The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy (MIFTAH) strongly denounces the physical assault on PLC Member Qaddoura Faris by members of the Presidential security forces last Sunday, April 2nd, 2000.

The attack on Mr. Faris, head of the PLC's Human Rights and Oversight Committee, took place outside the President's office in Ramallah just before a scheduled meeting between the President and heads of PLC Committees, including Mr. Faris.

MIFTAH is seriously alarmed at the recurrence of such attacks; PLC members have been repeatedly attacked and beaten with impunity by Palestinian security forces. In another incident, Palestinian Minister of environment, Mr. Yousef Abu-Safiyyeh, was attacked two days ago in his own office in the Ministry.

To date, the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) has taken no clear action to prevent the use of force by the security forces, nor have the individuals involved been held accountable or brought to justice.

We urge the PNA to take firm and decisive action, to punish those responsible in accordance with the law, and to ensure that such abuses do not recur.

The militarization of Palestinian society and the use of violence by the security forces must not be tolerated. The rule of law must prevail, and members of the Palestinian security forces must be subject to the law and to clear regulations that ensure their respect for citizens' rights.