|
Trending Topics
|
"Tribal Justice" in PA Outflanks Official Legal System
(Al Jazeera) Rania Zabaneh - Palestinians are resorting to settling disputes outside Palestinian courts which people are trusting less and less. Tribal justice is seen as the alternative by many, deriving its provisions from tribal traditions and cultural heritage. Yet human rights groups say it compromises justice for stability, does not provide for fair trials, discriminates against women, and imposes collective punishment on families. A recent Palestine Transparency poll showed that 2/3 of Palestinians believe there is corruption in the courts and public prosecution. In Huwwara, south of Nablus, fires have been set in three buildings on the outskirts of the village since last June. They belong to the families of nine Palestinians charged with the killing of three others in a street fight in May 2020. The homes were initially burned in foret al-dam, the time period immediately after a crime is committed. During foret al-dam, which translates to "when the blood boils," if the family of the victim attacks properties of the family of the perpetrator, damages are not accounted for and all members of the killer's family are legitimate targets.