Berlin protesters stand in solidarity with hunger-striking journalist Al-Qeeq, Palestinian prisoners

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The Palestinian National Action Commission in Berlin organized a protest on Friday, 5 February in solidarity with imprisoned hunger-striking Palestinian journalist Mohammed al-Qeeq, on his 73rd day of hunger strike. Protesters gathered at Potsdamer Platz, carrying signs and flags demanding the immediate release of al-Qeeq and the freedom of all Palestinian prisoners.

Al-Qeeq, 33, is a journalist for Al-Majd television. He has been on hunger strike since 25 November 2015; originally in protest of his torture under interrogation and then in protest of his imprisonment without charge or trial under administrative detention. Al-Qeeq announced that he was continuing his hunger strike after an Israeli supreme court decision “suspended” his detention due to his health condition, demanding his immediate freedom. He also rejected a deal that would free him on 1 May, saying that his continued imprisonment without charge or trial was unacceptable.

The protest in Berlin came alongside actions in New York, Montreal and elsewhere in Germany, as well as protests throughout Palestine.