Hemaya Center for Human Rights expressed deep concerns about the Palestinian security forces' repression of a peaceful protest held on August, 21 against the assassination of the opposition activist Nezar Banat, and the detention of 30 activists, ex-prisoners, and human rights defenders as they were exposed to humiliation, beating and abuse. 

"According to the information collected by the Public Prosecutor's Office in Ramallah charged the detainees with "illegal gathering" and incitement to racial or religious hatred, although the organizers of the protest had the permission to hold it.

Hemaya noted that the Palestinian security forces gradually released the detainees until August, 24.

It confirmed that it is looking deeply into the reality of human rights and public freedoms, particularly the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, in the Palestinian territories.

It expressed deep dissatisfaction with the security forces' use of excessive force in dealing with the human rights defenders and activists.

It confirmed that the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, as it is a constitutional right guaranteed by the Palestinian law, and protected by the international human rights law, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights signed by the Palestinian Authority.

It condemned the systematic attitude of the security forces to deal with the Palestinians, which resulted in a risky deterioration in their basic freedoms.

Hemaya called for bringing back the constitution to the Palestinian political system, depending on democratic bases that protect human rights throughout free, public elections.

It confirmed the importance of prosecuting those involved in the nonstop violations committed by the security forces since last June, following the assassination of the opposition activist Nezar Banat. 

It also called to restructure the Palestinian Justice, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the security forces, to guarantee they work within bases that respect human rights and public freedoms.

Source : Safa