‘Palestinian security forces have an appalling track record of using excessive force against peaceful protesters, journalists and activists’ - Philip Luther

A Palestinian police officer is due in court on Monday over an alleged assault on Amnesty International’s Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories researcher, Ashira Ramadan. 

The case follows an incident on 26 October 2016 when Ms Ramadan says she was violently grabbed by a policewoman, dragged inside the Markaz al-Mabaheth police station in Ramallah and verbally assaulted for being a human rights activist. The police officer is alleged to have then punched Ramadan in the neck before repeatedly slamming her body against a wall. 

Ramadan later received hospital treatment for injuries sustained to her shoulder and neck, and she filed a legal complaint regarding the assault with the military prosecutor in November.

Ramadan was working as a research assistant at Human Rights Watch at the time the incident took place. 

On Monday, Ramallah’s Central Military Court will hold the first hearing in the trial of the police officer, who is accused of physically and verbally abusing Ramadan. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10.30am at the Central Military Court, Um al-Sharayet, al-Ameen Square, Ramallah.

Philip Luther, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Director, said:

“It’s encouraging to see that the Palestinian authorities appear to be treating this complaint seriously. 

“Palestinian security forces have an appalling track record of using excessive force against peaceful protesters, journalists and activists. 

“Human rights defenders in Palestine regularly face harassment and intimidation, including arbitrary detention.

“We hope that this case will send a clear message to Palestinian security forces that they are not above the law and will be held accountable for violations.”