Binyamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister
Office of the Prime Minister
3 Kaplan Street
Hakirya, Jerusalem 91007
ISRAEL

Dear Prime Minister:

I wish to express my concern regarding the arrest and continued detention of Ahmad Kamil Sa’id, a secondary school student. On 2 June 1997, along with six others from the village of Yohmor al-Shaqif in South Lebanon, he was arrested at a road block set up by the Israeli Defense Force. The others were later released but reportedly he was taken to Khiam Detention Center by members of the South Lebanon Army. To date, his family has not been allowed any contact with him.

According to Amnesty International, about 300 people are currently imprisoned at Khiam, many having been held as long as 12 years without charge or trial, and torture of detainees during interrogation is customary. This being the case, I am extremely concerned that Ahmad Kamil Sa’id is himself at risk of torture and prolonged detention without charge or trial.

I understand that Israel controls the "security zone" in South Lebanon where the Khiam Detention Center is located, in addition to overseeing, training and funding the South Lebanon Army which runs the center. Therefore, I call upon you as the Prime Minister of Israel to ensure that Ahmad Kamil Sa’id is not being tortured or ill-treated while in custody. He should also have immediate access to his family, lawyer, doctor and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

In addition, the reason for this young man’s arrest and continued detention should be clarified. If he committed a recognizably criminal offense, he should be officially charged and tried before a court that meets international standards for fair trials. If he is not to be charged, he should be released immediately.

Respectfully yours,