Ofer, June 18, 2007(Addendum to report submitted by Roni H. for same day)Observer: Hagit S. (Reporting)Room no. 516 cases were heard over the course of two hours; nine of detainees, most young; two of arrests, both quite young; five of releases on bail, four of them youngsters. Seven lawyers represented the detainees, and standing nearby were an interpreter and a prosecutor, as an effort to expedite the proceedings.In 10 of the cases, including three of releases on bail, the hearing was postponed at the request of the lawyer. In another six, including three of releases on bail, a verdict was handed down after agreement between the parties. I heard for the first time a sentence that had been added to the judge’s “routine speech” upon pronouncing sentence. In addition to the usual “The court is not obligated to accept the agreement between the plaintiff and the defense…” the judge addressed the accused and said forcefully, “You don’t have to admit [to the charges]. If you didn’t do it, don’t admit to it”, then continued with “but just be aware that if you don’t admit [to the charges], we’ll hold a trial with witnesses and evidence: you could receive a harsher punishment; or a lighter one. But don’t admit [to the charges] if you didn’t do it.” Tova and Roni also witnessed this innovation in room no. 4, if it is indeed new (a new “twist” on the “script”?).Sentences1. Morahd Habahss Halil Ashuyakiya- released on bail. Attorney: Muhammad Awad. Charges: possession of stolen vehicle; driving an unregistered vehicle; disturbing a soldier on duty; attempt to escape arrest. Sentence: four months’ detention on probation + 2,000 NIS fine to be deducted from the bail paid. 2. Ali Adnan Muhammad Ashor.Attorney: Abu Amar, who worked quite hard to persuade his client to agree to a plea bargain. Abu Amar tried to persuade his client to admit to revised charges. The client didn’t understand, and the persuasion attempt was quite audible. The judge intervened, reminding the detainee not to admit to anything he didn’t do, yet ended by saying, “I advise you to consult with the defense counsel”. The detainee admitted to the charges, which were: membership in a junior Hamas movement and recruiting others to join. The sentence: 10 months’ detention (starting from his arrest on January 31, 2007) + 2,000 NIS fine + 12 months’ probation (I couldn’t make out for how long).3. Muhammad Gaber Muhammad Awad, 20, of Yata, attends school in Abu Dis. His family ― he has five sisters and a brother ― is poor; his father speaks Hebrew. Arrested in a container on February 24, 2007. His classmates informed his father of his arrest via Victor Mahamoskovia, who advised the father to get him a lawyer; he was not allowed to talk to his son. The father went to Nadi al-Asir [Palestinian Prisoners Advocacy], who appointed Attorney Abu-Amar. Awad has been in detention in Beer Sheva for two months, where his father visited him twice. Charges: attempted arms trafficking; membership in Osra el-Islamiyya; attending meetings of the organization, in which he was treasurer. Sentence: 13 months’ detention + 2,000 NIS fine; three years’ probation.4. Sufiyen Abd Alsalam Muhammad Aladuy. Attorney: Abu Amar. Charges: During 2004, linked to others who planned a terrorist act in the Cave of the Patriarchs (Hebron); November 2005, threw a grenade at an IDF jeep. No damage resulted; it appears that the terroist act was not carried out. Admitted to the charges. Sentence: 24 months’ detention; five years’ probation. The judge commented, “you got off easy. Be careful.” The defendant thanked [him] and kissed his lawyer. 5. and 6. Omar Gamal Muhammad Taamra, and Nadal Said Ahmad Asakara, both of Bethlehem. Arrested on April 20, 2007 near Gilo, as they were returning from a short illegal stay in Israel. Released on bail of 3,000 NIS each after spending 16 days at the Russian Compound. Attorney: Lubani. They admitted to the charges. Sentence: 115 days’ detention, one year probation, + 1,200 NIS fine. Dates for postponed hearingsDate AccusedCourtCharge(S)AttorneyNotesJuly 10, 2007Fadi Tewfilk Muhammad Guanama07 / 2406Membership and activity &nbsp &nbspJuly 17, 2007Hamdi Hasin Ata Muhtisab07 / 2525Arms possesion and trafficking &nbsp &nbsp &nbspOmar Ali Ahmed Kadi07 / 2494Preparing/throwing / setting an explosiveAbu Amar &nbspAug 6, 2007Nibin Halil Doka06 / 4379Linked to causing the death of anotherAhlam Hadad &nbsp Shirin Mahmad Odallah06/4377Linked to causing the death of another &nbspTo be heard: Statement of the defenseAug 7, 2007 Hasin Abdallah Hasin Badar07 / 2441Membership and activity &nbspTestemonies Aug 14, 2007Muhammad Salam Ali Halsa06 / 3245Linked to causing the death of anotherMuhammad Hasan &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbspMuhammad HasanThree releases on bail accused of throwing objects; two are related (Algaradat family)