NOVANEWS
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) is satisfied by investigations conducted by the Ministry of Interior in Gaza and the punitive measures taken against security officers, who attacked protesters and journalists in a peaceful protest last Thursday, 15 May 2014.
On Sunday morning, 18 May 2014, the Ministry of Interior in Gaza published a press statement on its website indicating that an investigation committee was formed to investigate attacks committed by security officers against protesters during a protest commemorating the Palestinian Nakba (the uprooting of the Palestinian people from their lands in 1948) on Thursday, 15 May 2014, and the accompanying attacks against a number of journalists and protesters. According to the press statement, the committee recommended punitive measures against a number of security officers, including 2-week imprisonment, relocation and warning.
It should be noted that on Thursday, 15 May 2014, National Security Forces (NSF) officers used force to disperse a peaceful protest in the east of Gaza City on the 66th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba. According to investigations conducted by PCHR and statements of eyewitnesses and victims, at approximately 14:00 on Thursday, NSF officers dispersed a peaceful protest that was organized by a youth group named the “Palestinian Intifada Youth Coalition.” The protest titled “Return Day” started on Baghdad Street in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City, heading to the eastern border of the Gaza Strip. The officers used sticks and clubs to attack the protesters in order to disperse them and compel them to leave the area. They also attacked 4 journalists, who were filming in the area. Three of the attacked journalists were identified as: Mohammed Jadallah Salem (29), a photojournalist at Reuters News Agency; Mo’men Fayez Qraiqe’ (26); and Majdi Fat’hi Qraiqe’ (32), both are freelance photojournalists.
In light of the above, PCHR expresses its satisfaction over the investigations and publishing its results, as it is the first time that investigations’ results are published, in addition to the punitive measures taken against the officers.
Lawyer Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR commented: “Lessons should be learnt from what happened. The investigation and publication of its results are in themselves a positive step that has been requested by PCHR.” Sourani added: “Taking punitive measures against the perpetrators contributes to deter them and sends a clear message to all security officers to abide by the law and international human rights standards.”
