She was apprehended in January as she crossed a military checkpoint near Bethlehem
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Palestinian lawyer and human rights defender Diala Ayesh, who was arrested and detained under contentious conditions by Israeli military forces.
Ayesh, known for her advocacy for Palestinian political prisoners, was apprehended on January 17 as she crossed a military checkpoint near Bethlehem in the southern West Bank.
The circumstances of Ayesh’s arrest, including assault and intimidation, and her subsequent detention without a trial, have raised significant concerns about violations of international legal standards, including the right to a fair trial. Ayesh, who is presently held in Damon Prison, a facility previously criticized by the United Nations Secretary-General for poor conditions, suffers from medical conditions requiring attention, adding urgency to calls for her release.
“The arbitrary arrest and detention of Palestinian human rights lawyer Diala Ayesh by Israeli military forces is deeply troubling. The IBAHRI emphasises that lawyers play a vital role in upholding the rule of law and the protection of human rights, including the rights to fair trial guarantees, freedom from torture and other inhumane or degrading treatment, and access to justice,” IBAHRI co-chair Anne Ramberg Dr Jur hc said.
Ramberg also called on Israeli authorities to respect Ayesh’s rights to legal representation and medical treatment as per international standards.
The IBAHRI's statement underscored the broader issue of restrictions faced by Palestinian lawyers and human rights defenders under updated laws and military orders. These include arrests without formal charges, extended detentions, and limited access to legal representation, all hamper the legal profession’s ability to defend detainees effectively.
Echoing the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, IBAHRI Director, Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, voiced concern over the arbitrary detention of Ayesh and the infringement of her rights. “We urge the Israeli authorities to adhere to international legal standards, ensuring Ms. Ayesh's right to due process, access to legal representation, and humane living conditions. The targeting of human rights defenders, including lawyers, in the West Bank and the Occupied Palestinian Territories must cease, allowing them to carry out their vital work without fear or restriction,” Kennedy said.
The institute’s call to action includes the demand to release all political prisoners and human rights defenders like Ayesh, highlighting these individuals' role in advocating for justice and human rights, especially during conflict.
