PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 16/009/2003

UA 83/03 Possible prisoner of conscience/Legal concern 24 March 2003

JORDAN Fawaz Zurayqat (m), aged 45, businessman

Fawaz Zurayqat, a businessman and station manager of Arab Television (ATV), a new English-language satellite channel with offices in London and Baghdad was detained on 3 March. He is being held without charge at the headquarters of the General Intelligence Department in the capital Amman. Amnesty International considers him to be a possible prisoner of conscience, detained solely for the peaceful expression of his political beliefs.

On 3 March security officers arrested Fawaz Zurayqat at his office in Amman and seized computers, documents and compact discs. He was taken to the General Intelligence Department, where he is still being held. He has been denied access to a lawyer, but his brother has been able to visit him twice.

Fawaz Zurayqat is a leading member of the National Mobilisation Committee for the Defence of Iraq, a non-governmental organisation which campaigns against the sanctions and war on Iraq. His detention is thought to be linked to his pro-Iraqi activities.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English, Arabic or your own language:

- expressing concern at the detention without charge of Fawaz Zurayqat and urging that he is well treated and not subject to torture or ill-treatment;

- expressing concern that he may be a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for the peaceful expression of his political beliefs;

- calling on the authorities to ensure he is granted immediate access to a lawyer;

- calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Fawaz Zurayqat unless he is to be charged with a recognizably criminal offence.

APPEALS TO:

His Majesty King =Abdallah bin Hussein

Office of H.M. the King

Royal Palace

Amman

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Telegrams: King >Abdallah bin Hussein, Amman, Jordan

Faxes: + 962 6 462 7421

Salutation: Your Majesty

General Sa’ad Khayr

Head of General Intelligence Department

Amman

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Fax: + 962 6 586 4111

Salutation: Dear General

Quftan al-Majali

Minister of Interior

Ministry of Interior

PO Box 100

Amman

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Fax + 962 6 560 6908

Salutation: Your Excellency

COPIES TO: Diplomatic representatives of Jordan accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 5 May 2003.