In light of what was circulated in the judicial arena in regard to the circumstances surrounding the resignation of the head of the Higher Judicial Council, the Coalition for Integrity and Accountability-AMAN sent a letter to the Palestinian Authority’s President Mahmoud Abass suggesting that an immediate investigation be opened to examine the validity of what is being circulated in this regard.
Mr. Abd-AlQader Al-Husseini, president of the board of directors - AMAN, emphasized in the letter that special attention be given to “reports” quoting the resigned head of the Higher Judicial Council who claimed that he was asked to sign an undated letter of resignation as a condition for his appointment, which he says he did prior to taking oath and assuming office. Mr. Husseini said that if such a condition was actually met, it constitutes a violation of the Palestinian Basic Law as well as rules for appointments.
Moreover, Mr. Husseini pointed out that if the abovementioned allegations are confirmed by the investigation, all responsible parties should be held accountable. He said, this is vitally important due to the immense impact it has on the Palestinian citizen’s trust in the judicial system; assuring that the suggestions proposed in this letter stem from the Coalition’s keenness, as a civil society organization, to promote a culture of accountability, as it considers it an important state pillar and basis for preserving the concept of the separation of powers.
