15.01.1998|Court Documents|Petition to HCJ

HCJ 320/98 - Manasra et al. v. The Israel Security Agency Petition for Order nisi and an Intermediary Order

HaMoked's petition against the torture of a Palestinian detainee during interrogation and pre-interrogation waiting period. The interrogee was, inter alia, kept bound in the Shabah position and subjected to extended sessions of sleep deprivation. The petitioners argue that under Israeli law the respondent cannot use force or violence against a person during interrogation, and that the methods employed against the petitioner constitute torture as defined by the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which Israel is signatory. The petition is dismissed after the State notifies that "at present no physical means are used against the petitioner." The State is not willing to commit on the issue of the petitioner's sleep.