Statement issued by Lawyers for Justice on the Postponement of the Trial of the Defendants in the Killing of Political Activist Nizar Banat
On the morning of Monday, September 29, 2025, a hearing was held in the trial of the defendants accused of killing the late political and human rights activist Nizar Banat. During the session, the defense attorney for the defendants requested additional time to present the defense evidence and to summon Dr. Mohammad Al-Shalaldeh, former Minister of Justice and head of the investigative committee formed by the Palestinian Authority following the assassination incident, to testify. It should be noted that this is the third hearing that has been postponed for the same reason due to the absence of the aforementioned witness. The group believes that the continued postponements without any progress in the trial proceedings conflict with the guarantees of a fair trial, which require a swift process that respects the rights of all parties—particularly the rights of the late activist Banat, his family, and Palestinian society as a whole. At the conclusion of the proceedings, the court decided to adjourn the session until October 6, 2025. Lawyers for Justice29.9.2025
Position Paper by Lawyers for Justice On Rejecting the Siege Imposed on the Population of the West Bank and the Israeli Prime Minister’s Decision to Close the Karameh (Allenby) Crossing
Introduction Lawyers for Justice follows with deep concern the recent decisions issued by the Israeli Prime Minister, which include tightening the siege on the population of the West Bank and closing the only land crossing available to them. This constitutes collective punishment, in clear violation of the most basic rules of international law and the international human rights framework. These decisions come in the context of political pressure on the Palestinian people to deter them from pursuing their legitimate right to recognition of the State of Palestine. Legal Dimensions Violation of International Humanitarian Law: The closure of crossings and the tightening of restrictions on civilians in the West Bank represent a clear violation of Article (33) of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits collective punishment. Violation of the Right to Freedom of Movement: International covenants, including Article (12) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, guarantee the right to freedom of movement and to leave and return to occupied territories. Undermining Fundamental Rights: These measures restrict access to essential health, education, and economic services, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation caused by the ongoing military occupation. Political and Humanitarian Dimensions These policies are unfolding amidst mounting international pressure on Israel to recognize the State of Palestine, exposing the instrumentalization of humanitarian suffering as a bargaining tool. The continued imposition of the siege threatens social stability and security, while further deepening poverty, unemployment, and forced isolation imposed on millions of Palestinians. Position of Lawyers for Justice We firmly reject these policies and measures, which amount to a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. We call upon the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to shoulder their legal and moral responsibilities by compelling the Israeli authorities to retract these unjust decisions. We demand the opening of all crossings for Palestinians without restrictions or conditions, and the guarantee of their inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state on their land. Recommendations Urgent diplomatic pressure must be exerted on the Israeli government to end the siege and immediately reopen the Karameh (Allenby) crossing. International accountability mechanisms must be activated against the Israeli officials responsible for these decisions. Global solidarity with the Palestinian people must be strengthened, and their legitimate right to freedom and independence must be supported.
