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Tuesday, July 1, 2025
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10 January, Berlin: Samidoun Deutschland call for participation in Luxemburg-Liebknecht-Demo

Samidoun Deutschland calls on all to participate and mobilize for the annual march in memory of the internationalist revolutionaries, Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht.

Please bring Palestinian flags and join the internationalist block. For the Palestinian people’s fight against Zionist fascism, for return and liberation, we will be visible tomorrow, Sunday, 10 January, in the streets of Berlin!

On Sunday, 10 January 2020 at 10 am. The march begins at U-Frankfurter Tor, continuing down Frankfurter Allee, Alte Frankfurter Allee, and Gudrunstrasse to the Memorial for Socialists at the Friedrichsfelde cemetery.

#FacebookCensorsPalestine – Palestinians call for 2-hour Facebook boycott on 9 January

Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network is joining the two-hour Facebook boycott protest called by the Palestinian Content Protection Initiative on Saturday, 9 January 2021. Palestinian organizations and supporters of Palestine are campaigning to highlight the ongoing deletion and censoring of Palestinian organizations’ Facebook pages. Most recently, the Global Campaign to Return to Palestine was blocked by the tech giant, part of an ongoing attack by Silicon Valley companies on Palestinian and anti-imperialist expression. Please join us by not posting on Facebook between 5 pm and 7 pm Palestine time (3 pm to 5 pm UTC) on Saturday, 9 January:. The following article is reposted from VPalestine: 

The Palestinian Content Protection Initiative has called on the Palestinian media outlets and activists to observe a two-hour pause next Saturday by not posting on their Facebook pages and accounts from 5 pm to 7 pm, in protest of the social media’s crackdown on the Palestinian content.

The Initiative said in a statement issued by the Palestinian non-governmental organization, Sada Social, that the Saturday campaign includes a halt on publishing from 5 pm to 7 pm, in addition to a focused media coverage and campaign to explain the reasons and justifications for this pause.

“The administrations of social media websites have been pursuing, targeting, and restricting the publishing and access of Palestinian pages and accounts, and in full coordination with the Israeli occupation government,” said the Initiative. “As a result, Palestinian media have been restricted, and were unable to convey their national message.”

The Initiative pointed out that “the Facebook campaign has even expanded further to removing and blocking pages and restricting the access to the publications of media pages and news networks. Specialized centers have monitored a 50 percent drop in access.”

“Because we are strong and have a right message, and because we defend a just cause against a brutal occupation, it is our duty to stand united to defend our message, and to communicate our voice in an effective and strong way to the administrations of these platforms,” the Initiative remarked.

The Palestinian Content Protection Initiative is a newly established gathering of Palestinian media outlets, initiatives, and activists working together to protect the Palestinian content.

Joint Statement: Solidarity with Palestine Antikolonial in Münster


English | Deutsch | Svenska | العربية | Español | Français

Joint Statement

We, the undersigned groups, express our clear and complete solidarity with the “Palästina Antikolonial” group in Münster, Germany, after an anti-Palestinian repressive attack – aligned with other such attacks in Germany – has attempted to restrict their legitimate student and political work at the University of Münster. This was done through a false and malicious anti-Semitism accusation formulated by the AStA (the Student Council at the University). This is a common pro-Zionist practice, used to attack pro-Palestinian work while concealing their own anti-Semitism and racism.

This attack comes not only in full compliance with the reactionary anti-BDS resolution of the German Parliament, the Bundestag, but also in an unreflected and pathetic assumption of the logic of imperialist “terrorist lists”. On this basis, the AStA Münster decided that the name of the “Palästina Antikolonial” group must be placed on a list of “anti-Semitic groups” in an attempt to bar them from holding events or organizing at the University. This is an attack that is directed not only against “Palästina Antikolonial”, but also against all Palestinian students in Germany.

We call on all free, emancipatory, and anti-racist voices to join us and sign this declaration. We categorically reject the false accusation of anti-Semitism, demand an immediate apology from the AStAs for this affront, and warn against any tolerance for racist anti-Palestinian repression at German universities.

From the left: Samidoun Deutschland (Germany), Palästina Antikolonial (Germany), Zusammen kämpfen Magdeburg (Germany), Volksrat der Suryoye in Europa (Germany), Free Palestine Movement FFM (Germany), Studis gegen rechte hetze (Germany), Antifa Jugend Augsburg (Germany), Internationale Jugendgruppe Siegen (Germany), Das Palästina Portal (Germany), Institut für Palästinakunde e.V. (Germany), Palästina spricht NRW (Germany), Rote Jugend Schwaben(Germany), Duisburger Netzwerk gegen Rechts (Germany), Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network (international), Palestinian Youth Movement (US),  Al-Awda – the Palestine Right to Return Coalition (US), Within Our Lifetime – United for Palestine (US), Alkarama Palestinian Women’s Mobilization (Spain), US Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (US), Collectif Palestine Vaincra (France), International Solidarity Movement (ISM) Northern California, Canada Palestine Association (Canada),  Students Against Israeli Apartheid – University of Toronto (Canada), Palestine Solidarity Collective at York University (US), National Students for Justice in Palestine (US) – National SJP (US), Internationalt Forum – Middle East Group (Denmark),  Dar al Janub – Verein für antirassistische und friedenspolitische Initiative (Austria), McGill Students in Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (Canada), University of Waterloo Students for Palestinian Rights (Canada), Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights – University of British Columbia (Canada), Laurier Palestinian Students Association (Canada), Yeni Demokratik Gençlik YDG (Germany), Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights – SPHR Queen’s University (Canada), Atik – Confederation of workers from Turkey in Europe (European), Revolutionaire Eenheid (Netherlands), Palästina Spricht (Germany), Netzwerk Freiheit für alle politischen Gefangenen (Germany), Queerproletariatet (Sweden)

