Although the PLC passed a Basic Law in 1997, the government has not approved it. Such a law would outline the separation between legislative and executive authority and presumably curtail Arafat s authority. The PNA judiciary, consisting of criminal, civil, and state security courts, is not independent. Zuheir Sourani was appointed attorney general in June. The post had been vacant for 13 months after Fayez Abu Rahma resigned in April 1998 because of what he called continuous intervention by the minister of justice and the security services in judicial matters.
Palestinian judges lack proper training and experience.
Israeli demands for a Palestinian crackdown on terrorism have given rise to state security courts, which lack almost all due process rights. Suspected Islamic militants are rounded up en masse and often held without charge or trial. There are reportedly hundreds of administrative detainees currently in Palestinian jails and detention centers. In January the PLC passed a resolution calling on the PNA to cancel political detention. Trials are conducted in secret, and sentences are often issued only hours after arrest.