Fatah MPs protest in Gaza

The participants carried the movement’s flags and banners that condemned the decision.

Demonstrators in Gaza City condemn Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ decision to lift the parliamentary immunity of five MPs [Mohammed Asad / Middle East Monitor]

A number of Fatah lawmakers held a protest yesterday in the Palestinian Legislative Council Square in Gaza City to condemn a recent decision by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to strip five parliament members of their immunity.

The participants carried the movement’s flags and banners that condemned the decision.

“Those who fear for the future of the political system in Palestine do not revoke MP immunity,” a banner read.

The protesters said in a statement that they are committed to respecting the MPs’ immunity which is guaranteed by law, adding that the lawmakers represent the Palestinian people’s conscience and that their immunity is confirmation of the popular will.

The protesters have also affirmed their rejection of the formation of the Constitutional Court and to revoking the immunity of dismissed Fatah member Mohamed Dahlan.

On Wednesday, Hamas and Fatah lawmakers said that a recent decision by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to strip five parliament members of their immunity was “unlawful and inconsistent with the constitution”.

Following a joint session in Gaza, the lawmakers said that “lifting the parliamentary immunity requires the consent of two thirds of parliament members and should come after a series of legislative measures.”

Abbas decided on 12 December to lift the parliamentary immunity from five Fatah lawmakers including, Najat Abu Bakr, Naima Sheikh Ali, Jamal Tirawi, Shami Shami and Nasser Juma/

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