Gemeinsame Stellungnahme

Wir, die unten unterschreibenden Gruppen, möchten hiermit unsere totale Solidarität mit der Gruppe Palästina Antikolonial deutlich zum Ausdruck bringen, nachdem die in Deutschland bekannte anti- Palästinensische Repression versucht hat, ihre legitime studentische und politische Arbeit an der Universität Münster einzuschränken. Dies geschah durch einen vom AStA formulierten Antisemitismus-Vorwurf: eine beliebte pro-zionistische Praxis, um pro-Palästinensische Arbeit anzugreifen und dabei gleichzeitig den eigenen Antisemitismus zu verdecken.

Nicht nur in voller Übereinstimmung mit dem reaktionären Anti-BDS-Beschluss des Bundestages, sondern auch in einer unreflektierten und armseligen Annahme der Logik der imperialistischen “Terror-Listen,” entscheidet der AStA-Münster, dass der Name Palästina Antikolonial zu einer Liste der “antisemitischen Gruppen” gehören muss. Dies ist ein Angriff, der sich nicht nur gegen Palästina Antikolonial richtet, sondern auch gegen alle palästinensischen Studierenden in Deutschland.

Wir fordern alle freien, emanzipatorischen und antirassistischen Stimmen auf, sich uns anzuschließen und diese Erklärung zu unterzeichnen. Wir lehnen diesen Vorwurf kategorisch ab, verlangen eine sofortige Entschuldigung des AStAs wegen dieses Fehlers und warnen davor, die rassistische anti-Palästinensische Repression an den deutschen Universitäten zu tolerieren.

From the left: Samidoun Deutschland (Germany), Palästina Antikolonial (Germany), Zusammen kämpfen Magdeburg (Germany), Volksrat der Suryoye in Europa (Germany), Free Palestine Movement FFM (Germany), Studis gegen rechte hetze (Germany), Antifa Jugend Augsburg (Germany), Internationale Jugendgruppe Siegen (Germany), Das Palästina Portal (Germany), Institut für Palästinakunde e.V. (Germany), Palästina spricht NRW (Germany), Rote Jugend Schwaben(Germany), Duisburger Netzwerk gegen Rechts (Germany), Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network (international), Palestinian Youth Movement (US),  Al-Awda – the Palestine Right to Return Coalition (US), Within Our Lifetime – United for Palestine (US), Alkarama Palestinian Women’s Mobilization (Spain), US Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (US), Collectif Palestine Vaincra (France), International Solidarity Movement (ISM) Northern California, Canada Palestine Association (Canada),  Students Against Israeli Apartheid – University of Toronto (Canada), Palestine Solidarity Collective at York University (US), National Students for Justice in Palestine (US) – National SJP (US), Internationalt Forum – Middle East Group (Denmark),  Dar al Janub – Verein für antirassistische und friedenspolitische Initiative (Austria), McGill Students in Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (Canada), University of Waterloo Students for Palestinian Rights (Canada), Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights – University of British Columbia (Canada), Laurier Palestinian Students Association (Canada), Yeni Demokratik Gençlik YDG (Germany), Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights – SPHR Queen’s University (Canada), Atik – Confederation of workers from Turkey in Europe (European), Revolutionaire Eenheid (Netherlands), Palästina Spricht (Germany), Netzwerk Freiheit für alle politischen Gefangenen (Germany), Queerproletariatet (Sweden)

Gemensamt uttalande

Vi, de undertecknande grupperna, uttrycker tydlig och fullständig solidaritet med gruppen ”Palestine Antikolonial” i Münster, Tyskland, efter ett antipalestinskt repressivt angrepp – i linje med andra liknande angrepp i Tyskland – försökte begränsa deras legitima studentverksamhet och politiska arbete vid Münsters universitet. Detta utfördes genom en falsk och illvillig antisemitismanklagelse som uttrycktes av AStA (universitetets studentkår).

Det är en vanlig prosionistisk praktik som använts till att angripa propalestinsk verksamhet samtidigt som den döljer den egna antisemitismen och rasismen. Angreppet är inte bara i full överenskommelse med den reaktionära anti-BDS-resolutionen som antagits av det tyska parlamentet, Bundestagen, utan också med ett oreflekterat och patetiskt anammande av imperialistiska ”terrorlistors” logik. På denna grund bestämde AStA Münster att gruppen  “Palästina Antikolonial” namn ska placeras på en lista med ”antisemitiska grupper” i ett försök att utesluta dem från att anordna aktiviteter eller organisera på universitetet. Detta är ett angrepp riktat inte bara mot Palestine Antikolonial utan även mot alla palestinska studenter i Tyskland.

Vi kallar på alla fria, progressiva och antirasistiska röster att stå med oss och underteckna detta uttalande. Vi fördömer kategoriskt dessa falska anklagelser om antisemitism, kräver en omedelbar ursäkt från AStA för denna kränkning och varnar för någon som helst tolerans gentemot rasistiska antipalestinska uttryck på tyska universitet.

