Pillay concerned about health of Palestinian detainees

GENEVA (13 February 2013) - The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, expressed Wednesday her concern following reports of the fast deteriorating health condition of three Palestinians detainees on hunger strike and currently held in Israeli custody.

Tarek Qa’adan and Jafar Azzidine have been on hunger strike for 78 days to protest against their administrative detention by Israel, while Samer Al-Issawi has been on partial hunger strike for over 200 days.

“I am concerned about the health conditions of these three Palestinian detainees on hunger strike,” Pillay said.

The High Commissioner reiterated her concerns with regard to the use of administrative detention by Israel. “Persons detained must be charged and face trial with judicial guarantees in accordance with international standards, or be promptly released,” the High Commissioner said.

ENDS

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