The Palestinian Authority has announced a new move to limit freedom of expression for Palestinians already living under Israel’s occupation. The PA’s decision comes on the heels of the torture and murder of activist Nizar Banat, and a wave of arrests and intimidation of activists, journalists, and the employees of legal assistance and human rights organizations. Mahmoud Abbas is hoping to extinguish criticism from inside and outside the PA and Fatah, but these repressive policies will generate even greater hostility from Palestinians whose dreams of freedom are being smothered by a corrupt and brutal authority.
