Report, United Against Torture Coalition, 3 March 2008
"Majd al-Barghouti died on 22 February, while he was being illegally detained by the General Intelligence Service (GIS) of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Ramallah. The forensic medical report, ordered by the Palestinian Attorney General, calls the sudden death "natural" and lists the cause of death as heart failure, due to an abnormally enlarged heart. Although the report states that there were no signs of violence on any part of the body, it notes that there were dark colored marks on his arms, right knee and right thigh, "which were not related to the cause of death." There is evidence "including photographs" indicating that prior to his death, Sheikh Majid 'Abdul 'Aziz Mustafa al-Barghouti, 44 years old, was subjected to torture and ill-treatment. He might also have been a victim of medical negligence during his detention. The United Against Torture (AUT) Coalition expresses its deep concern over the sudden death of al-Barghouti, as well as his illegal detention, which is part of an ongoing wave of mass arrests and illegal detentions being carried out by the PA. The UAT Coalition strongly supports the establishment of an independent investigation committee to examine the circumstances surrounding Majid al-Barghouti's death. We also call for the mandate of the investigation committee to be expanded to include Mr. Barghouti's illegal detention, as well as the illegal detention of large numbers of other Palestinian citizens.....
In light of the above, United Against Torture calls for:
* A thorough and independent investigation of the death of Majid al-Barghouti and the circumstances surrounding his death. Full cooperation by all relevant authorities with the parliamentary committee to enable it to properly fulfill its mandate.
* Prosecution of anyone who was involved in subjecting Majid al-Barghouti to torture, ill-treatment or medical neglect, as well as their superiors who may have ordered or condoned such treatment. No impunity for government officials.
* The investigation should include the legality of the procedures used to arrest and detain Sheikh al-Barghouti.
* An immediate halt to arrests made on grounds of political affiliation and the immediate release of all current political prisoners.
* Unrestricted and effective authority to PICCR to inspect all Palestinian detention facilities, including those managed by the GIS.
* Facilitation of visits by human rights organizations, including the various Palestinian member organizations of UAT, to all detention centers in order to monitor detention conditions and the treatment of detainees, and to ensure that legal procedures are being complied with. Visits by detainees' lawyers and families.
* The immediate and permanent closure of all unofficial detention centers.
Al-Haq
Al-Quds Human Rights Clinic
Defence for Children International - Palestine Section
Gaza Community Mental Health Program
Hurryat
Italian Consortium of Solidarity
Mandela Institute for Political Prisoners
Nafha
Public Committee Against Torture in Israel
Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture "
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