Lawyers for Justice expresses its deep concern over the ongoing harassment and targeting of syndicalist and human rights activist Yousef Ajha. This is evidenced by his summons to appear before a disciplinary investigation committee at the Ministry of Education in Bethlehem, due to his peaceful union activities in defense of teachers’ rights and his human rights work related to freedom of opinion and expression.
Based on documentation conducted with Mr. Ajha, the Group confirms that the charges leveled against him by the disciplinary committee are unfounded and directly linked to his peaceful activism. These charges lack any genuine professional or legal basis and come as part of a series of prior punitive measures. Previously, Mr. Ajha was dismissed from his job due to his union activity before being reinstated by a Supreme Court ruling, which underscores the illegality of the actions taken against him.
Lawyers for Justice considers the summons of Yousef Ajha a clear violation of the freedom of syndicalist work and freedom of expression. This action is part of a broader campaign targeting union activists and teachers’ representatives, coinciding with punitive measures taken by the Ministry of Education, the security services, and the Ministry of Finance. These measures have included the dismissal of teachers, suspension of salaries, summonses, and arrests, in addition to disciplinary transfers—all occurring while the Palestinian government continues to withhold teachers’ salaries under the pretext of the non-transfer of “clearance” tax funds by the Israeli occupation.
The Group emphasizes that the Ministry of Education’s actions violate the State of Palestine’s obligations under international treaties, foremost among them the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Furthermore, it constitutes a flagrant violation of the Palestinian Amended Basic Law, which guarantees freedom of opinion, expression, and union work, and prohibits arbitrary punishment.
Demands of Lawyers for Justice:
Immediate Cessation: An end to the summons and harassment of activist Yousef Ajha and a halt to all punitive measures against teachers for their peaceful union and protest activities.
Urgent Intervention: An appeal to local and international human rights organizations to act swiftly to protect union activists and teachers and to end the gross violations of their fundamental rights.
Lawyers for Justice reaffirms its commitment to following this case through legal and human rights channels. The Group will not hesitate to utilize all available legal tools to defend public freedoms and the rights of teachers and union activists.
Lawyers for Justice
February 10, 2026
