PFLP suspends participation in Palestinian elections

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) will not participation in the upcoming local elections in protest against the Palestinian security forces’ attack on protesters in Ramallah, a member of the party told reporters yesterday.

Khalida Jarrar, a member of the PFLP political bureau, said the front has decided to suspend its participation in the local elections in protest against the repression which took place in Ramallah against the family of Basel Al-Araj and until those responsible for the suppression of the march and beating of demonstrators are held accountable.

She noted that if no action is taken on these key issues, the movement will announce further positions and take additional actions.

RAMALLAH, WEST BANK: Palestinian security forces clash with demonstrators who were voicing their opposition to the posthumous trial of Basel Al-Araj who was killed by Israeli soldiers early March. Ramallah Minor Court in occupied Ramallah, West Bank on 12 March 2017. [Issam Rimawi/Anadolu Agency]

Al-Araj was killed by the Israeli army on 6 March during an armed clash in his house in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah.

Palestinian security services attacked protesters with batons and pepper spray and tear gas, injuring approximately 20 people including Al-Araj’s father and arresting several others.