Press Release on the Detainee Uday Tareq Ali Al-Saadi, on Hunger Strike in Preventive Security Custody
The group “Lawyers for Justice” expresses its deep concern over the continued detention of citizen Uday Tareq Al-Saadi (30 years old), who has been on a hunger strike for the third consecutive day in protest against his unlawful detention by the Preventive Security Service in Ramallah, and his deprivation of rights guaranteed under the Palestinian Basic Law and international human rights conventions. Al-Saadi was arrested without a clear indictment and without being brought before a fair court within the legally prescribed period, which constitutes a blatant violation of his right to liberty, to a fair trial, and to due process guarantees. His decision to go on hunger strike reflects his ongoing suffering and represents a peaceful protest against the arbitrariness and denial of his most basic legal and human rights. We firmly stress the decision of the Administrative Court issued on 17 September 2025, which ruled to release Al-Saadi, establishing that his detention had been unlawful since his arbitrary arrest on 19 February 2025. We warn of the deterioration of Al-Saadi’s health condition, and we hold the competent security and judicial authorities fully responsible for his life and his physical and psychological safety. We emphasize that the continuation of his detention without clear legal grounds constitutes an arbitrary practice that violates Palestinian law and international human rights standards. Lawyers for Justice calls for: We affirm that the protection of rights and freedoms is not subject to delay or justification, and that respect for human dignity, freedoms, and the rule of law must remain the foundation of the relationship between state institutions and their citizens. Lawyers for Justice24 September 2025
Statement Issued by Lawyers for Justice On the Detention and Subsequent Release of Community Activist Ramah Al-Bayaa over Freedom of Opinion and Expression
Lawyers for Justice is deeply concerned over the case of community activist Ramah Al-Bayaa (62 years old) from the town of Beitunia, who was arrested last Thursday evening from her home by the Palestinian police’s General Investigations Unit, without the presentation of an official arrest warrant, according to her testimony. Mrs. Al-Bayaa was interrogated over posts she had published on Facebook and was charged with defaming the Authority under the Cybercrime Law—an excessive and abusive use of this law against public freedoms and freedom of expression. In her testimony to our team, Mrs. Al-Bayaa stated that she was subjected to ill-treatment during interrogation and detention despite her difficult health condition and her suffering from chronic illnesses. She was later transferred to the Military Medical Services before being held for four days at the women’s detention facility in the Balouʿ area – Al-Bireh. She was brought before the Magistrate Court judge in Ramallah last Sunday, where the above-mentioned charge was formally filed against her, after which she was released on personal bail. We at Lawyers for Justice affirm that the right to freedom of opinion and expression is guaranteed under the Palestinian Basic Law and may not be restricted through the use of vague provisions in the Cybercrime Law. We categorically reject the ongoing practices of silencing voices and arbitrarily arresting activists based on their political positions or critical opinions. The group issues an urgent appeal to local and international human rights institutions, as well as to the UN Special Rapporteurs, to take immediate action to end the policy of persecution on the basis of opinion and to hold accountable all those involved in violations of fundamental human rights in Palestine. Lawyers for JusticeRamallah – PalestineDate: 18/09/2025
Press Release A Delegation from the Italian Organization COSPE Visits Lawyers for Justice as Part of a Working Visit to Partners in the West Bank
On Sunday, 24 August 2025, Lawyers for Justice in Ramallah welcomed a delegation from the Italian organization COSPE as part of a working visit carried out by the institution to meet with its partners and field teams in the West Bank, under the framework of the OROF project. The delegation included: The COSPE delegation expressed particular interest in meeting Palestinian institutions working on human rights, with Lawyers for Justice being one of the key stops on their agenda, given its role in defending public freedoms and the rights of activists and human rights defenders in the West Bank. The meeting discussed avenues of joint cooperation, recent human rights developments in the Palestinian context, and the challenges facing civil society organizations amidst the escalation of violations. The delegation was also presented with an overview of the group’s work in monitoring and documenting violations and providing legal representation for victims. This visit comes within the framework of strengthening international solidarity, supporting Palestinian institutions engaged in the human rights field, and expanding joint advocacy and lobbying efforts at both local and international levels.
