PA chief fired after blaming Fatah for Jenin chaos

Commander Radi Asideh fired after saying PA security officers and Fatah “outlaws” responsible for state of lawlessness.

MAY 11, 2012 02:06

Jenin 311 R (photo credit: REUTERS) — Jenin 311 R

(photo credit: REUTERS)

The Palestinian Authority commander in Jenin, Radi Asideh, who earlier this week said that PA security officers and Fatah “outlaws” were responsible for the state of lawlessness in his city, has been dismissed from his job.

Asideh’s accusations came in response to the death of Jenin governor Kadoura Musa, who suffered a fatal heart attack last week shortly after unidentified gunmen opened fire at his home.

On the instructions of PA President Mahmoud Abbas, security forces launched a massive crackdown in Jenin and surrounding villages, detaining scores of Fatah militiamen and security officers suspected of involvement in criminal activities, including murder, extortion, kidnapping, armed robbery and rape.

Asideh’s remarks angered the PA leadership, a Palestinian security source told The Jerusalem Post.

On Thursday, Asideh was informed of the decision to remove him from his job and appoint him commander of the Kalkilya area, the source said.

Asideh was replaced by Muhammad al-A’raj, who assumed his new job Thursday.