Jerusalem, 03-01-06, 12:15: Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, head of the Independent Palestine coalition list, was arrested in East Jerusalem one hour ago whilst on a tour of the Old City as part of the Legislative election campaign, which officially began today.
Dr. Barghouthi was meeting with ordinary Jerusalemites near Damascus Gate, discussing their needs and the situation of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, when he was approached by six undercover Israeli security agents, arrested, and taken to the Russian Compound jail where he remains under detention.
Dr. Barghouthi‘s lawyer was informed by Israeli soldiers that the candidate‘s presence in the city was illegal, and that he would be held for at least another hour until they determined whether to bring charges against him.
At a press conference held yesterday at Qalandia Checkpoint, Dr. Barghouthi berated the fact that while many representatives of the Palestinian Authority and other groups standing in elections had been granted permission by Israel to visit both Jerusalem, he had been prevented from doing so. He declared his resolve to travel to Jerusalem despite this.
He also strongly criticised the proposed Israeli ban on voting in East Jerusalem, and called on Palestinians to protect the democratic process by preparing to conduct balloting on a street-by-street, and door-to-door basis as a form of peaceful, non-violent resistance against the ban.
Contact:
Ms. Bahia Amra
Tel: 0547-907492
Ms. Diala Ghassan
Tel: 0599-674411