Ref: 75/2009

Date: 04 June 2009

Time: 09:00 GMT

 

 

PCHR Condemns Palestinian Security Services' Prevention of PLC Members form Hamas from Entering Qalqilya  

 

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns the ban imposed by Palestinian security services in the West Bank on 6 Members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) from the Change and Reform Bloc affiliated to Hamas preventing them from entering Qalqilya on Wednesday, 04 June 2009, to condole families of members of Hamas who were killed by security services on 31 May. PCHR calls upon the government in Ramallah to stop such measures, which restrict PLC Members' freedom of movement, which is ensured by the Palestinian Basic Law and international human rights standards.

 

According to Muna Saleem Saleh Mansour, 47, PLC Member from the Change and Reform Bloc, she, 5 women, and 5 other PLC Members from the same bloc, accompanied by their wives, traveled from Nablus to Qalqilya to condole families of members of the 'Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas) who were killed by Palestinian security services. At approximately 16:30, they arrived at an Israeli military checkpoint that stands at the southeastern entrance of Qalqilya, and they were allowed to cross the checkpoint.  About 100 meters from the checkpoint, they were stopped by Palestinian security officers stationed at a checkpoint. The security officers prevented them from entering Qalqilya and instructed them to travel back, although the PLC Members identified themselves to the officers. The PLC Members and companions got out of their private cars and attempted to enter the town again in taxis, but once again Palestinian security officers prevented them and informed them that there was a central security decision to prevent their entry.  This time, a security vehicle followed them until they left the town.

 

It is worth noting that Palestinian security services in Gaza prevented 4 PLC Members from Fatah movement from traveling to the West Bank on Sunday, 31 May 2009, to attend a meeting of Fatah parliamentary bloc in Ramallah. (for more details, see PCHR's press release 70/2009 issued on 01 June 2009).

 

PCHR is concerned by the movement restrictions placed on PLC Members by Palestinian security services, in violation of article 53(2) of the Palestinian Basic Law of 2003 and its Amendments of 2005. PCHR calls for ceasing these measures and abstaining from restricting the right to freedom of movement ensured by the Palestinian Basic Law and international human right standards. 

 

 

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