28 Palestinians were arrested during peaceful protests by the Palestinian Authority this weekend, as part of an apparent crackdown on human rights defenders. Those arrested included, Khadr Adnan a past political prisoner known for one of the longest hunger strikes in Palestine; Zakaria Mohammed, a poet, and writer; Ubai Alaboudi of the Besan Center; Imad Barghouti, a Professor of Physics; Omar Assaf, a Ramallah city council member, and Fadi Quran, a recognized human rights defender and Campaign Director with Avaaz. 
 
Many of those arrested on Saturday and Sunday are still detained, and some have been charged for questionable offences including instigating sectarian strife and slandering higher authorities. The family of Ubai Alaboudi, who has chosen to remain silent under questioning, today made a statement confirming that his detention was extended.  

The lawyer for Fadi Quran, whose detention was also extended this morning, has confirmed that he was arrested Sunday while walking to his car. He was physically assaulted while being detained and is being held beneath the Ramallah Court Complex. His lawyer describes the condition of his holding cell as dire. He is being forced to sleep on the floor, in an over-populated cell, with an exposed toilet, a smell of sewage, and mould on the walls, in a clear breach of  Covid public health regulations.

Fadi Quran, speaking via his lawyer from the courthouse has said: “One of the main questions in my interrogation last night was about why I was handing out Palestinian flags. It's really unbelievable that as a Palestinian I am being interrogated for holding a Palestinian flag. Making it illegal to hold a Palestinian flag is a tactic that has been used by the Israelis since 1948. 

“I remain strong and steadfast in the struggle for liberation. We will continue to do what it takes until every Palestinian lives in dignity and freedom."

Since the killing of political activist Nizar Banat in custody following his arrest by Palestinian security forces in June, protests have broken out across Palestine . This weekend’s arrests are the latest development in what appears to be a concerted crackdown on freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest by the Palestinian Authority. Protestors have faced being fired at by stun grenades and tear gas, as well as violent assaults and arbitrary detentions.

International human rights organization Avaaz is demanding the immediate release of all peaceful protestors.

For more information: media@avaaz.org