaria PO Box 5
    Beth El 90631
    Fax: +972 2 9977326
*Write to your own elected representatives urging them to pressure Israel to release Ayman Nasser.