Lawyers for Justice Group is closely monitoring with deep concern the arrest of political activist and human rights defender Mazid Saqf al-Hayyat, who was detained by the Palestinian General Intelligence (P.G.I) in Nablus following a summons issued yesterday, Sunday. The group notes with particular concern that he is experiencing serious health conditions, as reported by his wife. He was referred today to the Public Prosecution, which commenced an investigation against him.
He has been charged with criminal offenses including defamation against the authorities and incitement of sectarian strife, based on the Penal Code and the Cybercrime Law, in addition to a charge of possession of a weapon. All of these charges are politically motivated. According to his lawyer, Mazid has stated that most of the posts attributed to him are forged and do not belong to him.
The group emphasizes that the timing of this political arrest raises serious suspicion, particularly as it occurred only days after Mazid Saqf al-Hayyat filed a constitutional appeal before the Supreme Constitutional Court against Presidential Decree No. (4) of 2025, regarding the formation of a committee to draft a temporary constitution for the transition from Authority to State.
What has occurred represents a serious attempt to retaliate against an activist for exercising his right to peaceful constitutional litigation, constituting a flagrant violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees freedom of opinion and expression and the right to judicial recourse without fear or reprisal.
The group asserts that resorting to the constitutional judiciary is a legitimate right and must not be turned into a pretext for political or security targeting.
Accordingly, we demand:
· The immediate release of activist Mazid Saqf al-Hayyat.
· The cessation of all forms of retaliation against human rights defenders.
· Ensuring a fair trial and the application of the Palestinian Basic Law and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Lawyers for Justice Group
Ramallah – 22 December 2025
