The Lawyers for Justice group follows with grave concern the ongoing prosecution of several peaceful activists over their participation in peaceful demonstrations that broke out to condemn the assassination of human rights activist Nizar Banat. This comes five years after the crime took place, during which time justice has not been achieved for the victim, his family, or Palestinian society.
The Magistrate’s Court of Ramallah held a session on the case yesterday, but decided to adjourn it due to the absence of prosecution witnesses and some of the activists. This failure to appear contributes to the prolongation of the trial and the continuous harassment of peaceful activists.
The activists Hamza Zubeidat, Maher Al-Akhras, Salem Abdel Rahman, Basel Hamdeh, Amir Salameh, Kawthar Abdel Rahman, Duha Al-Madi, and Mousa Abu Sharar face charges including “inciting sectarian strife,” “unlawful assembly,” and “defamation of a public authority.” These are charges frequently leveled by the Public Prosecution in cases tied to the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion, expression, and peaceful assembly, effectively criminalizing the lawful acts of human rights defenders and peaceful activists.
The continuation of these trials, five years after the assassination of Nizar Banat, serves as a troubling indicator of the absence of justice. Those who demanded truth and accountability continue to be prosecuted, while Nizar Banat’s family and Palestinian society await genuine redress and the holding accountable of all individuals responsible for this crime, ensuring there is no impunity.
The Lawyers for Justice group reaffirms that the right to peaceful demonstration and freedom of opinion and expression are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Palestinian Amended Basic Law and international human rights treaties to which the State of Palestine has acceded. Criminal provisions must not be utilized to restrict these rights or to prosecute those who exercise them peacefully.
The group emphasizes that the ongoing leveling of these charges against human rights defenders and peaceful demonstrators undermines the constitutional guarantees related to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, sending a negative message to anyone who demands justice and accountability.
Accordingly, the Lawyers for Justice group calls for:
- An immediate halt to the trial and prosecution of all activists and human rights defenders based on the exercise of their right to peaceful demonstration.
- The dismissal of all charges brought against peaceful demonstrators, which are being used to criminalize the exercise of their fundamental rights.
- Expediting the achievement of justice and full accountability for the assassination of human rights activist Nizar Banat, and ensuring that the perpetrators do not escape punishment.
- Calling upon Palestinian and international human rights organizations, as well as United Nations Special Procedures, to fulfill their responsibilities in monitoring this case, and to exert pressure to halt the trial and prosecution of activists and human rights defenders, thereby ensuring respect for the right to freedom of opinion, expression, and peaceful assembly in Palestine.
End of text.
July 14, 2026
Lawyers for Justice Group
