IPU alarmed at arrest and detention of PLC speaker – IPU press release/Non-UN document (excerpts)

IPU ALARMED AT THE ARREST AND DETENTION OF THE SPEAKER OF THE PLC

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is alarmed at the arrest and detention of Mr. Abdelaziz El-Dweik, Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, the elected Palestinian parliament.

The IPU calls upon the Israeli authorities to show restraint and respect for the parliamentary mandate and the institution of parliament, the presidency of which was entrusted to Mr. Dweik following the elections held earlier this year. It therefore calls on the Israeli authorities to release him forthwith along with the other members of the Palestinian Legislative Council who were arrested in June last.