Press Statement: Lawyers for Justice Group: Continued Detention of Political Activist Omar Assaf Raises Serious Concerns
Lawyers for Justice Group is following with grave concern the continued detention of political activist and human rights defender Omar Assaf, aged (76), who has been held at the Preventive Security detention center since the morning of last Thursday. According to Mr. Assaf’s testimony during an interrogation session attended by the Group’s lawyers, approximately twenty security personnel raided his home, conducted a search of the premises, and confiscated some of his personal belongings. He further stated that the questioning focused on his participation in social and political activism, particularly his involvement with the “14 Million Popular Conference”, as well as statements issued by the conference and his activity on social media platforms. Charges reportedly brought against him include “inciting sectarian strife” and “defamation against the authorities.” The Group notes that Mr. Assaf exercised his right to remain silent before the Public Prosecution during the course of the investigation. Lawyers for Justice Group emphasizes that the State of Palestine is bound by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as other international conventions guaranteeing the rights to freedom of opinion and expression and to peaceful political participation. The Group considers that the continued detention of Mr. Omar Assaf constitutes a serious infringement on these rights and occurs within a broader context of pressure against human rights defenders and political activists. Such practices stand in clear contradiction with the provisions of the Palestinian Basic Law. Accordingly, the Group issues an urgent call to the competent authorities to: Immediately release the activist Omar Assaf.Guarantee his right to a fair trial in accordance with international standards.Respect public rights and freedoms, foremost among them freedom of opinion and expression and the right to peaceful political activity.The continued detention of Mr. Assaf represents a dangerous precedent that undermines the foundations of democratic practice and erodes the legal guarantees established under Palestinian law and international conventions. Freedom for Omar AssafLawyers for Justice Group
Statement Issued by “Lawyers for Justice” Regarding the Summons of Union Activist Jihad Abu Sharar for Investigation Before the Public Prosecution
Lawyers for Justice is following with grave concern the measures taken against union activist and teacher Jihad Taha Abu Sharar, which infringe upon her constitutional and legal rights most notably her summons to appear before the Public Prosecution in Dura on Thursday, April 2, 2026. According to statements by Ms. Abu Sharar, she was previously subjected to a forced retirement penalty in 2024 due to her union activities. The Administrative Court subsequently ruled in her favor in December 2025, issuing a final and binding decision for her reinstatement. This ruling represented a victory for the rule of law and the mandatory implementation of judicial verdicts. However, the Minister of Education’s decision to re-impose the same penalty and issue a new decree confirming its continuation constitutes a blatant violation of an enforceable judicial ruling. This serves as an unacceptable evasion of the judiciary’s authority and has resulted in serious humanitarian consequences, including the termination of her health insurance. The summoning of Jihad Abu Sharar for investigation in this context raises serious concerns that it is an extension of restrictive measures aimed at her legitimate exercise of union activity a right guaranteed by the Palestinian Basic Law and relevant international conventions. Accordingly, “Lawyers for Justice” emphasizes the following: The group further appeals to His Excellency the Attorney General to intervene immediately to halt any prosecution against teacher Jihad Abu Sharar regarding her union activity and to ensure that the instruments of justice are not used as a means of pressure or harassment. The group asserts that the targeting of Jihad Abu Sharar stems from her role in defending the rights of Palestinian teachers. This follows a troubling pattern where several of her colleagues were previously referred for investigation before committees at the Ministry of Education. We stress that official authorities must commit to respecting union work and safeguarding freedoms foremost among them the freedom of opinion and expression in alignment with the international treaties signed by the State of Palestine. Issued on: March 31, 2026 Lawyers for Justice Group