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
On the Conditions of Arrest of Dozens from Jenin and Its Villages During the “Homeland Protection” Security Campaign
Introduction: On December 14, 2024, the Palestinian security forces launched a campaign named “Homeland Protection” in the city of Jenin and its refugee camp. According to the official statement from the security agencies, the campaign aimed to regain control over the camp from what they described as “outlaws.” The campaign resulted in numerous arrests, many of which involved individuals with no history of violent activities. While the campaign’s stated goal was to restore stability, numerous human rights violations and legal infractions were documented, subjecting detainees to illegal and inhumane conditions. Developments: According to a statement by the spokesperson of the security agencies on January 9, 2025, three armed individuals were killed, and 247 people were arrested, including 41 who were injured while resisting arrest. As the campaign continues, Lawyers for Justice Group continues to document and legally follow up on detainees’ cases, particularly those arrested under suspicious circumstances. Arrests and Conditions: While the campaign targeted groups described by security forces as “outlaws,” political arrests persisted against individuals with no involvement in violent activities. Lawyers for Justice documented over 200 arrests and followed up on 57 cases of detainees arrested for non-violent reasons. In most cases brought to trial, charges of “possession of an unlicensed weapon” were filed, though detainees asserted they were unarmed. Instead, they were accused based on photos of weapons found on their phones, social media posts criticizing the security agencies, or familial ties to wanted individuals. Legal and Human Rights Violations: Lawyers for Justice monitored the arrest conditions in Jenin and its camp, confirming multiple severe violations of the detainees’ fundamental rights under Palestinian and international law. The most prominent violations include: Recommendations: Conclusion: The violations committed during the “Homeland Protection” campaign in Jenin constitute serious human rights breaches and undermine fundamental legal protections for detainees. We urge the relevant authorities in Palestine to take necessary measures to uphold justice, safeguard detainees’ rights, ensure fair trials, and adhere to international human rights agreements. Issued in 5-3-2025. Till here, Lawyers for Justice.
Nablus Magistrate Court decided to release the political detainee Kaid Abu Al-Rish.
Today, Wednesday, July 27, 2023, Nablus Magistrate Court issued a decision to release the political detainee Kaid Abu Al-Rish on personal bail amounting to 2000 Jordanian dinars. Abu Al-Rish was arrested by forces affiliated with the Preventive Security Service on the 19th of July of the current year. During his detention, he suffered a heart attack, which necessitated his immediate transfer to the hospital. He remained under security guard during his stay at the hospital, but today he has been released following the issuance of the release decision, and the security guards have already left. … Lawyers for Justice 26, July 2023
The second appeal session filed by “Lawyers for Justice” group against the decision issued by the Ministry of Economy, which imposed restrictions on its registration, is scheduled to take place.
The second session regarding the appeal filed by “Lawyers for Justice” group against the decision issued by the Ministry of Economy, which imposed restrictions on its registration, is scheduled to be held tomorrow, June 21, 2023, at the Administrative Court in Ramallah. This appeal is in response to the decision made by the Ministry of Economy in Ramallah on March 26, 2023, which restricted the group’s registration as a civil company based on instructions from the General Intelligence Agency, as communicated to the group. Furthermore, the first session of the aforementioned appeal was held on June 7 of the current month, during which the court adjourned for further examination of the evidence presented by the group. The group reaffirms its commitment, as stated in previous statements, to continue its work that began in 2011, defying all deliberate obstacles it faces, in order to persist in defending human rights. In the same context, the group has been monitoring since the beginning of June, 23 cases of arbitrary arrests, 15 of which are related to political and party plurality, 7 arrests related to student union activities, and one arrest related to freedom of opinion and expression. Therefore, “Lawyers for Justice” group calls upon all colleagues in legal institutions to stand with the group and support it in its legal battle until the unjust decision against it is overturned. … Lawyers for Justice June 20, 2023
The “Lawyers for Justice” group has documented twenty cases of arbitrary arrests since the beginning of June
The group “Lawyers for Justice” closely monitors the alarming escalation of arbitrary arrests carried out by the Palestinian security forces. This campaign has targeted university students, political activists, and human rights defenders. Since the beginning of June, the group has documented 20 cases of arbitrary arrests, conducted by the Preventive Security Service and the General Intelligence Service. The backgrounds and numbers of the detainees documented by the group are distributed as follows: thirteen arrests on the basis of political and party pluralism, six arrests related to university election results, including the arrest of a staff member at Birzeit University, and one arrest related to freedom of opinion and expression. The group has also noticed attempts by the security agencies to circumvent the law through attempts to legitimize detentions. Additionally, they have endangered the rights of detainees by fabricating new charges against them or re-detaining them under the pretext of review or appeal. In addition, the group has observed the presence of signs of torture on the bodies of many detainees, and/or their testimonies before the prosecution or the court indicating that they have been subjected to torture. Therefore, “Lawyers for Justice” group calls upon the Palestinian Authority to immediately and unconditionally release these detainees and ensure their legal rights. The group also urges fellow colleagues in local and international human rights organizations to intervene for the immediate release of all detainees. … Lawyers for Justice June 18, 2023
A statement issued by the “Lawyers for Justice” group regarding the arrest of Tariq Al-Haj Ali, an employee at Birzeit University.
