ICSPR: Political arrest and summons is a form of political reprisal and a serious impediment to human rights
Ref:93/2018
Date:27 sep 2018
Press Release
ICSPR: Political arrest and summons is a form of political reprisal and a serious impediment to human rights
The International Commission to Support Palestinians’ Rights (ICSPR) followed with concern the frequent information about the arrest of a number of Hamas activists in the West Bank and the arrest of a number of Fatah activists in Gaza Strip.
Where the information indicates That over the past few days, the Internal Security Apparatus in Gaza Strip, summoned dozens of Fatah activists, They were interrogated and warned of any activities during the inauguration of President Mahmoud Abbas for his speech at the General Assembly of the United Nations. As well as over the past few days; the security services in the West Bank launched a campaign of arrests of dozens of Hamas activists, This campaign was extended last night to include a number of released prisoners from the Israeli occupation prisons. ICSPR considers that the political campaigns of arrest and political recall reflect the extent of the failure of law enforcement officials in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to implement the principle of the rule of law, and undermine the opportunities for achieving national reconciliation, which represents the Palestinian supreme interest, Considering that the launching of these campaigns falls within the framework of political revenge between the two sides of the internal division. Therefore, ICSPR demands the following: 1-ICSPR considers the seriousness of the return of the parties to the internal conflict to exercise political arrest and summons, As it constitutes a serious violation of human rights and, moreover, contradicts the requirements and pillars of the rule of law. 2- ICSPR considers that these arrests and summonses are political in nature and seriously threaten the Palestinian community peace, and has deepened the internal division; on the society and the Palestinian political and constitutional system.
3- ICSPR calls on law enforcement officials in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to refrain from political retaliation, And full compliance with the provisions of national law, Who was given the power of arrest and detention only to judicial officers. 4- ICSPR calls on the competent authorities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to work expeditiously to release all political prisoners and to stop calling political activists on the basis of their affiliation and partisan, political and activities.
Done..