Position Paper Issued by Lawyers for Justice On the Presidential Decree Establishing a Committee to Draft a Temporary Constitution
The birth of the Palestinian National Authority on the land of Palestine was born from the womb of the Palestinian national struggle led by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and it expresses the sacrifices made to consolidate the inalienable national rights, represented in the right of return, self-determination, and the establishment of the independent Palestinian state—rights for which the Palestinian people have offered thousands of martyrs, wounded, and prisoners from among their best sons. Based on this national and historical legitimacy, the Palestinian Basic Law was adopted as the constitutional reference regulating Palestinian political and legal life. Article (115) of Chapter Eight stipulates: “The provisions of this Basic Law shall be applied during the transitional phase, which may be extended until the new constitution of the Palestinian State comes into force.” Accordingly, any attempt to bypass or replace it through presidential decrees and appointed committees constitutes a clear violation of this constitutional rule. First: Constitutional and Legal Issues Second: Affirmation of Rights and Freedoms Chapter Two of the Basic Law (Articles 9–33) enshrines a set of fundamental rights and freedoms that form the cornerstone of any democratic system: equality, personal freedom, the right to a fair trial, prohibition of torture, freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of movement, the right to education and work, the right to union and political organization, and freedom of the press, alongside other social, economic, and humanitarian rights.These rights are binding and must be respected under the Basic Law, and may not be diminished or unilaterally reformulated in a way that threatens their essence. Third: National and Political Implications 1- Deepening of political division if a temporary constitution is imposed without consensus and in disregard of the prevailing national and political reality, rendering it theoretical, disconnected from practice, and ultimately unenforceable. 2- Damage to Palestine’s international legitimacy through entrenching unilateral practices that undermine democracy. 3- Undermining the national and historical rights affirmed by the Basic Law and its binding preamble. Fourth: Recommendations End Lawyers for Justice23 August 2025
Lawyers for Justice Participates in Consultative Meeting Held by the Ministry of Justice on Reviewing the Cybercrime Law
Lawyers for Justice took part today in the consultative meeting convened by the Ministry of Justice to discuss and review the Cybercrime Law currently in force in Palestine. The meeting brought together representatives of State of Palestine institutions, civil society organizations, and legal experts. During the meeting, the group delivered its legal intervention, emphasizing the need to amend provisions that pose a threat to freedom of opinion, expression, and civic activity. The group also stressed the importance of aligning the law with international human rights standards and treaties to which the State of Palestine is a party—particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This participation forms part of Lawyers for Justice’s ongoing efforts to promote a legal environment that safeguards public freedoms and protects human rights defenders, while rejecting the use of legislation as a tool to restrict freedoms or prosecute activists and journalists.
Statement by Lawyers for Justice Regarding the Announcement of the Winner of the Nizar Banat Human Rights Defenders Award for 2025
Lawyers for Justice announces the selection of Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, a prisoner from the Gaza Strip, as the recipient of the Nizar Banat Award for At-Risk Human Rights Defenders in its inaugural edition. The award was launched by the group on the fourth anniversary of the assassination of human rights activist and political dissident Nizar Banat, in honor of his legacy and struggle for freedom and dignity. Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya was chosen following a thorough evaluation process conducted by an independent jury composed of prominent human rights experts. The selection was based on clear criteria, including the nominee’s track record in human rights work, the level of threats and risks faced, place of residence, and the continuity of their activism. Dr. Abu Safiya is a leading physician and human rights defender in Gaza. He is currently detained by the Israeli occupation authorities and lost one of his children during the recent aggression on the Strip. Despite his imprisonment, he continues his struggle from behind bars. The group affirms that this award aims to shed light on the sacrifices made by human rights defenders, particularly in the face of the ongoing genocide against civilians in Gaza and the suppression of freedoms. It also seeks to highlight the suffering of political prisoners and those who defend dignity under fire and bombardment. Lawyers for Justice extends its salute to all shortlisted nominees and considers them partners in the struggle to defend human rights. June 29, 2025Lawyers for Justice
Statement by Lawyers for Justice On the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
