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 Assaf
Lawyers for Justice Group
