8\1\2016

1\2016

ICHR expresses its grave concern about the deplorable events in Hebron where Muhammad Yousif Abdulkhaliq Al-Haimoni, 25 years of age, was killed by three live bullets when he tried to stab a member of Al Ja'bari family (Hanin Al Ja'bari).

ICHR communicated with different official authorities, including the Governor's Office, Military Prosecution and security agencies to follow up the situation in Hebron and get to the truth of what happened.

According to the information collected by ICHR's field researchers and eye witnesses' statements, a group of Al Haimoni family attacked several stores and private property belonging to Al Ja'bari family after they heard that one of their relatives was killed. They also attacked public property, mainly Hebron University campus where they injured some individuals by stones.

Some groups of the same family tried to set fire to two gas stations and two shops in Ras Al Joura area in the city. Two restaurants were broken in that area. Furthermore, they abducted a young man of Al Ja'bari family. He was beaten before being released. They beat two other young men, burned two cars and a bulldozer. Tremendous physical damage was caused.

ICHR learnt that the person accused of murder wasn't detained though the security agencies stormed his home. They imposed curfew to prevent more chaos. It also learnt the Military Prosecution assumed investigation into the case since the suspect is affiliated with a security agency.

These regrettable events happened in revenge for killing Abdulghani Al Haimoni in 2014 by the son of Hanin Al J'abari who is still in custody since then but without being handed down a final sentence.

Such events can be indicative of weakness of the rule of law, absence of security of person and vigilantism. They also reflect dominance of negative conducts in the society in contradiction with the values of justice and tolerance. They also show prevalence of tribal revenge and bigotry as well as punishing innocent people for the sin of others and disregard for the sanctity of their property and blood.

Considering that, ICHR confirms the following:

ICHR appreciates the efforts made to return security and order following the said events and calls for continuing such efforts to defuse the situation and ensure protection for citizens.
ICHR calls on the Palestinian security agencies to learn the lesson from such events so that they can promote preventive measures to keep civil peace. The lack of security contributed to fanning such feuds and assault on citizens' property.
It is imperative that all the persons involved in attacking persons, public and private properties be brought before justice and held to account without let or delay.
Ensuring respect for the rule of law and protection for persons, private and public property. The efforts of the official authorities should be combined with those of religious persons and community leaders to raise awareness about the danger of such negative phenomena and their impact on civil peace.