January 9, 2002
PCHR condemns shooting at citizens in public places by members of Palestinian security services
PCHR condemns shooting at citizens in public places by members of Palestinian security services

 

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PCHR condemns shooting at citizens in public places by members of Palestinian security services

 

 

Ref: 3/2002

Date: 9 January 2002

 

PCHR is deeply concerned about the regrettable incident that occurred in Al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza yesterday morning, in which three Palestinian citizens, including a 9-year-old child, were injured by live bullets fired by members of the Palestinian security services. PCHR calls upon the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to initiate an investigation into the incident and prosecute those found to be responsible for threatening the security and safety of innocent civilians.

 

According to PCHR’s investigation and testimonies of victims and eyewitnesses, at approximately 07:10, a car, white GMC used by Palestinian security services stopped opposite an UNRWA clinic in Al-Shati refugee camp. Masked security men were inside the car. When a civilian car driven by a nurse on his way to his work passed by the area, the GMC moved towards it. As soon as the security officers were close to the car, they pointed their guns towards it, but its driver was able to escape. Security officers were seen firing at the civilian car from inside their car and in the street. The driver was able to escape to the UNRWA clinic while security men continued to fire at him. Three civilians were injured:

  1. Shaima’ Kamal ‘Akkila, 9, injured by a live bullet in the left leg while on her way to school;

  2. Muna Sa’id El-Rantissi, 17, injured by a live bullet in the leg while on her way to school; and

  3. Bassam El-Quttati, 27, a physician in the UNRWA clinic, injured by shrapnel in the neck.

 

The security men chased the driver into the clinic and tried to break its internal gate. However, citizens gathered outside the clinic and obstructed the arrest of the driver. The security men withdrew from the area 15 minutes later and the driver was able to escape.

 

PCHR is deeply concerned about this incident and calls upon the Palestinian National Authority to:

  1. Immediately initiate an investigation into the incident which threatened the security and safety of innocent civilians and prosecute those found responsible for improper or criminal behaviour;

  2. Take all necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and place strict rules for arrest procedures and open-fire regulations for law enforcement officials; and

  3. Ensure respect by law enforcement officials for public places, especially as this incident occurred in a clinic full of patients and close to schools.