Ref: 51/2008
Date: 03 June 2008
Time: 07:30 GMT
7 Injured, including 2 Children, by Palestinian Security Forces in
Beit Foriek near Nablus
PCHR strongly condemns the incident that took place in
the town of Beit Foriek two days ago, which resulted in the injury of 7
civilians, including 2 children, at the hands of Palestinian security
personnel. The Centre calls upon the PNA, represented by the
Attorney-General (AG), to seriously investigate the incident; fearing
that law-enforcement personnel used excessive force was used against
civilians.
The Center’s preliminary investigation indicates that at
approximately 15:00 on Sunday, 1 June 2008, clashes broke out between
people and security forces in the town of Beit Foriek northeast of
Nablus on the backdrop of a security campaign to confiscate illegal
vehicles in the town. Eyewitnesses stated that security forces fired at
a person who set fire to an illegal vehicle parked in front of the
town’s police station and fled. The situation escalated quickly into
rioting and fistfights between town residents and security personnel.
The rioters threw rocks at the security personnel, who replied by firing
at the rock throwers. Seven people suffered gunshot wounds, including 2
children. Others suffered bruises by severe beating. The injured were
taken to Rafedia Hospital in Nablus for treatment. One injury was listed
as serious.
In light of the above, PCHR:
-
Calls upon the PNA, represented by the
Attorney-General (AG), to seriously investigate the incident and to
publicize the results of the investigation.
-
Affirms the need for clear and definite
instructions on the use of firearms by law-enforcement personnel in
line with relevant international standards that ensure respect of
human rights.
"END"
