The Jerusalem District Court. Photo: Getty images
The Jerusalem District Court has issued five high-profile rulings requiring the Palestinian Authority (PA) to pay NIS 8 million in compensation to people who were illegally imprisoned and tortured for collaborating with Israel, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Brutal torture and human rights violations
Judge Miriam Ilani in her rulings described in detail the brutal methods used against the plaintiffs: physical violence, sleep deprivation, psychological pressure and other forms of torture. The judge stressed that the PA’s actions constituted a “gross violation of basic human rights”.
“It’s not just about deprivation of liberty, but also about long-term physical and psychological pressure that has left lifelong scars on the victims,” Ilani said.
Legal struggle for justice
The plaintiffs were represented by attorneys Barak Kede and Aryeh Arbus of the law firm Arbus, Kede, Tzur. They called the rulings a “triumph of justice” for those who risked their lives to help Israel in its fight against terrorism.
“These decisions send a clear message: The State of Israel will protect anyone who extends a helping hand in the fight against terror,” the lawyers said.
The lawyers are also working to extend the law on compensation for particularly serious crimes. If the Supreme Court upholds their position, the victims may receive additional compensation, which will help them rebuild their lives financially and psychologically.
PA’s responsibility and further steps
The lawyers stressed that these decisions have another important goal – to bring to justice organisations that practice terrorism.
“This is not only about compensation, but also about a message to everyone: the evil that causes torture and terror will not go unpunished. Israel will do everything to support those who helped in the fight against terror,” the lawyers concluded.
These court decisions are an important step in the legal struggle for the rights of those affected by the actions of the Palestinian Authority. It is expected that further proceedings in the Supreme Court will determine whether the victims will receive even greater support in their quest for justice.
