NEWS BRIEF
Reference: 9/2004
Date: March 21, 2004

The Palestinian High Court of Justice Orders Lift on Ban imposed on Assets of 39 non-profit, charitable organizations.

On 21 March 2004, the Palestinian High Court of Justice ruled against the Palestinian Monetary Authority (PMA) canceling its decision to freeze the assets of 39 Palestinian non-profit, charitable organizations. The Court ordered that the ban be lifted immediately.

On 24 August, 2003, the Palestinian Monetary Authority had issued a unilateral and unjustified decision to freeze the assets of several non-profit, charitable organizations. Al Mezan Center for Human Rights was requested to represent these organizations in court. The Center appealed to the Palestinian High Court of Justice to request the cancellation of this decision on grounds that the Palestinian Monetary Authority is not habilitated to take such decisions and that the decision does not have legal grounds. The Center emphasized that the decision affects large groups of the Palestinian community, particularly those in need for the services of the organizations.

The Court held twelve sessions to hear the arguments of the General Prosecutor, representing the PMA, and Al Mezanís lawyers, representing the charitable organizations, before making its final ruling. The court was headed by Judge Fayiz Al Qudwa, with Judge Younis Al Agha and Judge Yihia Abu Shahla.

Al Mezan Center for Human Rights hereby appraises the High Courtís decision, which stands for an important triumph of the Judiciary and the rule of law in Palestine.

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Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights
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