New protests in Hebron demand accountability for killing of Nizar Banat

Protesters took to the streets in Hebron on Friday in a new show of anger at the killing of political activist Nizar Banat, which took place on June 24 while he was held in custody.

The demonstration began after the Friday prayers from the Al-Hussein Mosque, calling for the resignation of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.

غضب شعبي عارم في الخليل في الجمعة الجديدة من مسيرات التنديد باغتيال نزار بنات pic.twitter.com/KQUmIe0Ipl

— معتز أبوريدة_غزة 𓂆 🇵🇸 (@Abuabraa2110198) July 9, 2021

Banat, 44, a resident of Dura, near Hebron, was well-known for his caustically sarcastic videos tearing into the PA leadership. Banat was reportedly beaten after the security forces raided his home and apprehended him.

The Palestinian government has responded to demonstrations held across the West Bank with what Amnesty International has described as "unlawful force"  and a  "chilling campaign of repression."

It said reporters, campaigners and lawyers had been detained without justification, and that arrestees had suffered torture.

#صور انطلاق تظاهرة كبيرة في مدينة #الخليل بالضفة الغربية تنديدا باغتيال #نزار_بنات وللمطالبة بمحاسبة القتلة pic.twitter.com/QjHG9BrVyT

— #سيف_القدس (@Noraljnat) July 9, 2021

The calls by popular movements to participate in the protests, held in the city where Banat was buried, have been regarded as a sign that Palestinians are adamant in asking for accountability for Banat's death.