On the Conditions of Arrest of Dozens from Jenin and Its Villages During the “Homeland Protection” Security Campaign
Introduction: On December 14, 2024, the Palestinian security forces launched a campaign named “Homeland Protection” in the city of Jenin and its refugee camp. According to the official statement from the security agencies, the campaign aimed to regain control over the camp from what they described as “outlaws.” The campaign resulted in numerous arrests, many of which involved individuals with no history of violent activities. While the campaign’s stated goal was to restore stability, numerous human rights violations and legal infractions were documented, subjecting detainees to illegal and inhumane conditions. Developments: According to a statement by the spokesperson of the security agencies on January 9, 2025, three armed individuals were killed, and 247 people were arrested, including 41 who were injured while resisting arrest. As the campaign continues, Lawyers for Justice Group continues to document and legally follow up on detainees’ cases, particularly those arrested under suspicious circumstances. Arrests and Conditions: While the campaign targeted groups described by security forces as “outlaws,” political arrests persisted against individuals with no involvement in violent activities. Lawyers for Justice documented over 200 arrests and followed up on 57 cases of detainees arrested for non-violent reasons. In most cases brought to trial, charges of “possession of an unlicensed weapon” were filed, though detainees asserted they were unarmed. Instead, they were accused based on photos of weapons found on their phones, social media posts criticizing the security agencies, or familial ties to wanted individuals. Legal and Human Rights Violations: Lawyers for Justice monitored the arrest conditions in Jenin and its camp, confirming multiple severe violations of the detainees’ fundamental rights under Palestinian and international law. The most prominent violations include: Recommendations: Conclusion: The violations committed during the “Homeland Protection” campaign in Jenin constitute serious human rights breaches and undermine fundamental legal protections for detainees. We urge the relevant authorities in Palestine to take necessary measures to uphold justice, safeguard detainees’ rights, ensure fair trials, and adhere to international human rights agreements. Issued in 5-3-2025. Till here, Lawyers for Justice.