Date: 25th February 2015 (No. 3/2015)

ICHR followed up on the details obtained regarding the assault on a policeman by a taxi driver in the town of al-Bireh. The Police Public Relations and Media Department stated that "while the traffic policeman was on duty in al-Nahda Street in al –Bireh alongside a road safety patrol belonging to the Ministry of Transportation and Communication, he stopped a taxi driver for using his mobile phone while driving and took his license to fine him. The driver beat the policeman from behind, dropped him on the ground and continued to punch him on the head until he passed out. He was rushed to hospital for treatment, and medical tests showed that he suffered from a skull fracture and lost several of his teeth".

While the Police Agency is demanded to respect and defend human rights, citizens are demanded to respect policemen and their status since they work to ensure security and public order as well as protect properties.

Over the past years, Palestine witnessed negative phenomena such as taking the law into one's own hand and committing offences that affected civil peace, stability and security. Understanding and taking into account the nature of police work and the importance of their role is pre-requisite for achieving stability and security.

The citizens should act responsibly and adhere to the values of the citizen by performing their duties and not disrespecting the rule of the law and not inhibiting the functions of law enforcement staff.

Article (84) of the Palestinian Basic Law states that "the Security Forces and the Police are regular forces. They are the armed forces in the country. Their functions are limited to defending the country, serving the people, protecting society and maintaining public order, security and public morals. They shall perform their duties within the limits prescribed by the law, with complete respect for rights and freedoms".

ICHR works continuously in its capacity as a national constitutional human rights institution, to train law enforcement staff on the standards of using force and fire arms as well as moral and legal rules of conduct, particularly the rules for peaceful dispersion of clashes without causing death or excessive damage. They must always be reminded of the necessity of respecting and maintaining human dignity as well as human rights of every citizen since these rights are safeguarded by national legislations and international standards.

Although the above is an incident against an individual, it has created rather large implications. Thus, ICHR should intensify its awareness-raising campaigns to raise peoples' awareness about the functions and responsibilities of law enforcement bodies and their right to life and physical safety like other citizens on the basis of inherent human dignity.

Assaulting law enforcement staff, including the police, or threatening their lives and safety put the stability of the State and the society as a whole at risk.