Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Hundreds of citizens Palestine demonstrated in the West Bank on Saturday (3/7) local time. They sue the President Mahmoud Abbas to back off.
The protest arose after the death of an activist, Nizar Banat, in the arrest of Palestinian security forces.
Banat families and relatives also joined the demonstration that took place in Ramallah.
A reporter AFP who covered the demonstration reported that the demonstrators also carried posters of Banat’s face. Several large banners read ‘Abbas Leave‘was also presented by the protesters.
The demonstration was also attended by a number of politicians to former government officials.
“This march is a message of loyalty to Nizar Banat and also a message to the authorities to bring to justice those responsible for his death,” said Hassan Khreishah, former head of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
The demonstration prompted Palestinian police officers to stand guard and block access roads leading to President Abbas’s headquarters in Ramallah.
Banat reportedly died after being tortured by the authorities last week. According to the autopsy results, the 43-year-old man was beaten in the head, chest, neck, legs and hands less than an hour after being arrested by the police.
Banat’s death sparked days of protests in the West Bank. The Palestinian Manpower Minister, Nasri Abu Jaish, is reported to be resigning because he took part in the demonstrations demanding Abbas step down.
Banat’s death is considered by a number of activists and the opposition to show a series of human rights violations committed by the Abbas government so far.
UN Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland said the perpetrators must be brought to justice. The European Union also called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into Banat’s death.
The United States has also spoken out about Banat’s death. Washington was deeply disturbed by the incident and urged a transparent investigation.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, supporters of Abbas and Fatah, the ruling faction in Palestine, also staged a demonstration in Hebron. They expressed support for Abbas, the 85-year-old Palestinian president who has been in power since 2005.
(rds/asr)
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