News / Interviews

UN must take action against Israel: Activist

Tuesday, 12 January 2016 3:25 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 12 January 2016 4:50 PM ]

The photo shows the body of a Palestinian man who was shot dead by Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank city of al-Khalil (Hebron) on October 29, 2015.

Press TV has conducted an interview with Sahar Francis, General Director for the Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association from Ramallah, to ask for her take as to a report saying Israeli authorities have issued administrative detention orders for 34 Palestinians, despite criticism that the practice violates civil rights.

What follows is a rough transcription of the interview.

Press TV: Despite criticism coming from various international rights bodies, the Israeli regime continues with its policy of administrative detention against Palestinians. Tell us more please.

Francis: Of course. Since ever the Israeli occupation was not respecting the international law and their duties according to the international humanitarian law, definitely the fourth Geneva Convention that is restricting the use of administrative detention policy, but since [19]67 the Israeli occupation forces were subjecting Palestinians for this policy of arbitrary detention as you described it indefinite detention that is based on secret information, that a person would be arrested but without knowing when he will be released, and how he is supposed to defend himself because it is based on secret information that is not disclosed for the detainee and his lawyer.

Press TV: You mention the issue of Israel with it's total disregard for international law. What has to change to basically change the status quo as to how Israel sees itself above international law and how its total disregard for a number of international conventions?

Francis: I think it is the time for the UN (United Nations) different mechanisms to be more effective and to take more powerful steps like sanctions against …Israel for violating international law in such systematic way.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk