Um Al-Fahm Committee Demands Independent Probe into Police Killing

The Popular Committee in Um Al-Fahm announced the death of Alaa Mahamid, also known as "Abu Mohammed," after police shot him on Thursday morning. The committee condemned the incident as a "new crime" against the city's residents and the Arab community, viewing it as part of a systematic devaluation of Arab lives. They rejected any police explanations for the shooting, calling them attempts to justify the act and distort the facts.

The committee holds the police fully responsible for Mahamid's death and demands accountability for those involved. They expressed distrust in the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash), citing past experiences and deeming it insufficient for uncovering the truth. Instead, they called for an independent, professional investigation committee that includes a representative from Mahamid's family to ensure transparency and justice.

Furthermore, the committee criticized the ease with which lethal force is used against Arabs, suggesting police operate with political impunity. They urged national forces, institutions, and residents of Um Al-Fahm to mobilize in support of Mahamid's family and prepare for future protest actions.

The committee stressed that silence in the face of such killings enables further victims and reiterated that Arab lives are not cheap. They pledged not to back down from demanding accountability for Mahamid's death, concluding with condolences to the bereaved family.