From the left: Samidoun Deutschland (Germany), Palästina Antikolonial (Germany), Zusammen kämpfen Magdeburg (Germany), Volksrat der Suryoye in Europa (Germany), Free Palestine Movement FFM (Germany), Studis gegen rechte hetze (Germany), Antifa Jugend Augsburg (Germany), Internationale Jugendgruppe Siegen (Germany), Das Palästina Portal (Germany), Institut für Palästinakunde e.V. (Germany), Palästina spricht NRW (Germany), Rote Jugend Schwaben(Germany), Duisburger Netzwerk gegen Rechts (Germany), Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network (international), Palestinian Youth Movement (US),  Al-Awda – the Palestine Right to Return Coalition (US), Within Our Lifetime – United for Palestine (US), Alkarama Palestinian Women’s Mobilization (Spain), US Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (US), Collectif Palestine Vaincra (France), International Solidarity Movement (ISM) Northern California, Canada Palestine Association (Canada),  Students Against Israeli Apartheid – University of Toronto (Canada), Palestine Solidarity Collective at York University (US), National Students for Justice in Palestine (US) – National SJP (US), Internationalt Forum – Middle East Group (Denmark),  Dar al Janub – Verein für antirassistische und friedenspolitische Initiative (Austria), McGill Students in Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (Canada), University of Waterloo Students for Palestinian Rights (Canada), Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights – University of British Columbia (Canada), Laurier Palestinian Students Association (Canada), Yeni Demokratik Gençlik YDG (Germany), Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights – SPHR Queen’s University (Canada), Atik – Confederation of workers from Turkey in Europe (European), Revolutionaire Eenheid (Netherlands), Palästina Spricht (Germany), Netzwerk Freiheit für alle politischen Gefangenen (Germany), Queerproletariatet (Sweden)

بيان مُشترك

نحن، المجموعات الموقعة أدناه، نُعرب عن تضامننا الكامل مع “Palästina Antikolonial”    في مونستر- ألمانيا، بعد الهجوم القمعي تجاههم، والمحاولات البائسة لتقييد عملهم الطلابي النقابي  والسياسي في جامعة مونستر، ويأتي هذا الهجوم ضمن سلسلة من المعاداة المتواصلة ضد الفلسطينيين والمجموعات الفلسطينية في ألمانيا. وذلك عن طريق كيل اتهامات خبيثة بمُعادة السامية صاغه AStAs (مجلس الطلاب في الجامعة)، وهي أداة تنتهجها المجموعات المؤيدة للصهيونية والعنصرية  لمهاجمة حركة التضامن والمجموعات الفلسطينية استمرارًا في سعيها للنيل من القضية الفلسطيني

لا يأتي هذا الهجوم فقط في إطار الامتثال الكامل للقرار الرّجعي المُناهض لحركة مقاطعة الاحتلال الصهيوني من قِبل البرلمان الألماني، “البوندستاغ”، بل أيضًا في افتراض مثير للشفقة لمنطق “القوائم الإرهابية” الإمبريالية. وعليه، قرّر “AStA Münster” أن مجموعة “Palästina Antikolonial” يجب أن توضع على قائمة “الجماعات المعادية للسامية” في محاولة لمنعهم من ممارسة عملهم الطلابي النقابي والسياسي و إقامة الفعاليات ومن حقهم في التنظيم داخل الجامعة.

إن هذا الهجوم لا يطال فقط “Palästina Antikolonial”، بل هو عمل ممنهج وموجه ضد جميع الطلبة الفلسطينيين في ألمانيا، وحركات التضامن الطلابية مع القضية الفلسطينية.

ندعو جميع الأصوات الحُرة التحررية والمناهضة للعنصرية والإمبريالية إلى إعلاء صوتها ومشاركتنا التوقيع على هذا البيان الرافض بشكل قاطع الاتهام الكاذب والتحريضي بمُعاداة السامية، ونطالب بالاعتذار الفوري من AStAs عن هذا الهجوم والقمع، ونُحذر من أي تساوق واستمرار للقمع العنصري ضد الفلسطينيين في الجامعات الألمانية.

From the left: Samidoun Deutschland (Germany), Palästina Antikolonial (Germany), Zusammen kämpfen Magdeburg (Germany), Volksrat der Suryoye in Europa (Germany), Free Palestine Movement FFM (Germany), Studis gegen rechte hetze (Germany), Antifa Jugend Augsburg (Germany), Internationale Jugendgruppe Siegen (Germany), Das Palästina Portal (Germany), Institut für Palästinakunde e.V. (Germany), Palästina spricht NRW (Germany), Rote Jugend Schwaben(Germany), Duisburger Netzwerk gegen Rechts (Germany), Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network (international), Palestinian Youth Movement (US),  Al-Awda – the Palestine Right to Return Coalition (US), Within Our Lifetime – United for Palestine (US), Alkarama Palestinian Women’s Mobilization (Spain), US Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (US), Collectif Palestine Vaincra (France), International Solidarity Movement (ISM) Northern California, Canada Palestine Association (Canada),  Students Against Israeli Apartheid – University of Toronto (Canada), Palestine Solidarity Collective at York University (US), National Students for Justice in Palestine (US) – National SJP (US), Internationalt Forum – Middle East Group (Denmark),  Dar al Janub – Verein für antirassistische und friedenspolitische Initiative (Austria), McGill Students in Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (Canada), University of Waterloo Students for Palestinian Rights (Canada), Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights – University of British Columbia (Canada), Laurier Palestinian Students Association (Canada), Yeni Demokratik Gençlik YDG (Germany), Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights – SPHR Queen’s University (Canada), Atik – Confederation of workers from Turkey in Europe (European), Revolutionaire Eenheid (Netherlands), Palästina Spricht (Germany), Netzwerk Freiheit für alle politischen Gefangenen (Germany), Queerproletariatet (Sweden)

