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.
Ramallah Magistrate Court Acquits Activist Fakhri Jaradat
Lawyers for Justice have obtained an acquittal from the Ramallah Magistrate Court in favor of detainee, activist, and human rights defender Fakhri Jaradat, in the case where he was prosecuted on charges of “unlawful assembly” for participating in protests condemning the killing of political activist Nizar Banat. This case highlights the ongoing attempts by the Public Prosecution to criminalize peaceful assembly, despite it being a right guaranteed by the Palestinian Basic Law and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the State of Palestine is a signatory and which is in effect. It is worth noting that the Israeli occupation authorities later arrested activist Fakhri Jaradat and placed him under administrative detention — without charge or trial. We reiterate that defending rights and freedoms is not a crime, and that peaceful assembly is a right that must not be confiscated or criminalized.
Lawyers for Justice launches the report “Cybercrime: Between Implementation and Restriction” with support from the Swiss Representative Office and the European Union.
Lawyers for Justice launches the report “Cybercrime: Between Implementation and Restriction” with support from the Swiss Representative Office and the European Union. Lawyers for Justice launched its new report, “Cybercrime: Between Implementation and Restriction,” with support from the Swiss Representative Office in Palestine and in cooperation with the European Union. The launch event was held at the European Police Force (EUPOL COPPS) headquarters in Ramallah, and was attended by diplomatic representatives, local and international human rights organizations, as well as activists and human rights defenders. The meeting opened with a welcoming speech by Ms. Justine Hessler, Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Representative Office, followed by a speech by Ms. Basma Adawin, Director of the Human Rights and Civil Society Programme at the Office of the European Union Representative in Palestine. During the event, the Lawyers for Justice group presented a report, highlighting the violations contained in Cybercrime Law No. 10 of 2018, which contravene international treaties and agreements to which the State of Palestine has acceded. The group also reviewed the recommendations it had previously submitted to His Excellency the Minister of Justice, in his capacity as Chairman of the Advisory Committee for Reviewing the Law.The meeting featured activists such as Mona Shtayyeh, Jihad Abdo, and Roaa Razmak, who shared their personal experiences and those of human rights defenders with harassment and legal prosecution under the Cybercrime Law. It is worth noting that the Lawyers for Justice group submitted a copy of the report to His Excellency the Minister of Justice, as part of its efforts to contribute to the review and amendment of the Cybercrime Law in line with international human rights standards.
Lawyers for Justice and Al-Baydar Organization for the Defense of Bedouin Rights Sign Memorandum of Understanding
Ramallah – In a significant step towards strengthening the rights of Bedouins in the West Bank, the Lawyers for Justice group and the Al-Baydar Organization for the Defense of Bedouin Rights have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in documenting violations against Bedouins. The signing took place during a meeting held in the city of Ramallah. The meeting brought together Attorney Muhannad Karajah, Director of Lawyers for Justice, and Attorney Hassan Mleihat, Director of Al-Baydar Organization for the Defense of Bedouin Rights. Discussions focused on key issues faced by Bedouins in the West Bank, particularly in the Jericho and Jordan Valley areas. Topics included numerous violations committed against them, such as land and pasture confiscation, the displacement of Bedouin communities, the imposition of fines and penalties by the occupation, and continuous attacks carried out by settlers. Additionally, the meeting addressed the publication of human rights reports to document these violations and the advocacy for Bedouin issues through coordination with local and international human rights organizations. This effort aims to support human rights and protect the Bedouin community from these arbitrary practices. This collaboration is part of a broader initiative to strengthen partnerships between Palestinian and international human rights institutions, ensuring justice and equality for Bedouins in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Meeting at the Ministry of Justice with Counselor Youssef Abdel Samad on behalf of the Minister of Justice
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Lawyers for Justice submitted a study on the Cybercrime Law to the Ministry of Justice, supported by the Swiss Representative Office as part of the project “Enhancing Digital Rights: Protecting Freedom of Expression in Palestine” in partnership with local and international civil society organizations. The submission was made by Lawyers for Justice, represented by Attorney Ameera Al-Badareen and researcher Ghaida Labadi, in the presence of Ms. Hadba Askar, representing the Legal Clinic at Birzeit University. The study was received on behalf of the Minister of Justice, Counselor Sharhabil Al-Za’im, by Legal Advisor Yousef Abd Al-Samad. The meeting focused on reviewing the Cybercrime Law according to the study, especially concerning the contradictions of its provisions with legal principles, procedural laws, and international human rights law. The observations were presented based on legal applications and cases monitored by Lawyers for Justice as part of their legal representation for each case. Attorney Ameera Al-Badareen highlighted the key concerns, violations, and abuses that took place against citizens, human rights activists, journalists, and civil society bloggers