Palestinian Authority under fire over freedom of expression
Activists and human rights defenders have condemned the Palestinian Authority trials of 30 activists, political figures and national figures.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Palestinian Authority (PA) has begun the trial of a group of activists and national figures at the Magistrate Court in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
On Sept. 2, a hearing session for seven activists was held. They were accused of “illegal gathering,” “inciting sectarian strife” and “defamation of important figures.” The session was suspended, and the trial is to resume Oct. 6.
These activists were arrested and beaten by security forces in August because of their participation in protests and marches in Ramallah to condemn the killing of prominent political activist and government critic Nizar Banat while in custody in June, the ongoing oppression of activists and the limiting of freedoms.
In parallel with the trial, political parties and civil society groups gathered in front of the court to protest and call for a halt of what they described as “illegal trials.” They said that the PA’s brutality is increasing in the West Bank through arrests, assaults, pursuits and trials.