The “Lawyers for Justice” group condemns in the strongest terms the arrest by the General Intelligence Service in Ramallah of the employee at Birzeit University, Tariq Haj Ali, and the confiscation of his car without any legal basis, after he and his wife were intercepted, and intimidated. The General Intelligence arrested Haj Ali in civilian clothes without carrying an arrest warrant, in addition to using excessive force by shooting near his car during his arrest. They also searched his wife’s phone and assaulted her. The group also denounces such arrests, in addition to the brutal method of arrest that accompanies many violations; Whether at the level of local laws or international agreements and treaties. Accordingly; The group calls for the immediate release of the detainee, Hajj Ali, and for those involved in his arrest and the shooting in the vicinity of his vehicle to be held accountable. … Lawyers for Justice 5, June 2023
The Special Military Court in Ramallah postponed the session of those accused of killing the activist Nizar Banat until June 11, 2023, to summon the witness (W.N).
Today, Sunday, May 28, 2023, the Special Military Court in Ramallah postponed the trial session of 14 members of the Preventive Security Service accused of killing the political dissident, and the candidate for the canceled legislative elections; the martyr Nizar Banat. The session was held in the presence of the full court, the representatives of the Military Prosecution, the fourteen defendants, and the defense lawyer. The “Lawyers for Justice” group attended the session as an observer of fair trial guarantees, in addition to the presence of some colleagues representing local and international institutions, and embassies for the same purpose. The session opened at 11:45 AM, during which the defense lawyer asked to invite the witness (W.N.) from the General Investigation in Ramallah. Also, He must bring with him a statement (H.B.), that he gave before the witness, which relates to the innocence of the first accused, according to the defense lawyer. It is also mentioned that (H.B) is a main witness to the assassination of the martyr Nizar Banat, who is currently detained in the occupation prisons. Accordingly; The “Lawyers for Justice” group calls on local and international human rights institutions to attend the upcoming sessions to ensure that they are conducted impartially and without delay. … Lawyers for Justice May 28, 2023z
Today, Monday, the Special Military Court in Ramallah postponed the trial of the defendants in the case of the murder of political activist Nizar Banat until March May 7, 2023.
Today, Monday,March 13, 2023, a session was held in the Special Military Court in Ramallah, for those accused of killing the political activist and candidate for the canceled legislative elections, the martyr Nizar Banat. The session was held in the presence of the full court, the representatives of the Military Prosecution, the fourteen defendants. The “Lawyers for Justice” group attended the session as an observer of fair trial guarantees, in addition to the presence of some colleagues representing local and international institutions, and embassies for the same purpose. For all this, and due to the strike of the Palestinian Bar Association, the court decided to postpone the lawsuit proceedings until May 7, 2023. … Lawyers for Justice March 13, 2023
For the second time in a row, the Magistrate Court decided to extend the detention of the political detainee Fares Jbbour from Yatta.
Yesterday, March 5, 2023, the Jericho Magistrate Court extended the detention of the detainee, Faris Jabour, for a period of ten days, to enable the Public Prosecution to complete the investigation with Jabour, according to the allegations of the Prosecution’s request. The Preventive Security Forces had arrested Jbour on the evening of February 28, 2023, and he was presented for the first time to the Yatta Prosecution Office, two days after his arrest, according to his family’s statement. It is noteworthy that the detainee, Jbour, is a released prisoner from the Israeli occupation prisons. Also, he was previously arrested by the Palestinian security agencies more than 10 times, during which he was subjected to severe torture, according to his family’s statements. … Lawyers for Justice March 6, 2023
For the third consecutive time; the Magistrate’s Court in Ramallah extended the detention of political detainee Yaman Berat.
Today, Wednesday, March 1, 2023, the Magistrate Court in Ramallah extended the detention of political detainee Yaman Berat for a period of seven days, It justified this extension by saying, “The charge against the accused is one of the charges that affect public order and security, to preserve it, and to give the Public Prosecution an opportunity to complete its investigative procedures and build an integrated investigation file.” The Preventive Security has arrested Berat since February 8, 2023, and during his detention he was subjected to beatings and torture. The “Lawyers for Justice” group expresses concern about the extension of his detention, which may be related to the continuation of physical torture. Accordingly; The group condemns all political arrests, as well as violating the physical integrity of detainees, from which all international and national conventions and norms are prohibited, as it is clear in the text of Article (5) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading” on the inadmissibility of violating physical integrity.