on the internet, with particular focus on the advisory opinion of the ISLP project as outlined in the study. Ms. Hadba Askar presented the mechanism for involving students from the Legal Clinic at Birzeit University in discussions and legal commentary on the provisions of the law. Researcher Ghaida Labadi concluded with recommendations, the most important of which are adopting a legal stance regarding the clarification of basic definitions, ensuring proportional penalties, enhancing privacy protection, and introducing independent oversight mechanisms. These recommendations had previously been approved unanimously by the advisory committee made up of human rights defenders, trade unionists, journalists, and civil society organizations, including the Independent Commission for Human Rights, Istiqlal Foundation, the Office of the High Commissioner, and other local and international institutions. These recommendations were preceded by consultative meetings and the issuance of a policy paper. Legal Advisor Yousef Abd Al-Samad expressed the Ministry of Justice’s openness to cooperate and incorporate these legal observations into the review of the issued decrees and amendments, ensuring the rights and freedoms of Palestinian citizens are protected. The Ministry is also open to community dialogue with all concerned parties, especially security agencies, in cooperation with civil society organizations, particularly with the launch of the Palestinian Ministry of Justice’s electronic public consultation platform and legal observatory, to which cooperation on this matter was also invited. Issued on: January 26, 2025Ramallah
Press Release
Press Release The Israeli Occupation Authorities Release Human Rights Defender Lawyer Diala Ayesh after a Year of Administrative Detention. The Israeli occupation authorities released lawyer and human rights activist Diala Ayesh on Tuesday, January 14 2025, from the Jalameh checkpoint in Jenin, after more than a year of arbitrary administrative detention. Lawyer Diala Ayesh was arrested by Israeli occupation forces nearly a year ago while passing through the Container checkpoint in the southern West Bank. During her detention, she was subjected to oppressive practices, including torture, maltreatment, and solitary confinement on several occasions. Diala Ayesh is a prominent human rights defender who has worked throughout her career to provide legal representation for human rights defenders, promote Palestinian rights, and expose the violations committed by the occupation authorities against Palestinian civilians. Her release comes at a time when Palestinian prisoners are subjected to unjust mistreatment, violating the Third Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war. This illegal administrative detention was part of the occupation authorities’ policy to suppress Palestinian activists working to expose Israeli violations. Through this experience, Diala Ayesh continues to serve as a living example of resilience and resistance against the Israeli oppression machine. Lawyers for Justice group reaffirms the necessity of raising awareness against the practice of administrative detention, which is a blatant violation of basic human rights, and emphasizes its ongoing commitment to supporting all activists and human rights defenders in confronting the repressive policies of the occupation. Until now, Lawyers for Justice.
The wining of the human rights defender Lawyer Diala Ayesh of the award of “Index on Censorship”
*press release* “Lawyers for Justice” values the wining of the human rights defender Lawyer Diala Ayesh of the award of “Index on Censorship” in London, which was pronounced yesterday, awarding her for her outstanding role in protecting human rights and freedom of opinion and expression in Palestine. This tribute reflects activist Diala Ayesh unwavering and sustained commitment in the face of violations against Palestinian citizens, particularly in the area of freedom of expression, which face significant challenges under occupation. Lawyers for Justice Group also states that they had nominated lawyer Diala Ayesh for this award in recognition of her outstanding rights efforts, despite being detained in Israeli occupation prisons, where she is serving a period of administrative detention without trial. Her ongoing struggle from within prisons is a powerful symbol of resilience and upholding human rights in the face of oppression. Lawyers for Justice Congratulates Diala Ayesh, her family and all human rights activists, for this important achievement, stresses the importance of continued support and support for Palestinian detainees and the strengthening of domestic and international efforts to achieve justice and protect human rights in Palestine. Lawyers for Justice 21st November 2024
Lawyers for Justice Group obtained acquittal by Qalqiliya Magistrates’ Court
On Sunday, 10-11-2024, Lawyers for Justice Group obtained an acquittal merit issued by the Qalqilya Magistrate’s Court against citizen Roaa Rimzeq. She was charged of the authority contrary to article 45 of the Cybercrime Act No. 10 of 2018. Citizen Rizmeq was prosecuted by the Cybercrime Unit of the Police Service in early April 2024 on the basis of a complaint lodged by the Ministry of Education concerning the citizenship of Rizmik against a publication criticizing the Ministry, before being referred for investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office of Qalqilya on 26-8-2024. The Group appreciates the decision of the Qalqilya Magistrates’ Court to issue the acquittal in terms of the outcome. It calls for a comprehensive review of the Cybercrime Law No. 10 of 2018 to amend its articles to ensure and guarantee freedom of opinion and expression without restriction and to prevent the continued prosecution of citizens in the exercise of their constitutional rights under the Palestinian Constitutional Law. Till here, Issued in 11-11-2024. Lawyers for Justice.