Manifiesto de solidaridad

Los grupos abajo firmantes expresamos nuestra clara y completa solidaridad con el grupo “Palästina Antikolonial” de Münster, Alemania, tras un ataque represivo anti-palestino -en la línea de otros ataques similares en Alemania- que ha intentado restringir su legítimo trabajo político y estudiantil en la Universidad de Münster. Esto se hizo mediante una acusación de antisemitismo falsa y malintencionada realizada por el Consejo Estudiantil de la Universidad. Esta es una práctica pro-sionista muy común, utilizada para atacar el trabajo pro-palestino mientras ocultan su propio antisemitismo y racismo. Este ataque viene dado, no sólo con total conformidad con la reaccionaria resolución anti-BDS del Parlamento Alemán, el Bundestag, sino también como una asunción, irreflexiva y patética, de la lógica del Imperialismo y sus “listas de organizaciones terroristas”. Y basándose en estas, el Consejo Estudiantil de Münster decidió que el grupo ” Palästina Antikolonial ” debía ser incluido en una lista de “grupos antisemitas”, en un intento de impedir que puedan organizar eventos en la Universidad. Este ataque está dirigido no sólo contra “Palästina Antikolonial”, sino también contra cada estudiante palestino en Alemania. Llamamos a todas las voces libres, libertadoras y antirracistas a unirse a nosotras y firmar esta declaración. Rechazamos categóricamente la falsa acusación de antisemitismo, exigimos una disculpa inmediata por parte del Consejo Estudiantil por esta ofensa y advertimos contra cualquier tipo de tolerancia a la represión racista y anti-palestina en las universidades alemanas.

From the left: Samidoun Deutschland (Germany), Palästina Antikolonial (Germany), Zusammen kämpfen Magdeburg (Germany), Volksrat der Suryoye in Europa (Germany), Free Palestine Movement FFM (Germany), Studis gegen rechte hetze (Germany), Antifa Jugend Augsburg (Germany), Internationale Jugendgruppe Siegen (Germany), Das Palästina Portal (Germany), Institut für Palästinakunde e.V. (Germany), Palästina spricht NRW (Germany), Rote Jugend Schwaben(Germany), Duisburger Netzwerk gegen Rechts (Germany), Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network (international), Palestinian Youth Movement (US),  Al-Awda – the Palestine Right to Return Coalition (US), Within Our Lifetime – United for Palestine (US), Alkarama Palestinian Women’s Mobilization (Spain), US Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (US), Collectif Palestine Vaincra (France), International Solidarity Movement (ISM) Northern California, Canada Palestine Association (Canada),  Students Against Israeli Apartheid – University of Toronto (Canada), Palestine Solidarity Collective at York University (US), National Students for Justice in Palestine (US) – National SJP (US), Internationalt Forum – Middle East Group (Denmark),  Dar al Janub – Verein für antirassistische und friedenspolitische Initiative (Austria), McGill Students in Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (Canada), University of Waterloo Students for Palestinian Rights (Canada), Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights – University of British Columbia (Canada), Laurier Palestinian Students Association (Canada), Yeni Demokratik Gençlik YDG (Germany), Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights – SPHR Queen’s University (Canada), Atik – Confederation of workers from Turkey in Europe (European), Revolutionaire Eenheid (Netherlands), Palästina Spricht (Germany), Netzwerk Freiheit für alle politischen Gefangenen (Germany), Queerproletariatet (Sweden)

Déclaration commune

Nous, les groupes signataires ci-dessous, exprimons notre claire et complète solidarité avec le groupe “Palästina Antikolonial” de Münster, Allemagne, après avoir été la cible d’une attaque de la répression anti-Palestinienne, bien connue en Allemagne, qui avait cette foistenté d’empêcher le travail étudiant et politique du groupe au sein de l’université de Münster. Ceci prenait la forme d’une fausse et malicieuse accusation d’antisémitisme formulée par leAStA (conseil des étudiants de l’université). Il s’agit d’une pratique pro-zioniste bien répandue, utilisée pour attaquer le travail pro-Palestinien tout en camouflant le propre antisémitisme et racisme.

Cette attaque est non seulement en parfaite conformité avec la résolution réactionnaire anti-BDS du parlement Allemand, le Bundestag, elle assume aussi, sans réflexion et d’unemanière misérable, la logique impérialiste des “listes de terreur”. Le AStA Münster a ainsi décidé que le nom du groupe “Palästina Antikolonial” devrait figurer dans une liste des “groupes antisémites” pour interdire leurs activités dans l’université.

Cette attaque ne visepas uniquement le groupe “Palästina Antikolonial” mais tous les étudiants Palestiniens en Allemagne.Nous appelons toutes les voix libres, émancipatrices et antiracistes à nous rejoindre etsigner cette déclaration. Nous rejetons catégoriquement la fausse accusation d’antisémitisme, demandons les excuses immédiates du AStA pour son erreur et prévenonsde tolérer la moindre répression anti-Palestinienne dans les universités Allemandes.

