Members of European Parliament demand freedom for Mohammed al-Qeeq

Irish Member of European Parliament Martina Anderson spoke out in the parliamentary session of 24 February on the case of Mohammed al-Qeeq, the Palestinian journalist who has been on hunger strike since 25 November 2015. Anderson, who chairs the European Parliament’s Delegation on Relations with Palestine – addressed by Samidoun representatives at a Monday emergency session – has previously issued statements calling for the release of al-Qeeq and other Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

The Delegation also issued a statement urging al-Qeeq’s release.  MEPs Marisa Matias of Portugal, Rina Ronja Kari of Denmark, and Merja Kyllönen of Finland, among others, joined in the parliamentary protest demanding al-Qeeq’s freedom:

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“The EU must put pressure on Israel to save the life of Al-Qeeq before it is too late”, said Anderson. “Al-Qeeq is undertaking this strike for all Palestinian prisoners. He is hunger-striking in protest at being detained without charge and against being tortured…I call on EU High Representative Mogherini to pick up the phone and call Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to intercede on Al-Qeeq’s behalf,” Anderson said. “Al-Qeeq has asked to be transferred to a hospital in Ramallah. He is near death and his family is not even allowed to visit him”.