Security Chaos and Proliferation of Weapons

Field Update

30 August 2007

A Palestinian from ‘Awarta Village near Nablus Killed

On Wednesday evening, 29 August 2007, Shaher Saleem Flaih ‘Awad, 55, from ‘Awarta village east of Nablus, was shot dead shortly after he had been released from a prison in Jenin.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 17:40 on Wednesday, 29 August 2007, militants shot dead ‘Awad when he was walking in ‘Abu Baker Street in Jenin with several gunshots throughout the body, shortly after he had been released from a prison of the Palestinian police.

‘Awad was arrested by the Palestinian police on 25 May 2007 for a sexual abuse against Muna Mohammed ‘Awad, 28, who was killed on that day by her bother whom the police have been searching for. On 26 May 2007, the woman’s relatives attacked the house of Shaher ‘Awad and attacked the residents with sharp tools. As a result, ‘Awad’s wife and 3 of his sons were injured. 

PCHR is gravely concerned over increasing this latest crime, which is part of the state of security chaos and proliferation of weapons plaguing the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR calls upon the Palestinian National Authority, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate these incidents and bring those who are found responsible to justice.