Public statement by the Lawyers for Justice Group

Lawyers for justice is monitoring with concern the continued detention of five Birzeit University students on the background of their on-campus student and trade union activities.

The group has applied for the release of the arrested students, but these applications were rejected, in clear violation of their legal and constitutional rights.

The arrest of these students constitutes a violation of freedom of opinion and expression, of freedom of association and of their right to engage in their legitimate activities. Such detention also hinders their academic career and reflects a repression of students’ freedoms. The Group expresses deep concern about the concerns raised by some detainees before the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Ramallah Magistrate’s Court judge about torture and ill-treatment in detention

These arrests are contrary to the State of Palestine’s international obligations under the treaties and conventions it has signed, which guarantee the right of individuals to engage in trade union work and protect their constitutional rights.

A group of lawyers for justice makes an urgent appeal to local and international human rights and civil institutions to press for the immediate release of the arrested students and to ensure the protection of their fundamental rights. The Group also stresses the need to maintain and protect on-campus trade union work as a fundamental right for students to express and assemble peacefully.

We affirm in the group of lawyers for justice our full readiness to pursue this case using all available legal means, and we call on all parties concerned to respect human rights and ensure the immediate release of the arrested students.

Issued in 15-12-2024.

Till here,

Lawyers for Justice.