To promote principles of accountability, transparency, and participation between government bodies and citizens,
The Civil Forum calls on the Ministry of Interior to publicly clarify and investigate the events associated with receiving a released prisoner in Askar refugee camp
Ramallah – The Civil Forum for Promoting Good Governance in the Security Sector (Civil Forum) called on the Ministry of Interior to publish a public statement, making clear what happened to citizens in the Askar refugee camp, Nablus after they had participated in the reception of a released political prisoner on Tuesday, 15 February 2022.
In a letter to the Minister of Interior, Major General Ziyad Habb al-Rih, the Civil Forum highlighted the importance of a statement to establish the facts of the incident and called for opening an investigation into the events and taking necessary action to promote accountability, transparency, and participation. To safeguard the rule of law, information should be provided to citizens, particularly given the significant challenges facing the Palestinian people. Insufficient or delayed clarification will adversely impact public perceptions and contribute to the spread of disinformation that undermine community safety.
Some social media and information websites circulated news and scenes of security agencies assaulting citizens who participated in processions to receive released prisoners. This can be viewed as compromise on the protection of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. It is also in violation of the Palestinian Basic Law, which prohibits discrimination against Palestinians on the basis of political opinion. The recurrence of such events can undermine public trust in the role of security forces in protecting citizens within the framework of the rule of law.