The Palestinian journalist Samer Khweira was subjected to a brutal attack after his arrest by PA security forces in Nablus, northern West Bank, while covering the An-Najah National University protests, during which several students were also attacked and injured.
Khweira’s wife, Iman, affirmed that her husband was arrested outside Rafidia Hospital in Nablus while covering the transfer of the injured students to the hospital. He was subjected to severe beating, causing him different injuries and bruises. Khweira was later released.
In press statements, Khweira said that he was leaving the Rafidia Hospital after conducting press interviews with the injured students when he was suddenly stopped by a black civilian jeep outside the hospital.
“I was severely beaten by four men before being savagely dragged to the car, he said, noting that his glasses were broken during the attack.”
“I was also beaten in the car and slapped on my ear, while one of them kept insulting me.”
“I spent 20 minutes in the car roaming in the vicinity of the hospital. One of them told me that they are attending his program at Hayat radio station.”
“One of them asked why I covered the Islamic bloc press conference at An-Najah University this afternoon (Tuesday). I answered that this is my job, and if I were invited to cover the Student Youth conference (affiliated with Fatah Movement), I would have covered it as well.”
His response did not convince the attackers, who continued insulting and threatening him, saying: “Your problem is with Fatah Movement, and now the PA Preventive Security Service will deal with you.”
“They kept beating and insulting me in the car for 20 minutes before they released me at the 16th Street, where I headed to my house.”
“If I went to the hospital for treatment, I would find another group there waiting for me, as I became well-known for my press card.”
“I can recognize the attackers very well. They are all members of Fatah Movement in Nablus”, he concluded.
