RAMALLAH, Thursday, September 12, 2019 (WAFA) – Attorney General Akram al-Khatib today convicted three Palestinians, all relatives, in the death of 21-year-old Isra Gharab, from Beit Sahour, a town near Bethlehem, in suspected honor killing.

Speaking during a press conference to present the findings in the case of Israa Ghrayeb, al-Khatib said that three of Ghrayeb’s relatives were charged with “beating to death” and pledged to proceed with the investigation to identify and prosecute any other perpetrators.

Ghrayeb, a Palestinian 21-year-old make-up artist from Bethlehem, died on last month in her hometown of Beit Sahour, near Bethlehem, after being hospitalized as a result of being severely beaten by members of her family.

She was repeatedly beaten over a video shared online showing her out for a dinner with her fiancée.

Since her death, hundreds of Palestinians in Bethlehem and across the occupied West Bank have marched in Ghrayeb’s memory, demanding justice and laws to protect women and girls.

Al-Khatib said that it has been proven that Israa’s family concocted the claim that she fell from the second floor of their house to justify the bruises and fractions across her body when she was hospitalized.

The severe psychological and physical torture besides to sorcery Israa was subjected to, al-Khatib added, all contributed to the deterioration of her health condition.

According to the findings of the forensic report, Israa died as a result of “shortness of breath” because of her several injuries.

However, al-Khatib refused to provide any further details on the crime motives out of respect the confidentiality of the investigation, but ruled out honor killing as a motive.

The three defendants will be referred to the court, he confirmed.

K.F.