Ashkelon Prison (remand extensions), Thursday, 4.1.07 Observers: Yael A, Ruti PJudge: Daniel KfirInvestigator: Moshe LeviInterpreter: ?Note: Judge Kfir is worthy of note for his diligence in shortening remands in custody, even at the price of pressure on the system. In every remand extension discussion, he was interested in legal representation and took care that the detainee should have contact with family.Shakal KafishThe investigator tries to convince the judge that they are really trying to advance the file to the prosecution.Judge: (to detainee) do you have a lawyer?Detainee: no.Judge: the matter of the lawyer must be pushed, in order that he has representation.In order to allow the investigation the last actions in submitting the file, the judge extends the remand by six days. The process will be transferred to Ofer for hearing on 9.1.07.Ela Abed AgheimJudge: has the detainee met with an attorney?Investigator: yes. Advocate Fahami Shkirat visited him once. He is an appointee of the Prisoners’ Club.Detainee: request to shorten the remand.Investigator: there is today a meeting with the team leader, to verify the versions facing incriminators, and to prepare evidential bases, and so it is possible to say that the investigation is close to end, and we need to do a, b, and c.Judge: if the investigation is in its closing stage, the closure must be permitted. I extend remand by six days and the detainee is to be permitted contact with his attorney.The detainee gives the investigator his home phone number.Halil Abed el MeggedInvestigator: we are asking for an extension of 12 days. The investigator is close to end.Judge: has the detainee met with a defending attorney?Detainee: I haven’t met… Don’t remember his phone number. I ask to shorten the days. I have the phone number of my sister.Investigator: (to judge) I have transferred to you all the documents that I have. We didn’t hold any meeting with the team leader. I have just received the family’s phone number.Judge: the investigation is ending, in preparation for submission to the prosecution. I extend remand by four days.Investigator: I inform you that it is impossible. Explain to me how we can succeed?Judge: there is a ruling.Investigator: you cut off my hands.Judge: there is a ruling. Consult with your superiors.Investigator: I don’t know what to do. You are cutting off my hands. We won’t be able to live with it.Judge: you have time until 12 midnight Sunday.Ahmad Abu AliInvestigator: request 12 days extension, in the course of which we will finish preparation of the file. The suspect carried out very serious offences.Judge: does he have a lawyer?Investigator: a lawyer came to me today from the Prisoners’ Club.Detainee: I didn’t know him. Request to shorten the remand. I have an eye problem.Judge: what problem?Detainee: I don’t see well. Only see shadows.Judge: has he seen a doctor?Detainee: yes, but I didn’t tell him about the problem.Judge: the investigation is nearing its end and the end must be allowed. There are suspicions regarding the detainee. For the purpose of completion, I extend until 9.1.07. He is to meet with a medical orderly. Care is to be taken that his family should know that there was a hearing and the remand has been extended. His family and the attorney are to be informed.Investigator: (to judge) Advocate Fahami Shkirat does not want to come to hearings.Adnan (looks to be a child)Investigator: we are requesting an extension of remand by 18 days.Judge: how old are you?Detainee: 18.Judge: you were already 18?Detainee: yes.Judge: do you have a lawyer?Detainee: yes, from the Prisoners’ Club. I am remanded for a long time…Judge: has been held since October 2006. The remand is extended by 12 days for the purpose of the investigation.