Statement by the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East
Peace Process, Mr. Robert Serry on Palestinian prisoners in Israeli
detention
Jerusalem, 25 February 2013
http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ocha_opt_26_02_2013_press_release_english.pdf

The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process,
Mr. Robert Serry, is deeply saddened and concerned about the death in
Israeli detention on 23 February of Mr. Arafat Jaradat, arrested on 18
February. He sends his condolences to the family of Mr. Jaradat.

Mr. Serry and Deputy Special Coordinator Mr. James W. Rawley discussed the
situation of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention this morning with
Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad and Palestinian Chief Negotiator Erekat.

The Special Coordinator takes note of the preliminary findings of the
autopsy that was conducted on Mr. Jaradat’s body with the participation of
Israeli and Palestinian experts. The United Nations expects the autopsy to
be followed by an independent and transparent investigation into the
circumstances of Mr. Jaradat’s death, the results of which should be made
public as soon as possible.

The Special Coordinator reaffirms the position of the United Nations as
expressed by the Secretary-General last week that international human rights
obligations towards all Palestinian detainees and prisoners in Israeli
custody must be fully respected. The United Nations remains concerned about
the deteriorating health of Palestinian detainees on hunger strike, and
reiterates that those held in administrative detention without charge should
be charged and face trial with judicial guarantees in accordance with
international standards, or promptly released.

The United Nations is closely monitoring the situation on the ground where
mounting tensions present a real risk of destabilization. The United
Nations appeals for maximum restraint by all parties to prevent further
violence. The United Nations will continue engaging with the parties on the
ground with a view to finding a solution that addresses the plight of
prisoners and preserves the calm.

ENDS.
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Hayat Abu-Saleh
Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process
(UNSCO) Public Information and Media Unit
Tel: 972-2-5687287
Mobile: 972-54-6631114
E-mail: abusaleh@un.org www.unsco.org