From the left: Samidoun Deutschland (Germany), Palästina Antikolonial (Germany), Zusammen kämpfen Magdeburg (Germany), Volksrat der Suryoye in Europa (Germany), Free Palestine Movement FFM (Germany), Studis gegen rechte hetze (Germany), Antifa Jugend Augsburg (Germany), Internationale Jugendgruppe Siegen (Germany), Das Palästina Portal (Germany), Institut für Palästinakunde e.V. (Germany), Palästina spricht NRW (Germany), Rote Jugend Schwaben(Germany), Duisburger Netzwerk gegen Rechts (Germany), Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network (international), Palestinian Youth Movement (US),  Al-Awda – the Palestine Right to Return Coalition (US), Within Our Lifetime – United for Palestine (US), Alkarama Palestinian Women’s Mobilization (Spain), US Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (US), Collectif Palestine Vaincra (France), International Solidarity Movement (ISM) Northern California, Canada Palestine Association (Canada),  Students Against Israeli Apartheid – University of Toronto (Canada), Palestine Solidarity Collective at York University (US), National Students for Justice in Palestine (US) – National SJP (US), Internationalt Forum – Middle East Group (Denmark),  Dar al Janub – Verein für antirassistische und friedenspolitische Initiative (Austria), McGill Students in Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (Canada), University of Waterloo Students for Palestinian Rights (Canada), Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights – University of British Columbia (Canada), Laurier Palestinian Students Association (Canada), Yeni Demokratik Gençlik YDG (Germany), Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights – SPHR Queen’s University (Canada), Atik – Confederation of workers from Turkey in Europe (European), Revolutionaire Eenheid (Netherlands), Palästina Spricht (Germany), Netzwerk Freiheit für alle politischen Gefangenen (Germany), Queerproletariatet (Sweden)

https://samidoun.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Joint-Statement-final-12-Jan.pdf

 

 

Free Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat, Palestinian prisoner in British jails #FreeIssam

#FreeIssam Twitterstorm and Social Media Action for Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat, Palestinian political prisoner in British jails

Tuesday, 5 January 2021

10 am Pacific – 1 pm Eastern – 6 pm British time – 7 pm central Europe – 8 pm Palestine

  • Use these sample tweets for your posts: bit.ly/issamtweets
  • Use the hashtag #FreeIssam for all of your posts during the action! 

On 5 January, Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network is joining with Alkarama Palestinian Women’s Mobilization, Palestine Online, Palestine Defense Forces, V Palestine and Palestine SunBird for a social media action to #FreeIssam – Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat, Palestinian political prisoner in British jails.

Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat is a Palestinian medical doctor who has lived in Edinburgh, Scotland, since 2010. Today, Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat is a political prisoner, held in high-security Maghaberry Prison in the north of Ireland. He was targeted by an MI5 infiltrator to attend a bugged meeting with members of Saoradh, an Irish republican socialist political party that advocates for an end to British colonialism and a united Ireland. He was detained on 22 August at Heathrow Airport on the same day that nine members of Saoradh were also arrested by British forces.

Dr. Hijjawi Bassalat has faced increasingly worse health conditions inside Maghaberry Prison. Issam suffers from serious health conditions and is not receiving the treatment he needs; instead, he has suffered from multiple delays that amount to a form of torture, forcing him to suffer in unnecessary pain as his condition worsens. Despite this situation, Issam has been repeatedly refused bail. Most recently, his bail application was once again refused on 22 December, despite overwhelming evidence of both his severe health situation and the effects of imprisonment upon his medical decline.

He faces another court hearing on 6 January, as he remains wrongfully imprisoned. Join us in a social media action on Tuesday, 5 January to support this Palestinian doctor who has given so much to his community in Edinburgh as well as the broader Palestinian community. Today, he is facing worsening pain and the atrophy of his leg on a daily basis, while the presumption of innocence is being cast aside for political gamesmanship. Join the call to #FreeIssam and urge the immediate release of Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat and the provision of the medical care he so desperately needs. 

  • Use these sample tweets for your posts: bit.ly/issamtweets
  • Use the hashtag #FreeIssam for all of your posts during the action! 

 

Who is Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat?

Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat is a Palestinian medical doctor who has lived in Edinburgh, Scotland, since 2010. Dr. Hijjawi Bassalat, 62, came to the UK in 1995 to work as a doctor, and he is a well-known, respected member of the Palestinian community in Scotland and the father of four. He previously served as chair of the Association of Palestinian Communities in Scotland (today, the Scottish Palestinian Society) and has been active throughout Europe in advocating for Palestinian rights to return, freedom and justice, speaking frequently at meetings, conferences and events.

Today, Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat is a political prisoner, held in high-security Maghaberry Prison in the north of Ireland. He was targeted by an MI5 infiltrator to attend a bugged meeting with members of Saoradh, an Irish republican socialist political party that advocates for an end to British colonialism and a united Ireland. He was detained on 22 August at Heathrow Airport on the same day that nine members of Saoradh were also arrested by British forces in what was labeled “Operation Arbacia.”

Unjust Bail Refusal amid Worsening Health

Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat has faced increasingly worse health conditions inside Maghaberry Prison. Issam suffers from serious health conditions and is not receiving the treatment he needs; instead, he has suffered from multiple delays that amount to a form of torture, forcing him to suffer in unnecessary pain as his condition worsens. He has experienced back pain and a spinal condition prior to his arrest when he suffered a slipped disc in July. The conditions of his imprisonment have exacerbated his injuries, especially due to the medical neglect of the prison administration.

