Maria Nikiforou Was Illegaly Deported
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On 24th July 2006, Maria Nikiforou was forcibly sent back to Greece from Tel Aviv airport, despite the decision of the
appeal court.
The judge had intialy issued a stay on her deportation order. After reviewing secret evidence provided by the Israeli
"General Security Services" (Shabak/Shin Beit), he then reversed his previous decision without explanation. Upon hearing
of the reversal, Maria's lawyer Leah Tsemel immediately filed an appeal. The appeal judge then granted an indefinate
stay of deportation. When Tsemel came to see her client on July 26th, she was stunned to find that she had been deported
anyway, against the orders of the appeal court.
The right to a fair trial is guaranteed by international law. Israel's use of secret evidence in cases involving
Palestinian and international activists contravenes international legal standards. In the name of 'security', Israel
regularly imprisons and deports Palestinian and international activists without a fair hearing, on the basis of 'secret
evidence' provided by the Shabak, which the defense does not get a chance to review.
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The International Solidarity Movement (ISM) is a Palestinian-led nonviolent movement to end the Israeli occupation of
the West bank and Gaza Strip.
For specific media inquires such as interview requests, photo usage, etc. please email the ISM Media Office at
media@palsolidarity.org
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