The Extrajudicial Execution Of Ahmad Erekat ← Forensic Architecture
▻https://forensic-architecture.org/investigation/the-extrajudicial-execution-of-ahmad-erekat
On 23 June 2020, Ahmad Erekat, a 26-year-old Palestinian, was shot by Israeli occupation forces after his car crashed into a booth at the ‘Container’ checkpoint between Jerusalem and Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. Working in collaboration with the Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq, Forensic Architecture’s Palestine Unit was asked by the Erekat family to examine the incident. Using 3D modeling, shadow analysis and open-source investigation, we established the circumstances of the crash of Ahmad’s car, the use of lethal force, the denial of medical aid that followed, and the degrading treatment of Ahmad’s body. Our analysis raises major questions about Ahmad’s killing that raise doubts in the Israeli army’s claims and call for further investigation.
Working in collaboration with the Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq, Forensic Architecture’s Palestine Unit was asked by the Erekat family to examine the incident.
We sought to establish:
1. the circumstances of the crash of Ahmad’s car,
2. the use of lethal force,
3. the denial of medical aid that followed, and
4. the degrading treatment of Ahmad’s body.
The available evidence included images and videos taken by bystanders and journalists, a recording of a security camera operated by the Israeli army, and testimonies of bystanders and medical staff.
Based on a survey of the checkpoint, we built a detailed 3D model.
