ANKARA

The United Nations has called on the Palestinian Authority to stop harassing peaceful demonstrators, following the arrest of dozens of activists calling for a transparent trial of killers of critic Nizar Banat.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said the international body supports the right of people to demonstrate freely and peacefully.

“We've expressed our concern. We've called for a full investigation, and we always stand by the people's right to demonstrate freely and peacefully and for the authorities to allow them to do so free of harassment,” Dujarric said.

Banat died in Palestinian custody on June 24 after being arrested by security forces. His family and fellow activists called for an investigation into the circumstances of his death.

Banat’s death sparked a widespread outrage among Palestinians, who rallied in various cities across the occupied West Bank to call for the trial of his killers.

The government has since formed an official investigation committee into Banat’s death and 14 Palestinian security personnel have so far been arrested.

Earlier this week, Palestinian security forces arrested dozens of activists attempting to organize sit-ins to protest the lack of accountability of those responsible for Banat’s death.

*Writing by Ibrahim Mukhtar in Ankara