Russian Compound, Jerusalem - Remand Extension

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Observers: 
Roni Hammermann, Tova Szeintuch (reporting)
Dec-17-2007
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Russian Compound


Translation: Eldad Kisch

 

As usual we waited outside the door to the detention compound. Together with us a Palestinian from East-Jerusalem was waiting, trying to get his ID-card back which had been confiscated at his arrest, and which was not returned to him upon his release. He showed his release form and was told that “we don’t find your ID”, “the secretary isn’t in” and similar excuses ... today the secretary isn’t around either, and when we entered, the man was still waiting outside.

 

I explained again who we are, we deposited our ID-cards and mobile telephones and were then conducted to the room for extension of remand. In front of the room sat the typist and the interpreter.

 

The judge, Shmu’el Fleishman, arrived at 10:50, but he could not start the hearings, as the computer did not work. Only after some time, after a search through the whole building, an appropriate extension cord was found with the help of which the computer was started.

Itzik the investigator entered with a heap of files – 17 to be exact – and explained to the honorable judge that there is much work since on Thursday there will be no extensions of remand.

Ten of these cases were of detaineesinfo-icon prohibited from meeting with their attorneys.

 

We witnessed an extension of remand which was conducted without the presence of the detainee with the excuse that “it is a waste of time of the defense counsel” (Halil Alsala).

 

The detainee was arrested on 25.11.07., and until today at midnight has been barred and it seems that “there is the need to extend his prohibited status”. The prisoner denies the accusations against him. The representative of the police request another 22 days for interrogation. The defense lawyer wants to know what went on during the 22 days he was already interrogated. The detainee continues to deny the accusations against him. The lawyer requests to release him on probation or alternatively to indict him.

 

Itzik the investigator explains that it is impossible to reveal any restricted information and that he has nothing to add to what has been said before. In the report that was handed to the judge all the relevant information appears. The investigation is at its height even though the defendant continues to deny his involvement in the activities attributed to him. The accusation: involvement is military activity and planning of terror attacks.

 

The lawyer requests to see the protocol, and he is told that it will be sent to him by fax after the defendant will have been brought before a judge and will have testified what his part was in the matter. After that, the verdict too will be sent to him.