A/HRC/8/17 page 20 Council to investigate the death of Majid al-Barghouti, released a report66 which concluded that there were indications that torture and beatings had taken place and that there was no evidence that the deceased suffered from any pre-existing illness before detention; adding that the medical services that had been offered to the prisoner were not adequate. Based on this report, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, requested an internal investigation to clarify any violation occurring in relation to the detention of al-Barghouti. He also called for the perpetrators to be punished and for the general prosecutor’s office to step up inspections of all places of detention.67 53. Regarding freedom of expression and opinion and the right of peaceful assembly, the following incidents were reported: on 4 March 2008, the Ministry of the Interior in Gaza decided to prevent correspondents of Palestine TV from working in Gaza.68 On 5 March, the Popular Struggle Front, a PLO faction, alleged that Hamas police banned a popular demonstration against Israeli aggressions in the Gaza Strip.69 On 10 March, the Fatah Youth Organization alleged that Hamas police banned a Fatah-organized youth meeting in Gaza City and threatened to arrest the attendees.70 On 12 March, a number of Preventive Security Forces personnel in Ramallah stormed the headquarters of Ramttan Press Agency, before arresting one of its editors, confiscating his computer and some of his belongings.71 He was released the following day (through mediation). 54. Regarding freedom of movement, the restrictions on the movement of Palestinians between the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem as well as within the West Bank itself continued and even increased.72 During the reporting period, over 600 closures of various sorts prevented Palestinians from enjoying their right to freedom of movement within the West Bank. The route of the Wall, settlements, curfews, the closure regime and associated controls severely damaged the social and economic structures of the West Bank, contributed to increased aid reliance, poverty and unemployment and had a serious impact on the enjoyment of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the population. 66 Unofficial translation of PLC committee findings: http://www.unitedagainsttorture.org/ more.asp?NewsID=39. 67 Al Quds (in Arabic), 18 March 2008, http://www.alquds.com/node/18544. 68 Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Press Release. 5 March 2008. 69 Maan News Agency, 5 March 2008. http://www.maannews.net/ar/index.php?opr= ShowDetails&Do=Print&ID=103500. 70 Maan News Agency. 11 March 2008. http://www.maannews.net/ar/index.php?opr= ShowDetails&Do=Print&ID=28249. 71 Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Press Release, 13 March 2008. 72 A more detailed description of these restrictions was included in A/HRC/7/76.