EU calls on PA expedite probe into Nizar Banat’s death

The European Union has called on the Palestinian Authority to expedite the investigation into the death of political activist Nizar Banat who had died shortly after being arrested by Palestinian security forces in the city of Hebron in June.

“Violence against peaceful human rights defenders, activists and protesters is unacceptable. The EU and like-minded missions call on the Palestinian Authority to swiftly conclude the investigation of the death of Nizar Banat in a fully transparent manner, and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” the EU representatives said in a joint statement yesterday.

“On 21 and 22 August, Palestinian security forces arrested dozens of Palestinian activists in Ramallah who were taking part in protests calling for transparency in the investigation and for the prosecution of those responsible for the killing of the political activist Nizar Banat on 24 June 2021. While several arrested protesters were released on Sunday, some have been kept in custody,” the statement added.

“These events, as well as reports of ill-treatment, are of concern and take place against the backdrop of reports of an increase in apparently politically motivated arrests by the Palestinian Authority over the past few months,” it added.

The EU said it expects the Palestinian Authority to meet the standards of the International Human Rights conventions to which it has acceded, including on freedom of expression, as well as freedom of association and assembly, the statement said.

Palestinians must ensure that Nizar Banat did not die in vain – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]

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