The International Forum for Democracy and Human Rights (IFDHR) has filed a submission with the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning the torture of Palestinian detainees by Palestinian security services in the occupied West Bank.
The submission has been made in conjunction with the Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK (AOHRUK).
The AOHRUK said in a press release: “Having assessed and analysed the evidence, it has become clear that the use of torture … (is) part of a systematic and widespread attack upon the fundamental liberties of Palestinian citizens.”
Arab Organization for Human Rights files complaint with ICC accusing Abbas' PA of wide scale arrests and torture. https://t.co/5GgAovlOiI
— Tariq Zarif (@TariqZarif) July 25, 2016
The organisation added, “It is apparent that all elements of the security services have engaged in the use of such methods, including the General Intelligence service headed by Major General Majid Faraj, under the authority of the PA President.”
The evidence collated by the organisation includes witness testimony from numerous individuals who have since been released from custody.
They have recounted their experiences of daily beatings (including with rubber hoses), being kept in stress positions for prolonged periods of time, electrocution and the threat of sexual assault.
Right Groups Attempts to take PA to #ICC over allegations of torture. Yes.. #ICC for PA https://t.co/JrUyLnbZwZ pic.twitter.com/SySXYPWq0y
— Abbs Winston (@AbbsWinston) September 1, 2015
“Such treatment cannot be classified as anything other than torture,” insisted the AOHRUK.
It added that it is “of the utmost concern that the Palestinian Authority has thus far shown itself to be either unwilling or incapable of protecting its citizens.”
(PC, MEMO)
