Lawyers for Justice is following with grave concern the measures taken against union activist and teacher Jihad Taha Abu Sharar, which infringe upon her constitutional and legal rights most notably her summons to appear before the Public Prosecution in Dura on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
According to statements by Ms. Abu Sharar, she was previously subjected to a forced retirement penalty in 2024 due to her union activities. The Administrative Court subsequently ruled in her favor in December 2025, issuing a final and binding decision for her reinstatement. This ruling represented a victory for the rule of law and the mandatory implementation of judicial verdicts.
However, the Minister of Education’s decision to re-impose the same penalty and issue a new decree confirming its continuation constitutes a blatant violation of an enforceable judicial ruling. This serves as an unacceptable evasion of the judiciary’s authority and has resulted in serious humanitarian consequences, including the termination of her health insurance.
The summoning of Jihad Abu Sharar for investigation in this context raises serious concerns that it is an extension of restrictive measures aimed at her legitimate exercise of union activity a right guaranteed by the Palestinian Basic Law and relevant international conventions.
Accordingly, “Lawyers for Justice” emphasizes the following:
- The necessity of respecting and implementing judicial rulings without delay or circumvention.
- The immediate cessation of all administrative or legal measures affecting Ms. Abu Sharar’s right to work that contravene the Administrative Court’s decision.
- The guarantee that no citizen or employee shall be prosecuted for their legitimate union activities.
The group further appeals to His Excellency the Attorney General to intervene immediately to halt any prosecution against teacher Jihad Abu Sharar regarding her union activity and to ensure that the instruments of justice are not used as a means of pressure or harassment.
The group asserts that the targeting of Jihad Abu Sharar stems from her role in defending the rights of Palestinian teachers. This follows a troubling pattern where several of her colleagues were previously referred for investigation before committees at the Ministry of Education. We stress that official authorities must commit to respecting union work and safeguarding freedoms foremost among them the freedom of opinion and expression in alignment with the international treaties signed by the State of Palestine.
Issued on: March 31, 2026
Lawyers for Justice Group