Despite this situation, Issam has been repeatedly refused bail. Most recently, his bail application was once again refused on 22 December, despite overwhelming evidence of both his severe health situation and the effects of imprisonment upon his medical decline. As noted by Issam’s barrister, Brenda Campbell, QC, “Within the prison system they have really reached the end of the road in terms of trying to make him more comfortable. He requires surgery, he is experiencing muscle wastage as a result of what he is very much concerned about is nerve damage that may be permanent.”

Declining Health and Medical Neglect

He was taken by the prison administration for an MRI on 15 September before being placed in isolation in a run-down location called Foyle House for 14 days. While this was explained as a COVID-19 preventative measure, this means that he was in isolation for four weeks with only a break of a few days in conditions that did not allow him to walk or exercise, which at that time still provided some relief for his condition. His situation was so severe that he launched a hunger strike to get out of isolation that was supported by 50 Irish republican prisoners.

Now, he has been in severe pain for weeks despite taking painkillers and needs crutches to walk, and it is his belief – as a medical doctor – that he will need surgery.

Issam has gone so far as to offer to pay for private surgery and is in touch with a neurosurgeon; however, the prison administration has failed to turn over his medical records, further prolonging his agony. As noted by the Scottish Campaign Against Criminalizing Communities, this failure to provide treatment constitutes a potential breach of the prohibition on torture, inhuman or degrading treatment under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

MI5 Infiltration and Dubious Charges

The arrests sprang from the decades-long infiltration of Irish republican movements by MI5 agent Dennis McFadden, detailed in a Channel 4 News report (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxszWn367pY). Issam was entrapped into a meeting with McFadden on false pretenses after he was told by British officials that he had to pick up his daughter’s passport renewal in Belfast instead of Glasgow. There, he was invited to what was presented to him as a Saoradh meeting to discuss international solidarity and the Palestinian cause; he had previously spoken to a Saoradh Ard Fheis (annual meeting) about Palestine, an open, public event.

He is charged with “preparatory acts of terrorism” under the 2006 Terrorism Act, based on his attendance at this meeting engineered by MI5. Issam’s solicitor, Gavin Booth, has seen the transcript of the meeting Issam was compelled to attend, noting that “Everything that’s contained within the transcripts and the recordings is about Palestine, is about peaceful and democratic change. There’s nothing in the transcripts from Dr Bassalat that would support violence in any way.” Despite these facts and the presumption of innocence that is supposed to apply, he has been denied bail on two occasions and is being held on remand.

Targeting Issam’s Bank Account and Medical License

This is not the only form of mistreatment Issam has suffered. His bank account was frozen, denying him access to funds and creating even more inconvenience and trauma for his family — again, all while he ostensibly retains the presumption of innocence. Issam’s licence to practise medicine was suspended by the General Medical Council (GMC) on 26 October 2020 after the charges filed against him, despite the fact that he has been convicted of nothing and that the charges in no way relate to his fitness to practise medicine or his treatment of his patients.

Issam is being targeted as a Palestinian in an attempt to justify the MI5 infiltration of public political parties and to smear both the Palestinian and Irish struggles through entrapment and misrepresentation. As a result, this Palestinian doctor who has given so much to his community in Edinburgh as well as the broader Palestinian community is facing worsening pain and the atrophy of his leg on a daily basis, while the presumption of innocence is being cast aside for political gamesmanship. We urge the immediate release of Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat and the provision of the medical care he so desperately needs. 

Video: Channel 4 Report on MI5 Entrapment and Infiltration

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxszWn367pY (9 October 2020)

Video Webinar on Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat and the Saoradh 9 

https://youtu.be/32gV6HFLx2w (22 September 2020)

Resources on the Case of Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat

Media Coverage

Photos of Issam

Join the Twitterstorm Tuesday, 5 January to #FreeIssam Hijjawi Bassalat!

#FreeIssam Twitterstorm and Social Media Action for Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat, Palestinian political prisoner in British jails

Tuesday, 5 January 2021

10 am Pacific – 1 pm Eastern – 6 pm British time – 7 pm central Europe – 8 pm Palestine

  • Use these sample tweets for your posts: bit.ly/issamtweets
  • Use the hashtag #FreeIssam for all of your posts during the action! 

On 5 January, Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network is joining with Alkarama Palestinian Women’s Mobilization, Palestine Online, Palestine Defense Forces, V Palestine and Palestine SunBird for a social media action to #FreeIssam – Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat, Palestinian political prisoner in British jails.

Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat is a Palestinian doctor (a general practitioner or GP) who has lived in Edinburgh, Scotland, since 2010. Today, Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat is a political prisoner, held in high-security Maghaberry Prison in the north of Ireland. He was targeted by an MI5 infiltrator to attend a bugged meeting with members of Saoradh, an Irish republican socialist political party that advocates for an end to British colonialism and a united Ireland. He was detained on 22 August at Heathrow Airport on the same day that nine members of Saoradh were also arrested by British forces.

Dr. Hijjawi Bassalat has faced increasingly worse health conditions inside Maghaberry Prison. Issam suffers from serious health conditions and is not receiving the treatment he needs; instead, he has suffered from multiple delays that amount to a form of torture, forcing him to suffer in unnecessary pain as his condition worsens. Despite this situation, Issam has been repeatedly refused bail. Most recently, his bail application was once again refused on 22 December, despite overwhelming evidence of both his severe health situation and the effects of imprisonment upon his medical decline.

