Ref: 34/2014
Date: 17 March 2014
Time: 13:00 GMT
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns dispersal of two peaceful assemblies by security forces in Gaza. The assemblies were called for by a group named the “Popular Campaign to Maintain Inalienable Rights.” The security arrested a number of participants. The two assemblies were organized yesterday and today in Gaza City in support to President Mahmoud Abbas. PCHR calls upon the government in Gaza to respect the right to peaceful assembly, which is guaranteed under the Palestinian Basic Law and international human rights standards.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR and eyewitnesses’ accounts, at approximately 10:00 on Monday, 17 March 2014, dozens of civilians gathered in front of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in al-Shuhada’ Street in the west of Gaza City, where the tent to support Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails is weekly established, in response a call by the “Popular Campaign to Maintain Inalienable Rights” to support President Mahmoud Abbas in the negotiations taking place today in the USA. Security forces deployed in Gaza prevented the participants from marching towards the Unknown Soldier Square and arrested a number of them.
In the same context, at approximately 12:00 on Sunday, 16 March 2014, dozens of civilians gathered at the Unknown Soldier Square for the same purpose. Security forces arrived at the area and ordered the participants to evacuate the area for they had no prior permit from the official authorities. The security forces arrested a number of participants, but released them later after interrogating them on the said assembly.
It should be noted that the “Popular Campaign to Maintain Inalienable Rights” was launched by members of Fatah Movement in parallel with the Palestinian President’s visit to the USA.
In light of the above, PCHR:
