Human Rights Watch investigator shot in occupied West Bank

Human Rights Watch investigator shot in occupied West Bank
A research assistant for Human Rights Watch was shot and wounded on 6 October by Israeli forces at a demonstration outside Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, HRW has revealed.
3 min read
12 October, 2015
There has been an escalation of violence since 1 October [Getty]
A research assistant for Human Rights Watch was wounded after being shot on 6 October by Israeli forces while observing the behaviour of demonstrators and security forces at a demonstration outside Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, said HRW yesterday.

At least seven protesters were also wounded at the demonstration, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and the research assistant's observations.

"Indiscriminate or deliberate firing on observers and demonstrators who pose no imminent threat violates the international standards that bind Israeli security forces," said Kenneth Roth, director of HRW.

"It is particularly troubling when those seeking to monitor the security forces' conduct are among the casualties," he added.
     We didn't see any soldiers near us. That's why we felt safe.
- Fadi Asmar, 27, a medic who witnessed the shooting


There has been an escalation of violence since an Israeli couple were shot and killed in the occupied West Bank on 1 October.

Since then there have been several attacks by Palestinians against settlers and stabbing attacks by Palestinians against Israelis. Demonstrations that began in the West Bank have also spread to Gaza.

The HRW employee, who also freelances as a journalist, was wearing a flak jacket marked "press" at the time.

She was shot at approximately 1am, after she had reported the demonstration was peaceful, with about 100 or 200 protesters in the vicinity. The closest Israeli forces were reportedly at a checkpoint about 500 metres away.

The shots reportedly were fired without warning and she said she was unaware from which direction they came.

The research assistant received injuries to her jaw and hand caused by rubber-coated bullets; a type of ammunition typically used by Israeli security forces to disperse crowds. HRW reported it was not aware of any Palestinians participating in the demonstrations firing rubber bullets.

Fadi Asmar, a 27-year-old medic who witnessed the shooting, told HRW: "We didn't see any soldiers near us. That's why we felt safe. No one was throwing rocks or anything. Soldiers just started shooting."

The shooting of the research assistant is another example documented by HRW of Israeli security forces using force unlawfully at demonstrations, particularly to fire live ammunition at protesters and observers posing no imminent threat to them.

HRW has frequently called on Israeli security forces to abide by the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.

These principles say law enforcement officials should not use firearms against people "except in self-defence or defence of others against the imminent threat of death or serious injury".

Firearms can only be used when it is strictly unavoidable and to preserve life, and law enforcement officials must give clear warning of their intent to use firearms.