Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of threats received by members of the Palestinian Human Rights Foundation (Monitor), a human rights organisation based in Lebanon.

Further Information

Posted 01/05/2008 On 17 April 2008, Monitor issued a press release about the kidnapping of a disabled person from the Al Rashidiyah camp for Palestinian refugees. Ibrahim Mohammed Al Kateeb, head of security of the Fatah movement in Lebanon, reportedly telephoned Monitor to ask the organisation to issue another press release denying the kidnapping.

On 18 April 2008, staff members of Monitor were threatened after they had refused to do as Ibrahim Mohammed Al Kateeb asked. Director of Monitor, Abdulaziz Tarakji, temporarily closed the office and informed the Lebanese authorities of the threatening telephone calls and the telephone numbers from which they were made.

Front Line believes that the 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.