The Palestinian International Organization for Peace and Human Rights is following with great concern the spread of video clips on social media showing officers and members of the security services in several governorates in the West Bank subjecting citizens to acts of violence, including beating and insulting, in addition to forcing others to publish public apologies to the security services and express their support for the policies of the Palestinian National Authority. These practices appear to be a response to what the security services consider to be offensive comments made by some citizens following the killing of members of the security services during the ongoing clashes in the Jenin camp.
The Palestinian International Organization for Peace and Human Rights stresses the seriousness of these practices, which, if these clips are true, represent a clear violation of the law and human rights. It also calls on the Ministry of Interior to open a serious and transparent investigation into them, and to hold accountable anyone proven to be involved in them in accordance with the law.
While the organization condemns the mistreatment of citizens and the violation of their dignity, it categorically condemns the hate speech and incitement spread on social media against members and officers of the security services and their families. However, confronting this speech can only be achieved by adhering to the law, which requires the injured party to file a complaint and prove the damage according to legal procedures, and not by resorting to counter-incitement campaigns that increase tension and division. Such mobilization will not serve anyone and will lead to disastrous results on the social fabric and the state of civil peace.
Palestinian law has set clear procedures that the security services must strictly adhere to when arresting, detaining or charging any citizen, in a manner that ensures the preservation of the dignity of citizens, regardless of the charges against them or the actions they have committed. Accordingly, the Palestinian International Organization for Peace and Human Rights calls on His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas and the Prime Minister to issue clear and strict instructions to all members of the security services to fully adhere to Palestinian law, respect the dignity of citizens and ensure their safety and personal security.
In light of the ongoing armed clashes in Jenin camp and the continued fall of victims, both civilians and security personnel, the organization renews its call to respond to the community initiatives put forward by the forces, factions and institutions of Palestinian society. It also renews its call to launch a comprehensive Palestinian national dialogue aimed at agreeing on a clear approach to the Palestinian struggle and resistance during this critical stage that the Palestinian cause is going through.
