Israel: Arrest and ill-treatment of human rights defender Issa ‘Amro

Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of the arrest and ill-treatment of human rights defender Issa ‘Amro on 19 January 2008. Issa ‘Amro is a field-worker with B'Tselem - The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories.

Further Information

Issa ‘Amro was reportedly arrested by soldiers in Hebron while filming a disturbance by settlers in Wadi Hsein, East Hebron. He was standing across the road from the disturbance with another staff member of B'Tselem and international activists when he was approached by the commander of the Shimshon battalion who ordered him to stop filming. A group of settlers surrounded Issa ‘Amro and attempted to take his camera. The settlers were then joined by soldiers who beat Issa ‘Amro before arresting him and taking him to an Army Jeep where they continued to beat him. B'Tselem was later informed that Issa ‘Amro had been arrested on suspicion of attacking soldiers, despite the fact that the organisation is reportedly in possession of video footage as evidence that Issa ‘Amro was attacked by the soldiers.

Issa 'Amro was released on 21 January 2008. A restriction order was issued against him, prohibiting him from entering the Israeli settlements for fifteen days, but on Wednesday 23 January 2008 this order was cancelled.

Front Line believes that the arrest and ill-treatment of Issa ‘Amro is related to his peaceful and legitimate work in defence of human rights. Concern is expressed for the physical and psychological integrity of Issa ‘Amro, as well as that of all members of B'Tselem. Front Line is concerned that members of B’Tselem who are filming settlers are being subject to violence and increasingly targeted by the Israeli security forces.