Lawyers for Lawyers (L4L) expresses grave concern regarding the recent arrest and detention of Diala Ayesh following her arbitrary arrest on January 17 2024.
Diala Ayesh is a dedicated Palestinian human rights lawyer known for her advocacy on behalf of Palestinian political prisoners and the promotion of fair trial guarantees and freedom of expression.
On January 17, 2024, Ms Ayesh was arrested by Israeli military forces at a checkpoint near Bethlehem, allegedly enduring mistreatment during her apprehension. Following an arrest where she was reportedly subjected to assault and threats by Israeli soldiers, she has since been sentenced to a four-month administrative decision, without any charge or trial, and she did not appear before a court. She is being held in Hasharon and Damon Prisons, facilities notorious for their harsh conditions, including overcrowding and limited access to legal representation.
The implementation of military laws and orders since October 7, 2023, has significantly hindered Palestinian lawyers’ ability to effectively monitor detainees, impeding access to vital information and suspending fundamental due process rights. L4L is particularly troubled by the apparent violation of Ms Ayesh’s right to a fair trial, as she was only granted access to legal counsel six days after her arrest.
Lawyers for Lawyers calls on the Israeli authorities to:
- Immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners and human rights defenders, including human rights lawyer Diala Ayesh (pursuant to article 9 ICCPR);
- Ensure Ms Ayesh has access to a lawyer of her choosing, and is provided with adequate opportunities, time, and facilities to be visited by and to communicate with a lawyer, without delay and in full confidentiality (principle 8, UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers and, article 14 of the ICCPR); and
- Ensure Ms Ayesh has access to medical treatment and facilities, and guarantees humane living conditions for prisoners as required by international law (principle 9, UN Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights ).
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