PUBLICAI Index: MDE 16/010/2002

28 June 2002

Further information on UA 175/02 (MDE 16/009/2002, 14 June 2002) - Prisoner of conscience/health concern/ill-treatment/ unfair trial

JORDANToujan al-Faisal (f), aged 53

On 26 June, Toujan al-Faisal was released from the King Hussein Medical Centre in the capital Amman. This follows a private amnesty by Royal Decree from His Majesty King Abdullah. Members of the Jordanian Chechen-Circassian community had appealed for her release during a meeting with the Prime Minister. However, Amnesty International is concerned that her conviction remains in force despite her release.

Toujan al-Faisal’s health apparently deteriorated during her hospitalization, as she had continued to refuse solid food in protest against her ill-treatment, including alleged threats to contaminate her food, at the Jweideh Women’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Centre.

She had been detained from the end of March until 26 June 2002, following her public criticism of the government. On 25 June, the Court of Cassation (or appeal court) rejected an appeal against her sentence. This was as a direct result of the amendments to the law introduced in October 2001, which were promulgated through a provisional royal decree.

According to reports, Toujan al-Faisal expressed her appreciation to human rights activists and organizations who had worked to contribute to her release.

Many thanks to those who took action on this case. If possible please send a final round of appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in Arabic, English or your own language:

- calling for Toujan al-Faisal’s conviction to be dropped immediately and unconditionally since Amnesty International considers that during her detention she was a prisoner of conscience;

- adding that her conviction which remains in force, arose as a result of her exercising her right to freedom of expression.

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

Faris Nabulsi

Minister of Justice

PO Box 6040

Amman

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Telegrams:Justice Minister, Amman, Jordan

Fax: + 962 6 464 3197

Salutation: Your Excellency

Quftan al-Majali

Minister of Interior

Ministry of Interior

PO Box 100

Amman

Jordan

Telegrams:Interior Minister, Amman, Jordan

Fax:+ 962 6 560 6908

Salutation:Your Excellency

Dr Fayez Tarawneh

Chief of the Royal Court

PO Box 80

Amman

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Telegrams:Chief of the Royal Court, Amman, Jordan

Fax:+ 962 6 463 1452

Salutation:Dear Dr Tarawneh

COPIES TO:

Her Majesty Queen Rania

President of the Royal Commission on Human Rights

Office of her Majesty the Queen

Royal Palace

Amman

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Salutation:Your Majesty

and to diplomatic representatives of Jordan accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY.