LOC23:10
20:10 GMT
VEINNA, Aug 5 (KUNA) -- Slovenia Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon called Tuesday on the Israeli occupation to be held accountable for the murder of Palestinian Human Rights Defender Awdah Hathalin in the West Bank last week.
"Following the brutal murder of the Palestinian human rights defender Awdah Hathalin in the WestBank last week, it is becoming evident that the Israeli state institutions are failing to provide justice and due process in this case," Fajon said on social media X.
"The attack by an EU-sanctioned violent settler has not been prosecuted.
Moreover, the state interfered with the organization and location of the funeral," the minister said.
"Awdah's body should be immediately returned to the family, the remaining residents of Um al-Kheir released from detention, restrictions regarding his funeral lifted, and the case independently investigated.
Since October 2023, violent settlers with state support have forced over 30 Palestinian communities to move out of area C of the Occupied Palestinian Territories," the minister added.
"Slovenia supported EU sanctions against violent settlers, and has adopted a national travel ban against the Government Ministers who promote terror.
The Israeli authorities have the responsibility to provide justice and protection to the Palestinian civilians, prosecute the illegal settlement activity," the minister said. (end)
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