Ofer - Detention until conclusion of proceedings, Minors

Translation: Marganit W.

The Army Against Nabi Saleh

Another remand extension hearing for the brothers

Muhammad Tamimi and Ossama Tamimi.

Judge: Major Haim Balilti

Defense: Atty. Haya Abu Warda

Besides the parents and family members several activists from Tel Aviv were present.

The attorney described the conditions at the interrogation facility: the investigators’ talk about the sex lives of the mother and sister; the interrogations lasted more than 10 hours at a time, and the food was served next to the toilet. As expected, all this did not impress the judge or the prosecutor.

Atty. Abu Warda again (as in earlier hearing on 21.2.18) brought up the absence of ‘certificate of confidentiality’ (which the prosecution is supposed to present to the court: it contains the material that the defense is entitled to see. Such a document must be presented within three months from the indictment, which makes it very tough for the defense – N.A.)

The judge asked why no date for a trial had been set, when arguments and testimonies are presented. Atty. Abu Warda explained that the missing documents prevent the defense from building its case.

The prosecutor cited evidence and assured the court that a certificate of confidentiality would soon be provided.

The judge accepted the prosecutor’s arguments regarding Muhammad and ordered remand extension until the conclusion of the proceedings.

As for Osama, the judge said he needed to examine the case thoroughly; he would make his decision regarding alternative to detention after the break. Nobody entertained any hopes regarding release (the prosecution would have appealed such a decision anyway).

Still, we waited and the parents had another opportunity to have a short chat with their son.

As expected: the decision was remand extension until the conclusion of the proceedings.

The next hearing is set for 25.3.18.

When we were in court, the son told us about two other Nabi Saleh residents that were detained with him. Their hearing took place in another courtroom.

On Tuesday there were hearings of several other Nabi Saleh residents, and the following day, on Thursday, additional hearings of the villagers were expected.

I don’t think anyone knows how many Nabi Saleh Palestinians are currently in custody.

No doubt many - hence the title.

In the docket I noticed that there were 8 people with the last name Takatka -  meaning they were from Beit-Fajer.

In the yard I spoke to several mothers. Three of the eight were minors. The women told me about the routine nightly raids and arrests – all par for the course.

I also spoke with a couple from Bethlehem who were waiting for the hearing of their son, a high school senior. They worried about his Tawjihi (immatriculation exams) that takes place in May. The son’s friend was also in detention. Both study in Beit Sahur.

After the son’s arrest they contacted ‘Nadi Al Assir’ (Prisoners Club) and only after 4 days did they find out that the son is being interrogated in Ashkelon. They were confused. They were told that their son’s hearing is today, but his name was not on the list. They did not know what to do, but decided to stay anyway in case the son is brought into court; they had not seen him in two weeks. I wrote down the name and tried to investigate. After several hours, one of the attorneys told me that the son had been brought in.

When I left at 4, the hearing had not started yet. I really hope they had a chance to see the son.