Demonstration attacked by Palestinian Authority forces
The protest was against the killing of Activist Nizar Banat
Jerusalem24 – Palestinians in Ramallah, today Saturday, organized a demonstration protesting the recent killing of political activist Nizar Banat. Banat died in the custody of Palestinian Security Forces two days ago on Thursday, an autopsy report stated that he succumbed to wounds caused by physical assault.
The protest began at the alManara Square in the center of the city, chanting slogans for Banat in addition to calls for the current Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas to resign.
When the protesters began marching towards the Presidential compound also known as “alMuqata’a,” Palestinian security officers dressed in civilian clothing attacked them. The attack saw the plain clothes officers throw stones and use wooden clubs against the protesters. One protester was dragged along the street by officers while another officer was kicking him.
Journalists covering the scene were also attacked. Najla Zaitoun, was struck in the head with a wooden club, three other journalists were also injured. Meanwhile, Faten Elwan, another local reporter was stopped from continuing her live coverage by security officers.
After the protesters were attacked, with some of them transferred to a nearby hospital for treatment, members of the security forces along with members of the Fatah movement loyal to Abbas began chanting pro-Palestinian Authority slogans.
Later this evening, Palestinians in the city of Haifa hit the streets protesting both the killing of Banat as well as the violence perpetrated by the security forces of the Palestinian Authority against the protesters.
Since the killing of Banat, protests have taken place in Hebron, Jerusalem and Um elFahemm as well. Often with calls for the resignation of the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and the current government.
