Equality Center Disputes Police Account of Arab Citizen's Killing

The Equality Center for Social Justice has challenged the police's narrative surrounding the fatal shooting of Alaa Mahamid, an Arab citizen. The center asserts that video evidence contradicts the police's account, showing Mahamid did not pose an immediate threat at the moment he was shot. The organization's director, Jafar Farah, stated that this is not the first instance where the police's version of events has differed from factual evidence and documentation. He cited the recent case of Murshid Abdel Hai, whose death investigation was closed by the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash), as another example.

Farah questioned the seriousness of investigations when a police officer kills an Arab citizen, noting that the Equality Center has followed over 60 cases of Arab citizens killed by police, and their experience suggests Mahash often fails to conduct professional and thorough investigations. He criticized the perceived ease with which officers use lethal force against Arab citizens and the subsequent procedural handling of such incidents.

The Equality Center is demanding the preservation of all evidence, a comprehensive investigation into all involved parties, and a detailed review of the decision to open fire. They have offered to support Mahamid's family in pursuing the case and holding the officer accountable, along with anyone who provided unlawful cover or support. The center emphasized that the lives of Arab citizens are equally valuable and that those who use weapons under the guise of law must be subject to legal accountability.

Specifically, the Equality Center is calling for the immediate suspension of the officer who shot and killed Mahamid pending the completion of the investigation.