APAwire - APAwire CLIENTS ONLY, Hebron , 23 July 2021. Demonstrators holding placards protest over the death of human rights activist Nizar Banat, in the West Bank city of Hebron.
STORYLINE
Banat, who was 43, had levelled fierce criticism at the PA in Facebook videos in which he accused its leaders of corruption and abuse of power for personal gain. He also denounced security co-operation with Israel and, most recently, a deal with Israel for the supply of nearly-expired Covid-19 vaccines.
The backlash caused by his violent death on 24 June was fuelled by growing disillusionment among many Palestinians since President Mahmoud Abbas cancelled planned parliamentary elections in May. Mr Abbas blamed Israel over voting rights for Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem, though critics said Mr Abbas was fearful that his Fatah party would perform poorly against the rival Hamas faction.
The family of Nizar Banat said he was beaten to death, sparking condemnation from human rights activists, marches in the West Bank and Gaza strip, and calls for an inquiry, including from the European Union, who said they were "shocked and saddened".
The Palestinian Authority justice minister and head of the investigation committee into the death of activist and dissident Nizar Banat says Banat was subjected to physical violence and his death was “unnatural”.
In an interview with the official Palestine TV, Mohammed al-Shalaldeh said the initial medical report about the death of 43-year-old Banat on June 24 indicated he was subjected to physical violence.
The activist died during his arrest by PA security forces in the West Bank city of Hebron. Al-Shalaldeh said Banat lost consciousness during his transfer to the Palestinian Authority preventive security centre.
The occupied West Bank has witnessed several demonstrations decrying Banat’s death and calling for the resignation of PA President Mahmoud Abbas.
Footage by APAwire
RESTRICTION SUMMARY: APAwire CLIENTS ONLY SHOTLIST: APAwire - APAwire CLIENTS ONLY, Hebron , 23 July 2021. Demonstrators holding placards protest over the death of human rights activist Nizar Banat, in the West Bank city of Hebron. STORYLINE Banat, who was 43, had levelled fierce criticism at the PA in Facebook videos in which he accused its leaders of corruption and abuse of power for personal gain. He also denounced security co-operation with Israel and, most recently, a deal with Israel for the supply of nearly-expired Covid-19 vaccines. The backlash caused by his violent death on 24 June was fuelled by growing disillusionment among many Palestinians since President Mahmoud Abbas cancelled planned parliamentary elections in May. Mr Abbas blamed Israel over voting rights for Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem, though critics said Mr Abbas was fearful that his Fatah party would perform poorly against the rival Hamas faction. The family of Nizar Banat said he was beaten to death, sparking condemnation from human rights activists, marches in the West Bank and Gaza strip, and calls for an inquiry, including from the European Union, who said they were "shocked and saddened". The Palestinian Authority justice minister and head of the investigation committee into the death of activist and dissident Nizar Banat says Banat was subjected to physical violence and his death was “unnatural”. In an interview with the official Palestine TV, Mohammed al-Shalaldeh said the initial medical report about the death of 43-year-old Banat on June 24 indicated he was subjected to physical violence. The activist died during his arrest by PA security forces in the West Bank city of Hebron. Al-Shalaldeh said Banat lost consciousness during his transfer to the Palestinian Authority preventive security centre. The occupied West Bank has witnessed several demonstrations decrying Banat’s death and calling for the resignation of PA President Mahmoud Abbas. Footage by APAwire
Original caption as filed by the journalist, unedited.
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