On 7.1.2009, HaMoked was informed that on the 5th of January, two Palestnians from Gaza had been arrested and were being held at Shikma prison in Ashkelon, in an ISA interrogation facility. HaMoked was also informed that the two would be prevented from meeting with a lawyer until 11.1.2009. Later, HaMoked was told that the prevention had been extended until 16.1.2009.
On Tuesday, 13.1.2009, HaMoked filed appeals against the ISA's decision to prevent the detainees from meeting with a lawyer. HaMoked claims that the ISA is using the order that denies access to a lawyer as an end in itself, and not as a means to further the interrogation.
It is worth noting that during interrogation, the detainee is at the complete mercy of the ISA interrogators. Consulting with a lawyer might assist the detainee, among other things, to claim all the rights to which he is entitled.
HaMoked is asking the court to allow the two detainees to access their basic legal rights and to allow them to consult with a lawyer. Also, HaMoked is asking that the ISA be ordered to halt the interrogation until a court-decision has been made.