RAMALLAH, July 2, 2011 (WAFA) – The hard-line Islamist group, Hizb ut-Tahrir, said Saturday that Palestinian Authority security forces have prevented its members from reaching Ramallah to participate in the annual rally commemorating the fall of the caliphate regime.

A statement issued by the group said that security roadblocks at the various West Bank cities stopped cars and prevented those suspected of being members of Hizb ut-Tahrir from heading to Ramallah.

The group had planned to hold a rally in the center of Ramallah following the Saturday afternoon prayer marking 90 years since the demise of the last Muslim caliphate with the fall of the Ottoman rule.

While the PA does not allow unlicensed rallies or demonstrations, the Tahrir statement, which condemned the security measures against its members, said it had completed all legal procedures for the procession and rally.

The group also plans a similar rally in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. The more moderate Islamist group, Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, is also expected to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir from holding its rally.

M.A.