Amnesty International has appealed to Israel to end the practice of imprisoning Palestinians suspected of militant activity without trial, calling in a report for the release of hundreds of detainees. The London-based rights group claimed that the prisoners are mistreated and that Israel is violating international law with its practice, known as “administrative detention,” which Israel says is vital to prevent attacks. The report, entitled “Starved of Justice: Palestinians Detained Without Trial by Israel,” lists torture and inadequate medical treatment in prison among violations it says are associated with the practice. “Israel has a duty to uphold due process and fair trial rights, and to take effective action to end torture and other ill-treatment of detainees,” said Sanjeev Bery of Amnesty. The practice drew attention recently when Palestinian prisoners went on a hunger strike to protest against it. Two men, Thaer Halahleh and Bilal Diab, were on hunger strike for more than 70 days. Both are members of Islamic Jihad. — AP Under administrative detention, Israel can keep some prisoners in custody for months — even years — without charges. Israel has defended it as a necessary tool to stop militant activity. “Amnesty International is calling for an end to the practice and the immediate release of all administrative detainees unless they are legitimately charged with an internationally recognized crime and tried according to fair trial standards,” the report said. The 56-page report includes statements from Palestinians who experienced administrative detention.
