Rights group asks High Court to compel IDF to disclose whereabouts of detained Gaza medic

The HaMoked civil rights organization files a habeas corpus motion to the High Court of Justice against the IDF’s refusal to disclose the whereabouts of Asaad Nasasra, a Palestinian paramedic who survived the March 23 incident in which troops killed 15 rescue workers.

The deaths of the emergency and rescue personnel was widely condemned around the world, with the IDF subsequently dismissing the deputy commander of the Golani Brigade’s reconnaissance unit over the attack, while also finding that the attack didn’t violate the army’s code of ethics.

Nasasra was detained during the incident but his family have been unable to contact him, and HaMoked sent a request to the IDF on behalf of Nasasra’s wife to find out where he was being held.

The IDF told HaMoked in response earlier this week that it had decided to ban Nasasra from meeting with a lawyer until May 7, prompting the organization to file its habeas corpus motion to the High Court.

“This petition concerns the most basic right of a detainee: that his detention and location will be made known,” says attorney Ameeneh Qumbar of HaMoked.

“This is also the right of the detainee’s family, to know the fate of their loved one. Israeli authorities must immediately inform his family of Mr. Nasasra’s whereabouts, even if he is not allowed to meet with an attorney. However, the circumstances of Mr. Nasasra’s detention raise grave concerns regarding his well-being and he should have immediate access to a lawyer in order to ensure his basic rights.”

The IDF does not immediately respond to a request for comment.