Today, June 26, 2025, marks the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This day comes at a time when the crime of genocide against the civilian population in the Gaza Strip continues for the second consecutive year, alongside the ongoing settler attacks targeting cities and villages in the occupied West Bank. On this occasion, renewed attention is drawn to the crimes of torture faced by hundreds of individuals each year—especially prisoners and detainees who have experienced incarceration, often accompanied by physical and psychological torture. In this context, the group highlights the alarming escalation in the use of physical and psychological torture against Palestinian prisoners, particularly those who have been detained by Israeli occupation forces after October 7, 2023. Numerous direct testimonies have been documented from Palestinian prisoners who reported unprecedented physical and psychological torture, starting from the moment of arrest, continuing through interrogation, and even during periods of detention in prisons or temporary detention centers, according to verified testimonies from recently released individuals. Additionally, prisoners suffer from systematic ill-treatment, including medical neglect, denial of basic rights, and harsh conditions that amount to inhuman and degrading treatment. Over the past two years, human rights institutions have reported the death of nearly 65 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention facilities, including approximately 40 from Gaza and 25 from the West Bank. The group emphasizes that these figures remain estimations, given the continued Israeli policy of media blackout and refusal to provide accurate information about the fate of hundreds of detainees, especially from Gaza, many of whom remain unaccounted for. These cases include individuals who died as a result of torture and ill-treatment or were subjected to extrajudicial executions after arrest. This demands immediate intervention to halt these crimes and hold the perpetrators accountable to ensure justice for the victims. Torture in Palestinian Authority Detention Centers Despite the Palestinian Authority’s ratification of the Convention Against Torture and its issuance of Law by Decree No. 25 of 2023, recent years—particularly since 2023—have witnessed a concerning continuation of torture practices within detention centers operated by Palestinian security agencies. Dozens of cases have been documented in which detainees were subjected to physical and psychological torture during arrest or detention, including severe beatings, stress positions, insults, and denial of medical care. Many torture-related cases remain under judicial review within the Palestinian courts without resulting in genuine accountability for those responsible for these violations. The facts indicate a significant gap between the legal commitments made by the Palestinian Authority under the Convention Against Torture and the actual practices on the ground. The principle of non-impunity remains unenforced, and judicial procedures lack the effectiveness and independence necessary to ensure justice for victims. This reality entrenches a state of official complicity and silence, undermines public trust in the justice system, and poses a serious threat to human rights and the rule of law in the Palestinian territories. On this occasion, Lawyers for Justice stresses the importance of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms—foremost among them the right to humane treatment—and the absolute rejection of torture under any circumstance or justification.The group emphasizes that this commitment requires official bodies to activate the legal and procedural tools necessary to hold accountable anyone proven to be involved in acts of torture and to bring them to justice, in line with the provisions of the Palestinian Basic Law and the international conventions to which the State of Palestine has acceded—chief among them the Convention Against Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Allowing these violations to persist without accountability strips the law of its meaning and renders legal texts mere theoretical commitments with no practical application, thereby entrenching a culture of impunity and undermining the foundations of justice and the rule of law. Achieving justice for victims and prosecuting those responsible for acts of torture is the cornerstone of building a legal system where human dignity is upheld, and rights and freedoms are protected. EndLawyers for JusticeIssued on 26-06-2025
Statement by Lawyers for Justice on the Fourth Anniversary of the Assassination of Political Activist Nizar Banat
Tuesday, 24 June 2025 Today marks the fourth anniversary of the assassination of the political activist, dissident, and human rights defender Nizar Banat, who was violently arrested and beaten to death at dawn on 24 June 2021 by members of the Preventive Security Service, following a complaint filed by the Public Prosecutor accusing him of “defamation against the authority.” This anniversary comes amid complex political and security conditions, as Israeli occupation crimes continue against our people, especially in the Gaza Strip, which is facing an ongoing campaign of genocide, alongside an unprecedented escalation and crackdown in the occupied West Bank. Regarding the case of Nizar Banat’s assassination, the trial proceedings have remained stagnant since sessions began in September 2021, marked by unjustified delays and serious doubts about the seriousness of the process—particularly after the release of the defendants within a year of the crime, in clear violation of judicial norms and military court protocols for major crimes. This anniversary also coincides with the continued policy of political repression by Palestinian security services. Since Nizar’s assassination, the group has documented hundreds of cases of arbitrary arrest, torture, and ill-treatment against activists and political dissidents. Additionally, 22 citizens and 6 security personnel have been killed since 7 October 2023, with no accountability for most of these crimes, except in cases where indictments were filed against political activists for the killing of security personnel. On this occasion, Lawyers for Justice emphasizes the following: May Nizar Banat and all who have paid with their lives for speaking the truth rest in peace, and may all prisoners of conscience be set free.