Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Saturday expressed concern over the excessive use of force by the Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces against peaceful demonstrators in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
The OHCHR said in a statement that large groups of PA security forces some of whom disguised in civilian clothes were seen attacking peaceful protesters in Ramallah.
The statement added that the protesters were dispersed by sound bombs teargas canisters and pepper spray. Dozens were brutally beaten and arrested.
According to al-Dameer Association for Human Rights 56 Palestinian protesters were arrested and released on the first day of Eid al-Fitr. Furthermore many journalists and activists received threats from the PA and were prevented from documenting the protests.
The OHCHR said that the PA decision to ban peaceful protests in the West Bank during Eid al-Fitr unjustifiably restricts the freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest guaranteed by Palestinian law and international human rights law.
It also called for an independent and transparent investigation into the PA violence against Palestinian protesters.
Last Wednesday about 200 Palestinians marched in Ramallah city in protest at the PA sanctions on the Gaza Strip.
