Eritrean asylum seekers residing in Israel, who either oppose or support the regime in Eritrea, have been stopping other Eritreans on the street, asking if they oppose or support the regime, and demanding they hand over their phones. If they refuse, they are beaten, stabbed, or killed.
If they oppose the regime in Eritrea, they will be physically assaulted, beaten, and in some cases killed, and their mobile phones and other belongings will be taken by those who support the regime. Similarly, if they support the regime in Eritrea, the same thing will happen to them by those who oppose the regime.
In Israel, police officers do have the authority to stop individuals on the street under certain circumstances, but their ability to ask for your mobile phone is subject to specific legal constraints and procedures.
Generally, police officers can stop and question you if they have reasonable suspicion that you have committed, are committing, or are about to commit an offense. However, demanding access to your mobile phone is more complex due to privacy and legal considerations. Here are some key points:
- Reasonable Suspicion and Search Warrants: If the police suspect that your mobile phone contains evidence related to a crime, they typically need a search warrant to examine its contents. The warrant must be issued by a judge, except in exceptional situations where immediate access is crucial to prevent a crime or secure evidence.
- Consent: In some cases, officers might ask for your consent to access your mobile phone. You have the right to refuse this request, and refusing consent does not provide grounds for a search without a warrant.
- Arrest Situations: If you are under arrest, the police may have broader powers to search you and your belongings, including your mobile phone. However, even in these situations, there are legal limitations and procedures that must be followed to protect your rights.
- Data Privacy Laws: Israel has data privacy laws that protect individuals’ personal information. The police must respect these laws and cannot arbitrarily access personal data without proper legal authorization.
The above situation clearly explains that even police officers must follow laws before demanding anyone to hand over their phones.
What has been practiced in Israel by Eritreans who oppose and support the regime in Eritrea is illegal, appalling, and barbaric. They must cease the practice of stop and search, phone seizures, fatal beatings, and killings immediately.
As asylum seekers, they must abide by the laws of their host country.
Human Rights Concern – Eritrea (HRCE)
