By: Baruch Yedid
The EU has criticized arrests made by the Palestinian Authority among non-violent protesters in Ramallah and calls on the PA to end the trial of Nazar Banat quickly and transparently.
This follows similar condemnations from both the U.S. and the U.K. over the arrests of peaceful demonstrators in Ramallah this past weekend.
On Saturday, The Palestinian Authority (PA) arrested 28 social activists, heads of organizations, and intellectuals, who took part in a protest rally in Manara Square in Ramallah. The rally was held in protest against the PA, following the death of political activist Nizar Banat who died while being interrogated by the PA’s security forces.
PA sources say that since the affair, international criticism of PA head Mahmoud Abbas has increased and sources in Ramallah have learned that during recent visits by US and British intelligence chiefs to Ramallah, they have demanded oversight of the PA’s security forces and the establishment of an internal security division within the PA defense establishment.
The EU Representative issued a statement in coordination with the Leaders of the Representatives of the EU States in Jerusalem and Ramallah and with the support of the Representatives of Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It was reported that on August 21, 22, the security forces of the PA arrested dozens of Palestinian activists who participated in non-violent protest rallies, demanding transparency in the investigation of, and trial of those responsible, for the killing of political activist Nazar Banat, when some were released and some were still detained.
In this context, they stated that “these incidents, as well as the reports of abuse of detainees, are worrying and are taking place against the background of reports of an increase in arrests made by the PA for political motives, allegedly, in recent months.”
The European Union and its delegations, whose mission is similar, expect the Palestinian Authority to commit to the international principles of human rights in which it is a member, including freedom of expression as well as freedom of association and convergence.
“Violence against human rights activists and non-violent activists and demonstrators is unacceptable. The Palestinian Authority must quickly conclude its investigation into Nazat Banat, in full transparency, and ensure the prosecution of those responsible,” stated the EU representatives.
(TPS)
