The Brussels International Center expresses its deep sadness over the death of human rights activist and former legislative candidate Nizar Banat, following his arrest by Palestinian security forces last night. During the night, Palestinian officers arrested Nizar Banat in his home near the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank.
According to the statements of his family and close relatives, Banat was severely beaten during the raid. His death was announced after he was transferred to Hebron Governmental Hospital, following the deterioration of his health during the arrest.
Nizar Banat had been arrested by the Palestinian authorities several times before today's occasion. In addition, he was one of the candidates on the Freedom and Dignity list for the Palestinian legislative elections that were scheduled to take in May, before President Abbas postponed the electoral process amid a disputes over voting rights in East Jerusalem.
The Brussels International Center supports freedom of expression and a safe space for political figures and members of the civil society. The BIC joins representatives of the European Union and the United Nations to call for an independent, impartial, effective and transparent investigation to hold those responsible for the killing of Nizar Banat accountable.
The BIC is extremely concerned about the continued crackdown from the Palestinian authorities on dissent, including by stifling freedoms of expression and assembly, excessive use of force, torture and ill-treatment of journalists and detaining opponents. Violence against political activists and human rights defenders is unacceptable, and the Palestinian authorities must put in place credible mechanisms to protect their rights and guarantee their safety.