لينة @LinahAlsaafin
▻https://twitter.com/LinahAlsaafin/status/1407927586441814017
Palestinian activist Nizar Banat died after Palestinian Authority security forces arrested him early this morning. He was transferred to Hebron Hospital & pronounced dead
PA arrested Nizar many times for his outspokenness against their corruption. This is their version of events
“Through repeated targeting of Banat, the PA is seeking to make an example of him that whoever criticizes/opposes its policies will be silenced. This comes as part of intimidation policy PA adopts against activists+opponents in the West Bank.”
Even the European Union’s representative in West Bank and Gaza made a statement calling on PA to “respect freedom of expression and the protection of human rights activists” after Nizar’s house was attacked by PA thugs/forces who fired stun grenades in May
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European Union urges Palestinian Authority to respect freedom of expression
May 4, 2021 at 11:20 am
▻https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210504-european-union-urges-palestinian-authority-to-respect-fr
The office of the European Union (EU) Representative in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip on Sunday expressed concern over the attack that targeted the residence of an activist in the West Bank, calling on the Palestinian Authority (PA) to “respect freedom of expression.”
The office announced on Twitter that it: “Is following with concern the attack on activist Nizar Banat’s house last night,” in the town of Dura, south of the West Bank.
“Violence against politicians and human rights defenders is unacceptable,” the EU office added.
The mission called on the PA to ensure: “Respect for freedom of expression and the protection of human rights activists.”
Last night, Banat revealed in a Facebook video that: “A group of vandals accompanied by the security services fired massively, broke the doors of the house, and fired stun grenades.” (...)
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لينة @LinahAlsaafin
▻https://twitter.com/LinahAlsaafin/status/1407930764759547907
Family statement:
“What happened with Nizar is a premeditated assassination. PA security forces stormed his residence at 3:30am, and 25 forces severely beat him up. He was arrested naked and taken to an unknown destination before his death was announced.”
Nizar Banat’s family are saying the Palestinian Authority is hiding his body. The family’s lawyer has demanded an autopsy to find out how exactly he died. Family said Nizar was beaten on the head with metal pieces and sticks.