Palestinian Journalist Jarrah Khalaf Tortured in PA Custody Over Jenin Coverage

January 12, 2025 – Palestine/Israel –

Palestinian journalist Jarrah Khalaf has reportedly been tortured while in the custody of Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces, raising serious concerns about media repression and human rights abuses in the West Bank. Khalaf, known for covering press conferences and field reports from the Jenin refugee camp, was arrested at a PA checkpoint earlier this month. His detention comes amid a broader crackdown on dissent and independent journalism during ongoing PA-led operations in Jenin.

According to his family and the advocacy group Lawyers for Justice, Khalaf was subjected to severe abuse in detention. He was allegedly beaten by at least ten officers, held in painful stress positions, and suspended from the ceiling for three days. The abuse reportedly occurred at a PA intelligence facility, and his lawyers were denied access for several days. While authorities accused Khalaf of “possession of weapons,” the interrogation reportedly focused on his filming and documentation of resistance press briefings, raising suspicions that the arrest was politically motivated.

The backdrop to Khalaf’s detention is a 39-day PA siege of Jenin camp, during which dozens of civilians were arrested, homes were shelled, fuel and medical access were restricted, and hospitals were reportedly used as military outposts. Human rights groups report a climate of fear and collective punishment, where both residents and reporters are being silenced.

Khalaf had gained visibility for covering statements by the Jenin Battalion, a militant group opposing both Israeli and PA forces. His footage often contradicted official PA narratives and brought attention to state violence and the humanitarian toll of the crackdown. Rights defenders argue that his arrest is part of a systematic effort to suppress voices that challenge the PA’s authority or expose internal abuses.

Journalists and civil society groups have called for Khalaf’s immediate release and an independent investigation into the allegations of torture. His case underscores growing threats to press freedom in Palestinian-controlled areas, where journalists now face pressure not only from Israeli forces but also from their leadership. The continued targeting of reporters like Khalaf threatens the public’s right to information and undermines democratic accountability.

Reference – 

Journalist Jarrah Khalaf Tortured in PA Prisons for Covering its attacks in Jenin

Jenin Camp: Journalist Tortured, Civilians under Siege amid PA Crackdown