The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR)
condemns the use of excessive force by Palestinian
security forces in order to disperse a peaceful demonstration
held in Ramallah on 10 January, 2008. The Centre calls on
the government in Ramallah to investigate the attack
on peaceful demonstrators.
According to PCHR preliminary investigations, and
eyewitness accounts from the demonstration, at
approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 10 January, a
coalition of political parties, including the Popular
Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), the
Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine
(DFLP), the People’s Party, and the National
Palestinian Initiative (PNI) organized a peaceful
demonstration against the visit of US President
George W. Bush to the Mukataa in Ramallah.
Several members of the Palestinian Legislative
Council (PLC) also participated in the demonstration.
The demonstrators gathered in the Ramallah Orthodox
Sports Club. However, as they were attempting to leave
the club and move towards Manara Square in the centre
of Ramallah, the demonstrators were attacked by tens
of Palestinian policemen and security forces, who beat
them with batons, and threw tear gas grenades into the crowd.
PFLP member Bashir El-Kheiri, was seriously injured
when his left shoulder was broken. He was admitted
to Sheikh Zayed Hospital for treatment. Four other
demonstrators, including PLC members Khaleda
Jarrar and Bassam El-Salhi suffered tear gas inhalation.
Eyewitnesses stated that a large number of security
personnel surrounded the demonstrators, forcing them
to retreat and confiscating their banners.
A police spokesperson claimed that police did not
prevent the demonstration, stating that, “Organizers
[of the demonstration] were issued a permit to hold a
rally at a specific location; however the organizers violated
the agreement.” The police spokesperson added that,
“We had clear instructions to prevent anyone from
reaching the Mukataa.”
The destination of the demonstration was 3 kilometers away
from the Mukataa, which is also known as Yasser Arafat's
Compound. PCHR believes that Palestinian security
forces imposed unprecedented security measures in
Ramallah and El-Bireh, during the visit of President
George W. Bush, including the closure of entire
sections of the city.
In light of repeated attacks by security forces in the
West Bank against peaceful demonstrators and people
attending rallies, PCHR:
- Strongly condemns the ban on peaceful
demonstrations and rallies in the West Bank,
and the use of force in dispersing demonstrators,
including beatings with batons and other forms of
violence and inhumane treatment.
- Affirms the full and legitimate right of
civilians to hold peaceful general assemblies,
demonstrations, and rallies as forms of
expression and protest, protected by Basic Law
and international human rights instruments.
- Calls upon the PNA government in Ramallah
to immediately investigate these attacks, prosecute
their perpetrators, and to take effective measures
to prevent their recurrence.
Public Document
For more information please call PCHR office
in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 - 2825893
PCHR, 29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal,
PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip.
E-mail: pchr@pchrgaza.org,
Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org
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