The following report on Sireen Khudiri’s abduction and release was issued on Facebook by Solidarity Movement for a Free Palestine:
08 January 2014: Sireen Khudairi released after enduring a day of relentless questioning
SFP is pleased and relieved to announce that Sireen was released today at 17:15 from Salem Military Court to the safety of her family.
Sireen was brought to the Courtroom at 10:30am after being made to stand outside for an hour with her hands and feet shackled and without a jacket.
Once brought into the Courtroom Sireen endured a relentless questioning until 17:00. During this time her feet remained shackled and she was made to stand throughout with no jacket in a freezing courtroom.
An international was present throughout the proceedings and was also able to observe several other Court proceedings of kidnapped Palestinians.
Sireen was brought to Salem at 08:00am after being kept at Huwwara military camp until 12noon on the day of her kidnapping. At Huwwara military camp she was made to stand outside in the freezing cold with no jacket, blindfolded, shackled (hands and feet) and with no shoes for several hours. She was then taken to another camp the location she was uncertain of but it was 15 minutes from Huwwara, before being returned to Huwwara And then transferred to Hasharon prison overnight.
Sireen also stated that outside her home she was told by the Shabak that they would not handcuff her if she came quietly. This was in the presence of a British citizen. As soon as she was outside and out of sight of her international friend she was handcuffed, shackled and blind folded.
The international observed another court hearing today of two men kidnapped from Tulkarem, Imad and Shadi. Shadi was visible in severe pain. The Court ignored this. Despite his obvious injuries, which appeared not to have been treated, the Army claimed that they attacked and beat soldiers. The Court accepted the word if the soldiers, despite the evidence to the contrary and transferred the men to prison. SFP will keep informed of their case and the health of Shadi.
Throughout the Court proceedings there was an assumption of guilt on the part of the Court, with the Judge presiding heavily bias against Palestinians. The whole process is designed to be dehumanizing and biased.
The Palestinian lawyers that serve their clients did so with the utmost professionalism despite the odds against them and a clear over workload.
SFP stands in solidarity with all Palestinian prisoners and will continue to work for their freedom.
N.B. Please note this report was written by an international who is not trying to speak for the Palestinians. The observations she makes are from an outside perspective and once Sireen has had time to rest we will ask her for her account and feelings.
