Once again the Palestinian Authority has miserably failed it citizens.  The Judicial System comprised of the highest court in the land has watched in deafening silence while the Security Enforcement Agency oppressively misuses its power over its citizens.  As the High Court issued the verdict of immediate release of Mohammad Khateeb on August 30, 2010, the Security Enforcement Agency deliberately disregarded the verdict. They kept Khateeb illegally detained for more than forty-six days.  Moreover, the Security Enforcement Agency decided to throw its oppressive weight before the High Court by having a military court trial. The Security Enforcement Agency formed a sentence hearing forbidding Khateeb from any legal representation and denied him any witnesses or evidence for fear that it may sway the hearing.  A military court tried and sentenced Mohammad Khateeb, which needs to be repeated that he is a private citizen, in one session to an abhorrent six months in prison. The fact that this was all carried out in one session proves to be appalling.  Clearly demonstrating the failure of the Justice System; despite numerous attempts from the judicial committees and human rights organizations to plea for his release. Khateeb's attorney delivered an appeal to the "Prime Minister" Salaam Fayyad himself.  Only to witness Fayyad's complete apathy for the matter.    

How many times must the Palestinian citizens witness such repressive actions against their people?  How many times must the Palestinian citizens be silenced tyrannically due to their fear of the very agency that is supposed to protect and ensure their rights in their land?  The "constitution" in this case merely represents ink wasted on paper.  Where is the feeling of hope and security that is supposed to be guaranteed by the "State"?

When the "rulers" of Palestine obviously have other agendas against their own people, the people definably do not have a place in their society. Constant rejection of their citizens only proves the ever-increasing treachery of the "rulers".  Why is the judicial system in place when Palestine can simply be ruled directly as a dictatorship for the entire world to witness?  Why hide behind the façade of the High Court and its Judicial System?  Only to fool the citizens of Palestine into thinking they have a chance for fairness when the evidence proves one's innocence.  It is obvious that these treacheries do not show an ounce of remorse for our grief and anguish.  Only to be more concerned with continuing the façade of democracy in front of their agents. They will have their Day of Accountability for surely it is promised by the Creator Himself.

وَلَوْ يَرَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ إِذْ يَرَوْنَ الْعَذَابَ أَنَّ الْقُوَّةَ لِلّهِ جَمِيعاً وَأَنَّ اللّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعَذَابِ } البقرة165  }

{Those who believe are stauncher in their love for Allah, that those who do evil had but known, (on the day) when they behold the doom, that power belonged wholly to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punishment!} (Al-Baqara: 165)

Oh people of Palestine,

Do not be silent and speak the true words of justice. Be brave for yourself, for your families, for Allah (swt) the same Creator who created you and them.   For Allah (swt) is with the one who is brave in front of the oppressive ruler. 

Manal Bader  

Bayt Almaqdes