He faces another court hearing on 6 January, as he remains wrongfully imprisoned. Join us in a social media action on Tuesday, 5 January to support this Palestinian doctor who has given so much to his community in Edinburgh as well as the broader Palestinian community. Today, he is facing worsening pain and the atrophy of his leg on a daily basis, while the presumption of innocence is being cast aside for political gamesmanship. Join the call to #FreeIssam and urge the immediate release of Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat and the provision of the medical care he so desperately needs. 

  • Use these sample tweets for your posts: bit.ly/issamtweets
  • Use the hashtag #FreeIssam for all of your posts during the action! 

Online Event: Military Education in Egypt

Thursday, 7 January
9 am Pacific – 12 pm Eastern – 6 pm Berlin/central Europe – 7 pm Palestine
Register to join on Zoom: https://bit.ly/2LR1yxS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/930532500811999/

Online Zoom Event: Military Education in Egypt
__________________________________

*ENGLISH*
(German and Arabic below)

In the context of the “Internationalist Student Forum” Studis gegen rechte Hetze and Samidoun Deutschland are excited to invite you all to our next online event titled “Military Education in Egypt”.
Here we wish to learn from our comrade and speaker about the interconnections of the Egyptian military with state apparatus and particularly the education system in the broader context of international militarization. Since Egypt is one of the biggest recipients of arms exports from Germany, it is all the more pressing to deal with this subject matter in our current times.

**When:
Date: 7th of January 2021
Time: 6pm (Berlin Time) (7pm Cairo and Jerusalem Time)
Please click on the following link to register: https://bit.ly/2LR1yxS
The event will be in English. Arabic Translation will be provided. In the Discussion questions can be asked in English, Arabic or German.

**About the Internationalist Student Forum:
The Internationalist Student Forum wishes to center student voices that question global capitalism, (neo)colonialism, imperialism and hegemonic racist structures globally in order to offer a counter-narrative of student voices from below. By learning from each other we wish to strengthen international solidarity and unite our struggles.

________________________

*GERMAN*
Im Rahmen des „Internationalist Studierenden Forum“ freut sich Studis gegen rechte Hetze und Samidoun Deutschland Euch alle zur nächsten Online-Veranstaltung mit dem Titel „Military Education in Egypt“ einzuladen.

Hier möchten wir von unserem Genossen und Referenten über den Zusammenhang des ägyptischen Militärs mit dem Staatsapparat und insbesondere mit dem Bildungssystem im breiteren Kontext der internationalen Militarisierung erfahren. Ägypten ist eines der größten Empfänger von deutschen Waffenexporten, deswegen ist es umso wichtiger, dass eine Auseinandersetzung mit diesem Thema stattfindet.

**Wann:
Datum: 7. Januar 2021
Uhrzeit: 18 Uhr (Berlin Zeit) (19 Uhr Kairo und Jerusalem Zeit)
Bitte klicken Sie auf den folgenden Link, um sich zu registrieren: https://bit.ly/2LR1yxS
Die Veranstaltung wird auf Englisch sein (Arabisch-Übersetzung wird vorhanden sein). In der Diskussion können jedoch Fragen auf Englisch, Deutsch oder Arabisch gestellt werden.

**Über das Internationalistische Studierenden Forum:
Das Internationalistische Studierenden Forum möchte Studierendenstimmen zusammenbringen, die den globalen Kapitalismus, (Neo-) Kolonialismus, Imperialismus und hegemoniale rassistische Strukturen in Frage stellen, um einen Gegendiskurs von Studierendenstimmen von unten aufzubauen. Indem wir voneinander lernen, wollen wir die internationale Solidarität und unsere Kämpfe stärken und zusammendenken.

___________________

*ARABIC*

استمراراً في أنشطة “المنتدى الأممي للطلبة”، يسرّ كل من “طلبة ضد التحريض اليميني” و”صامدون- ألمانيا” دعوتكم جميعاً لحضور فعاليتنا الإلكترونية الثانية تحت عنوان “التعليم العسكري في مصر”.

في هذه الندوة يسعى صديقنا والمتحدث في هذا اللقاء للحديث عن أوجه الترابط بين الجيش المصري وجهاز الدولة مع نظام التعليم. خصوصاً في السياق الأوسع للعسكرة الدولية. مصر تعتبر واحدة من أكثر الدول التي تستورد الأسلحة من ألمانيا، وبالتالي فإنه من المهم جدا الخوض في تفاصيل هذه الظاهرة وتحليل انعكاساتها وآثارها في عصرنا الحالي.

التاريخ: السابع من كانون الثاني/ يناير ٢٠٢١
الوقت: السادسة مساءً بتوقيت برلين, السابعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة و القدس
للتسجيل يرجى الضغط على الرابط التالي:
https://bit.ly/2LR1yxS
ستعقد الندوة باللغة الإنجليزية مع توفر ترجمة للغة العربية، خلال النقاش يمكن طرح الأسئلة باللغة العربية.

عن المنتدى الأممي للطلبة:
يهدف المنتدى إلى تعزيز صوت الطلبة في مواجهة الرأسمالية العالمية والاستعمار(الجديد) والإمبريالية والهياكل العنصرية التي تسعى لتفكيك قيم العمل الطلابي بشقيه النقابي والسياسي. على هذا الأساس يدعم المنتدى الخطاب الثوري المضاد الذي يعمل على تفكيك هذه الهيمنة ودعم الفكر المناهض لهذه البنية. يؤمن المنتدى الأممي للطلبة بأهمية تعزيز التضامن الدولي وتوحيد النضال من خلال مشاركة الخبرات وبناء شراكات على أسس المواجهة الاستراتيجية للتيارات الإمبريالية والأفكار الاستعمارية.

