Statement for immediate release
Issued by Human Rights and Democracy Media Center “SHAMS”“
Repeated Cases for death of detainees require more seriousness and work to preserve the lives of citizens
“SHAMS” Center followed with great concern the announcement of the death of the arrested Ayman al-Qadi, 49, from Bethlehem, while he was arrested at the Bethlehem police station. After the announcement of the death, the detainee’s family gathered in front of Beit Jala Governmental Hospital, and they protested over the ambiguity of the circumstances of the detainee’s death two days after his arrest.
“SHAMS” Center confirms that it received the announcement of the spokesperson of the Palestinian Police about the Public Prosecution and the police conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the death with great caution, in light of the ambiguity of the investigation committees and the results they reach in similar cases, which are not shared with the public, which increases the absence of transparency in the work environment of law enforcement agencies, especially in light of the failure to enact a law on the right to access information despite multiple claims, which is reflected negatively on citizens’ confidence in the justice system and the social contract.
In light of the repeated deaths of detainees in mysterious circumstances, the “SHAMS” Center calls on the various law enforcement agencies to respect the right of inmates to obtain all the requirements for a decent life without diminution or delay and to be arrested in decent living conditions in line with international standards and best practices, and in respect to The fifth chapter of the Correction and Rehabilitation Centers Law No. (6/98), which regulates the provisions of health care and medical services.
“SHAMS” Center stresses that the investigation announced by the official authorities should be different from what preceded it in terms of its transparency and seriousness, and the right of the arrested family and the Palestinian public to access information and investigation results. The investigation committee should have the qualities of impartiality and integrity first. Secondly, the investigation should be responsive, effective, prompt and transparent. Third, the results and recommendations of the investigation committee should be enforced. Forth, the results and recommendations are published in accordance with the citizens’ right to access information to achieve both private and public deterrents and to take measures to ensure that these incidents do not recur.