Ref: 137/2007
Date: 11 October 2007
Time: 11:45 GMT
A Man Killed by Palestinian Police in Tulkarm
PCHR calls upon the Palestinian National Authority to investigate the killing of Rami al-Hassanat by the Palestinian police in the center of Tulkarm on Wednesday. PCHR is concerned that excessive and disproportionate force might have been used against civilians during the incidents.
According to information available to PCHR, at approximately 14:00 on Wednesday, 10 October 2007, Palestinian policemen ordered Rami Suleiman al-Hassanat, 27, to stop his car when he was traveling in Nablus Street in the center of Tulkarm. As the police checked his documents, they noticed that his car was illegal, so they asked him to accompany them in order for the car to be confiscated. Al-Hassanat attempted to escape in his car from the area. A policeman fired at him. He was seriously wounded by 3 gunshots to the back and the abdomen. He died shortly before being admitted into the hospital.
In light of this incident:
1) PCHR calls upon the Palestinian National Authority, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate this incident and the circumstances in which al-Hassanat was killed, and to declare the results of the investigation.
2) PCHR stresses that there must be clear instructions with regard to the use of firearms by law enforcement officials, which conform to international standards and ensure respect for human rights.