Lawyers call on PA to end its domination over judiciary

The Association of Democratic Lawyers in occupied Palestine called on Monday for the Palestinian Authority to end its domination over the judicial authorities. The association accuses the PA of dominating the judiciary through enacting, modifying and approving laws without consulting the various judicial sectors, especially lawyers.

“The retention of this policy has led to legal confusion and chaos that will have dangerous consequences on the judicial system and litigants before courts that amount to a flagrant violation of the Palestinian Basic Law,” explained the association. It pointed out that this will undermine core constitutional principles such as the separation of the major institutions of state.

“This will defame the Palestinian judiciary and the credibility of the Palestinian political system. It will undermine the future of rights and freedoms.” Moreover, added the lawyers’ body, it amounts to a violation of the principles of international law.

In conclusion, the association said that the PA’s domination over the judicial authority would undermine justice and guarantees of fair trials in the occupied Palestinian territories.

READ: Abbas tells Biden he ‘extends hand’ for peace with Israel