Front Line is deeply concerned for the safety of human rights defender Abdulaziz Tarakji following an attack by unknown men on 4 October 2008. Abdulaziz Tarakji is the director of the Palestinian Human Rights Foundation (Monitor).

Further Information

Posted 31/10/08 According to information received, at approximately 10 pm on 4 October 2008, Abdulaziz Tarakji was in his office based at Ein el-Hilweh camp in Lebanon when he was attacked by three unknown young men. He was subjected to verbal and physical assault and threatened with knives before other people in the office intervened and rescued him and the assailants fled the building. Since the attack of 4 October, Abdulaziz Tarakji and other members of Monitor have continuously been receiving threats.

Front Line previously wrote to you on 30 April 2008 concerning the threats reportedly received by Monitor from the head of security of the Fatah movement in Lebanon concerning a press release about the kidnapping of a disabled person from the Al Rashidiyah camp for Palestinian refugees.

Front Line believes that this attack against Abdulaziz Tarakji and the renewed threats against the members of Monitor are related to their legitimate work in the defence of human rights, especially their work to publicise and raise awareness with regard to human rights violations in Lebanon. Front Line is concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of Abdulaziz Tarakji and all members of Monitor.