RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS REGARDING MOHAMMED OMER AL-MUGHAIER
(Communicated by the GPO) 9 July 2008

In regard to recent media reports about Mohammed Omer al-Mughaier, security
sources wish to state:

"Mr. Mohammed Omer al-Mughaier (hereinafter "the Complainant") arrived at
the Allenby Crossing on Thursday, 26 July 2008. Due to suspicion that he
had been in contact with hostile elements and had been asked by them to
deliver items to Judea and Samaria, both he and his baggage were searched.
In contradiction to his claims, at no time was the Complainant subjected to
either physical or mental violence.

The investigation revealed that the search of his baggage was conducted in
the presence of four people and not eight, as he noted. The search was
conducted, according to regulations, in a public place and in the view and
presence of the Complainant.

The body search, which took several minutes, took place in the presence of
two security personnel (a policeman and an ISA official) and was conducted
according to the relevant regulations. The Complainant's claims to the
effect that he was threatened at gunpoint are baseless.

Regarding the Complainant's collapse, as it were, it should be noted that
the paramedic who attended to him found no evidence of a physical cause of
collapse.

The Complainant's behavior raises doubts as to the sincerity of the
situation. In any event, the Complainant was sent to an infirmary and an
ambulance was ordered for him.

As to the Complainant's allegation that he was compelled to stand on his
feet for twelve hours, we point out that according to our records, the
Complainant arrived at the Allenby Crossing at approximately 11:00, and the
entire incident ended at approximately 14:00. Thus, this claim is also
baseless.

We should point out that there are numerous additional contradictions in the
Complainant's allegations. For example, in the media he reported that he
was humiliated, stripped and that a gun was held to his head. And yet, in
his complaint filed with the IDF Spokesperson, the Complainant claimed that
two uniformed personnel sprayed his face.

In conclusion, the Complainant's grievances were investigated and found to
be without foundation. At no time was the Complainant subjected to either
physical or mental violence; he was treated fairly. We can only regret that
his allegations received publicity and a platform without being properly
investigated."