On Thursday, Palestinian political activist Nizar Banat, 43, died “an unnatural death” after being arrested by Palestinian security forces. The deaths have angered many Palestinians, who are now demanding the removal of President Mahmoud Abbas.
DEMONSTRATIONS: Angry Palestinians are furious after the Palestinian critic of President Mahmoud Abbas and his regime was killed after being arrested and beaten by Palestinian security forces this week. Photo: Ap / NTB
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– Go! Go, Abbas! the Palestinians shout rhythmically.
– We want political reform that represents the people, says the protester Esmat Mansour according to news agency Reuters.
Corrupt leaders
43-year-old Nizar Banat has for several years criticized the aging president Mahmoud Abbas and his regime. He has described them as corrupt and non-democratic, and in recent months has had a campaign against the regime on Facebook.
President Abbas and his security forces have long been irritated by Banat and his loud criticism.
According to the Israeli Haaretz journalist Amira Hass, “the arrest and violence against Banat was planned, but not the result: His death.”
HEV STEMMEN: For three days, thousands of Palestinians have demonstrated since political activist Nizar Banat was killed on Thursday. Here people shout that everyone must raise their voices and not be afraid, with a picture of Banat. Photo: Reuters / NTB
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According to Banat’s cousin, at least 20 Palestinian security guards stormed the house where he slept last night. They must have sprayed pepper spray on his mouth and nose, before they started beating him with iron bars and wooden batons, witnesses say, according to Middle East Eye. Then they stripped him and transported him into a military vehicle, half unconscious, the cousin continued.
– They beat him continuously for eight minutes. If they came to arrest him, take him. But why this brutality and violence, cousin Hussein said Reuters.
When Banat was declared dead, thousands of angry Palestinians took to the streets. “The people want the regime to fall” and “Go Abbas” shout the protesting Palestinians.
Arrest and torture
For years, human rights groups have accused Palestinian security forces, which receive international support, of arresting and torturing critics and opponents. Deaths under arrest, on the other hand, have been uncommon, writes the BBC.
FIGHT AGAINST EACH OTHER: Here, Palestinian police and security forces and Palestinians clash in the city of Ramallah this weekend. Photo: Reuters / NTB
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On Saturday, the fiercest fighting so far was between Palestinians and their security forces, who fired tear gas and attacked journalists. It is not yet known how many have been arrested, according to Reuters.
– The attacks on journalists by security forces are a new and serious development and an attack on freedom of expression and the media, reports the Palestinian Journalists’ Association.
The Palestinians are now demanding that the international community launch an investigation into the deaths.
