Kishon Remand Centre, Tuesday, 15.8.06 AMObservers and reporters: Yehudit H, Rachel C.We arrived at 12:20 and, in the absence of a permit from the security officer, we waited for an attorney in order to enter in his company. Our identity cards and cellular phones were taken, and our bags were put through the screener. As we entered, the judge explained to us the newly renovated place, which is more spacious and located better from all aspects. The new procedures also ease matters.The judge, Lieutenant Colonel Aryeh Avriel, approved our entry. We would learn that he was both a practicing attorney and the Chairman of the Ethics Committee of Haifa Bar Association.From 10:30 the hearings were about “prohibited” persons, who had been prevented from seeing an attorney during their detention, in order not to hamper investigative processes, and to prevent the transfer of information. We were removed from the courtroom when two such detainees were brought in.The two attorneys were from the “Detainees’ Club” and the Detainees Foundation: Raid Mahamid from Umm el Fahm and Muhamad Abed from Baina (near Carmiel(). Both praised the judge, saying: “He is excellent, has discretion and is objective.” They also praised the new locationIn the courtroom were: the judge, defense attorney, prosecutor, interprete and occasionally two Border Police men. The three detainees were brought in a door facing the judge. Their handcuffs were removed before entry. Their legs remained shackled. Some of the detainees were in prison uniform, others in civilian clothes.The interpreter spoke loudly, making it hard to hear the judge. The files under discussion were laid on the prosecutor’s table. The defense attorney received from the prosecutor and form with details of the detainee and description of the offense.The prosecutor gave the judge the accused’s file, and received it in return after the judge signed it.I will describe in brief a number of cases out of the 13 that we observed:a detainee arrived with hands in pockets. The judge commented to him about it. His handcuffs were removed upon entry. He spoke with the defense attorney, who then presented his statement to the judge. Remand in custody was extended by seven days. In conversation after he left, the prosecutor related that this was a detainee who did not care what happens to him, and only want to smoke all the time. Yesterday he was given a packet of cigarettes. Generally, the defense attorney asks to shorten the remand to seven days, which he claims is sufficient time for the investigation, and if there is need the period can always be extended afterwards. A few detainees were brought in and removed, the process being repeated.Another detainee has been sentenced to four terms of life imprisonment. From prison he directed the kidnapping of two settlement girls by three Palestinians, a couple of months ago. He has to be interrogated and tried again for this offense at Salem.Another detainee is brought in and the defense attorney asks for five minutes recess to allow him to talk to the prisoner. This is a detainee who has already been held in the remand centre for a month. He is a money changer employed by Western Union, father of five, who also provides livelihood for two families who work for him. In 1972 he was imprisoned for 10 months. He says that he made a mistake. They say of him that he is a collaborator, which he claims to be a lie. He was compelled to leave the area where he lived, but nevertheless hooded men came and beat his mother and sister.In 1991, 20,000 dinars were stolen from his brother’s house. His father was accused of selling land to Jews. In 1996, 6,000 dinars were stolen from him, and he was threatened that his home would be burnt. There is no way for him to approach Israel Police, and his only intent is to bring up his five children quietly. From time to time he bursts into tears. He is prepared to be under supervision in Israel. All the accounts are in his name, and therefore his family cannot draw money on which to live. He was arrested accused of harming the security of the state by transferring money to bad people.The prosecutor noted that three pistols were found in his possession, but he claims they were for self defense against attempts to rob him.The judge extends his remand by 15 days, and tells him to use the time to persuade the investigators that he did nothing illegal and is simply unfortunate. He is asked whether ghe can post 50,000 shekels bail bond, in which case he will be given the opportunity. After he leaves, the defense attorney remarks that this is an uncommon case and is not at all simple.The next detainee is a student of computer engineering in el Najah University. He is the son of the Minister of Finance of the Palestinian Authority, who was arrested and released. He is accused of student activity and assistance to wanted men. The previous remand was on 1.8.06, after which he gave a statement to the police. The defense attorney asks to reduce the extension to 15 days.At 14:45 all the extensions of remand were completed. The judge and the lawyer parted from us.It was exhauting and depressing.