Trial Over Killing of Activist Drives Dissent Against Palestinian Leadership

RAMALLAH, West Bank—A Palestinian army court docket began the trial of 14 members of its stability forces who are accused of beating to dying a critic of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, in a situation that has highlighted what activists say is the escalating attain of paramilitary troops in the West Financial institution and a creeping culture of authoritarianism.

Nizar Banat’s dying in June sparked widespread protests in Ramallah and Hebron, where he lived.