The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) President Eng. Mousa Hadid and Major General Hazem Atallah held an emergency meeting at the Police General Directorate headquarters in Ramallah, against the physical assault on the Mayor of Bethlehem Adv. Anton Salman by a citizen while performing his municipal duties.
President Hadid requested the Security Services to take legal measures and deterrent the aggressor and those who infringe the law and the municipal work system, and their role in building institutions that serve citizens and protect their rights. Mr. Hadid Explained that local councils are elected national institutions and were formed after democratic elections, insisting that these councils represent the citizens, and an assault on its representative is considered an assault on the citizen's decision and will.
Eng. Hadid stressed the importance of stopping these attacks which have been occurring against Mayors and municipal staff, and the need to deter all the attempts that undermine the legal status granted to Local Government Units and its councils. Affirming APLA's categorical rejection of these barbaric practices and standing with all Mayors, Councilors, and executive staff of the Palestinian LGUs to prevent such attacks from reoccurring. Eng. Hadid also emphasized the value of enhancing cooperation with the Police and LGUs across the nation to control all abuses and attacks on public property.
Major General Hazem Attallah expressed the police readiness to provide all forms of support to the municipalities in carrying out their work within the law's framework, especially those relating to organizing the roads, facilitating citizens movement, and confronting any attacks that may affect these LGUs, as well as, referring violators to the judiciary, stressing that the police and municipalities are partners in the service of citizens and provide all potentials to better service to the Palestinian citizen.
General Attallah also discussed with Hadid means of mutual cooperation regarding the implementation of the municipalities' functions with the police support for the positive impact it has on strengthening the law, maintaining public order, and facilitating the citizen's movement.