Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Extra-judicial Executions for Suspected Collaboration with Israeli Security

Field Update

13 August 2006

Palestinian Killed in Jenin in a New Extra-Judicial Execution for Suspected Collaboration with Israeli Security

Basem Radi El-Mallah (a 29-year old resident of Faqou’a village east of Jenin) was killed by a Palestinian armed group in Jenin refugee camp. The killing was an extra-judicial execution for suspected collaboration with Israeli security services.

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 13:00 on Sunday, 13 August 2006, an armed group led Basem El-Mallah from his place of residence in the village of Faqou’a to Jenin refugee camp. He was bound and his eyes were covered. They fired at him, killing him instantly with bullets to the upper part of the body.

PCHR is very concerned over the continued falling of victims through extra-judicial executions by armed Palestinian groups against persons suspected of collaboration with Israeli security services. The Centre affirms the following points:

–         This crime is a form of extra-judicial execution, which is a grave violation of human rights;

–         The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) is responsible for judicially pursuing the perpetrators of honor-killings. But this must be done within the framework of the law in order to ensure that suspects enjoy their full legal rights, including a fair trial;

–         The Centre reiterates its strong opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances, as it constitutes a grave violation of human rights, especially the right to life and the prohibition of torture and all forms of cruel and inhumane treatment.