United Nations Radio

High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay Tuesday criticized Israel's refusal to allow UN rights expert Professor Richard Falk to transit Israel in order to carry out his officially mandated functions in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Human Rights Chief Navanethem Pillay

She calls the situation -- along with his detention at, and subsequent expulsion from, the country's main airport -- "unprecedented and deeply regrettable."
Falk was travelling in his official capacity as Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories.
He was stopped at immigration shortly after arriving Sunday at Ben Gurion Airport.
He remained there for more than 20 hours before being deported to the United States, according to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Office adds that Professor Falk followed standard practice in his travels.
Pillay said she was taking the matter up directly with the Israeli authorities, including possible breaches of UN privileges and immunities.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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