Hundreds of Palestinians demonstrated against Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, a week after the death in PA security custody of activist and frequent Abbas critic Nizar Banat. Saturday’s protest was the latest in a series of demonstrations against Abbas. Protesters said that the event did not draw as many participants as previous protests because police reportedly dispersed protests using violent methods.
The protest took place in al-Manara Square in central Ramallah, the seat of the PA government. Banat’s mother and other family members attended the rally, and received resounding cheers. Chants at the rally included: “The people want the fall of the regime,” and “Abbas, leave.”
An official investigation into Banat’s death by the PA justice ministry was completed on Wednesday night. Findings from the investigation have not been made puclic.