Ref: 78/2009

Date: 15 June 2009

Time: 12:30 GMT

Policemen Fire on Peaceful Demonstration Injuring Three Civilians

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) demands that an investigation be opened into the injury of three civilians in a peaceful demonstration organized on 13 June by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) in Gaza city. The three civilians were injured when policemen fired at the peaceful demonstration. PCHR emphasizes the need to have strict instructions regulating the use of firearms by law enforcement officials. These regulations are essential in order to preserve the security and safety of civilians.  

PCHR’s investigations indicate that at approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 13 June 2009, the PFLP organized a peaceful demonstration calling for an end to the current Palestinian internal fragmentation. The demonstration started from Palestine Square and stopped at the Unknown Soldier Square in the center of Gaza city. While PFLP affiliates were returning to the PFLP’s office in the al-Sarraj Building in the center of Gaza city, a car driven by members of e police’s general investigation service stopped the PFLP car; the car had been broadcasting a call for an end to the Palestinian internal fragmentation via a stereo system. Farid al-Hawajri, 23, who was participating in the demonstration, stated to PCHR that the two parties (PFLP affiliates and police officers) argued. The dispute was terminated when the police officers opened fire into the air and at the feet of the PFLP affiliates. Al-Hawajri was wounded by a bullet to his right side. Two other civilians were also injured. They are:

1. ‘Atef Abu ‘Oda, 54, who sustained shrapnel injuries in the head, and

2. Srour Ibrahim Abdul Rahman, 25, who sustained shrapnel injuries in the head.

In light of the above, PCHR:

1. Strongly condemns the use of excessive force by law enforcement officials against participants in a peaceful demonstration, including shooting, beating and other forms of violence and inhumane treatment.

2. Reiterates that civilians have the right to organize public assemblies, protests and peaceful demonstrations as a tool to express their protest. This right is ensured by the Palestinian Basic Law and by international human rights instruments. PCHR emphasizes that such activities must be peaceful.

3. Demands that the Palestinian government in Gaza open an immediate investigation into these attacks, prosecute perpetrators and take action in order to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.