2018-06-14

Ramallah

West Bank / Announcement / position paper

MUSAWA's Statement on the PA's Suppression of  
"Lift the Sanctions against Gaza" Demonstration

MUSAWA is extremely traumatized by the level of violence and the excessive, reprehensible, and condemnable use of force by official bodies; assaults with batons, tear gas, sound bombs, severe beatings, and the detention of dozens of citizens during their peaceful assembly to demand the lifting of sanctions against our people in Gaza at a time when the majority of world representatives raised their hands in favor of providing protection to our people. MUSAWA expresses its anger at the fact that masked members of the security services, and others in civilian clothing, repressed the freedom of opinion in a dangerous and unprecedented manner, as they were deployed among the peaceful demonstrators who were besieged by the police and security forces armed with batons and weapons, turning Al-Manara Square and the surrounding area into military barracks. MUSAWA is looking with great concern into the increasing levels of reliance on the security-based approach in dealing with the issues and concerns of the homeland and the citizens without the slightest respect for the Basic Law or the international conventions and decisions of the national and central councils, which not only warns of catastrophic consequences against civil peace, but also allows for “the law of the jungle” to prevail, causing even greater damage to our national cause and aspired social security. MUSAWA affirms that assaults against the dignity of citizens is a crime manifesting barbaric methods repulsed by peoples thirsty for freedom and by the international law. Accordingly, MUSAWA calls for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry consisting of members from outside the official bodies to be assigned with holding accountable all those involved in the said crime. Furthermore, MUSAWA calls upon all political parties, actors, community organizations and bodies, public figures, and members of the national and central councils to SAY NO to police repression against citizens in all its forms and instruments.

Today marks a black day where citizens were suppressed by their own people. Shame on those who remain silent before this massacre against the freedom of expression and human dignity.

14/06/2018