Russian Compound, Jerusalem - Remand Extension, Health Problems

Translation: Marganit W.

Russian Compound

Judge: Naphthali Shmulevitz

Police Investigator: Avi Akiva

The judge was late and the session began at 10:30. Before the first detainee was brought in, the investigator informed the judge that an agreement had been reached between himself and the defense (Attorney Ma'amun) concerning an 8 day remand extension for 3 detainees in order to finish the investigation and hand the case over to the prosecution. The 3 detainees are:

Hamed Ibrahim Hassan Ahmid, from Bethlehem.

It is the first meeting between Attorney Ma'amun and the detainee. The detainee complains of severe chest pains and requests transferal to a medical facility of the Prison Authority. The judge orders the detainee to be immediately seen by the detention facility doctor, emphasizing that an exam by a medic will not be sufficient.

Detention extended to 31.7.08.

Jihad Abdul Fatha Mustafa Hamidan, from Bidu.

Detention extended to  31.7.08.

Ahmad Mahmud Muhammad Samara, a minor (born 1990). Detention extended to 31.7.08.

As soon as the third detainee was led out, Avi Akiva requested that we leave the courtroom, because all 7 cases in the docket were of detainees prevented from meeting with their attorneys. When we lingered, Akiva repeated his demand more forcefully. We objected, claiming that we have permission to be present in the courtroom and have never been barred from attending cases, when the defense pleaded for detainees who were barred from seeing their attorneys. We asked the judge if the session is classified as

"in camera". In response Akiva approached the typist and told her to write that the trial is conducted "in camera". The judge responded feebly that he could not interfere in the matter, and that we need to apply

to the Chief Justice at the courthouse in Ofer.

We had the distinct impression that all this had been planned and agreed upon between judge and investigator, perhaps with the collusion

of Mishnayot, Chief Justice of the Military Court.

We will lodge a complaint about repeated attempts to curtail the public's right to know and the violation of the principle of publicity of court trials.