Palestinian resistance stands united with joint military exercises in Gaza

The following report is largely translated from the original French at Collectif Palestine Vaincra: https://palestinevaincra.com/2020/12/la-resistance-palestinienne-se-presente-unie-et-effectue-une-demonstration-de-force-a-gaza/

Also, watch the following report from Press TV, featuring Palestinian writer and organizer Khaled Barakat and Palestinian political activist from Gaza Motee Abu Musabeh:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-aV9-r5hz4

On Tuesday, 29 December, the Joint Chamber of the Palestinian resistance factions organized military drills in the Gaza Strip, on land, sea, and air. The joint military drills brought together 12 Palestinian armed branches of organizations, including the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas, the Al-Quds Brigades of Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, as well as the National Resistance Brigades of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades – Al-Amoudi Brigade, Asifah Amy, Martyr Ayman Jouda Brigades, Martyr Abdel Qader al-Husseini Brigades, Mujahideen Brigades, Ansar Brigades and the Martyr Jihad Jibril Brigades.

In a statement issued the day prior to the military drills, the Palestinian organizations affirmed that this effort came “as part of the strengthening of cooperation and joint action between the resistance factions, embodying their efforts to increase their combat readiness in a permanent and continuous way.”

At a press conference, a representative of the Palestinian military resistance organizations spoke, appearing with his face covered with a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh and with a Palestinian flag patch on his arm, without the logo or flag of any of the factions. In his address, he emphasized Palestinian national unity in the resistance: “This effort clearly expresses the joint decision and unity between the wings of the resistance factions in all of their aspects…It is a simulation of what could happen in any real confrontation with the occupation, and a representative example of the capacity of the resistance to confront and respond to such events.” He added that “long years of struggle against the Israeli occupation have developed a unique experience of resistance, resting on solid foundations.”

Regardless of the scale of the military drills, the resistance spokesperson underlined that the program was defensive in nature, with its objective “to confirm the readiness of the resistance to defend our people in all cases and in all circumstances.” Hundreds of fighters from all organizations took part in the drills, during which several types of missiles were tested. Rockets were fired toward the sea and underwater exercises took place. In anticipation of the drills, fishers were prohibited from accessing the sea during the maneuvers, and the main coastal road was closed. The Israeli occupation army was on maximum alert during the exercises.

This show of force by the Palestinian resistance is also a message to the reactionary Arab regimes engaged in normalization with the Israeli occupation. Despite an inhuman siege on Gaza, all of the Palestinian resistance organizations in Gaza affirmed their united stance, emphasizing that the Palestinian people must rely on their own capacities for self-defense in order to confront colonialism, racism and apartheid.

Help us build toward a new year of struggle for Palestinian liberation

2020 has been a year of great challenges for the Palestinian movement and all movements for justice and liberation. Despite those challenges, the campaign for justice and freedom for Palestine and the Palestinian prisoners is expanding, building and mobilizing. 

As Palestinians – especially Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, already denied healthcare and subjected to medical neglect – face the risks of the COVID-19 pandemic under siege, occupation and colonization, organizers in Palestine and internationally have aimed to develop innovative mechanisms to mobilize, confront imperialism and Zionism and stand with the Palestinian liberation struggle. Over 4,500 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli jails are on the front lines of it. 

Your support is critical for this international, Arab and Palestinian movement to continue to grow through 2021 and beyond – toward liberation and return. 

For Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, despite its challenges, this has been a year of growth, building and struggle to escalate the movement to support Palestinian prisoners and the liberation of Palestine. During 2020, we have organized dozens of virtual and in-person actions, launched four new chapters around the world, mobilized in defense of Palestinian prisoners and joined with comrades in the struggle to fight imperialism, achieve racial justice, Black liberation and indigenous sovereignty.

We know that 2021 can be an even stronger, bigger year of struggle for Palestine. Your support, involvement and engagement have made 2020 a time of rising mobilization to support Palestinian prisoners, to build solidarity in our communities and to stand with Palestinians’ right to resist, right to return and right to liberate Palestine from the river to the sea. We are working to build the movement to boycott Israel and confront complicit corporations profiteering from colonization. We stand with the Palestinian prisoners and the entire Palestinian people’s struggle for liberation – and with all of those around the world confronting imperialism, capitalism, Zionism and reactionary repression. 

Thank you for all of those who have supported Samidoun in 2020. This includes your financial support, but also your organizing, campaigning and mobilization for Palestine. In order to build our collective movement for justice, we must be bigger and broader, and work together even more closely, as we build collective power for liberation in Palestine and at a global level. 

As we prepare for our next year of struggle, we ask for your support once again. As an international network that relies on grassroots funding, without staff or institutional support, we need the solidarity of the people, organizations and movements dedicated to our collective vision of justice and liberation for our work to continue to grow. 

Thanks to the fiscal sponsorship of the Alliance for Global Justice, your contribution to Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network is now tax-deductible for those who pay U.S. taxes. People from around the world can donate safely and securely to support our efforts to organize events and demonstrations, bring the stories and experiences of Palestinian prisoners to the world, publish advocacy materials and keep our website running. We can only do this with your support, and every donation of any size is essential to building together for the future. 

As we prepare to march forward into 2021, we ask you to consider donating to Samidoun today and supporting us as we grow bigger, stronger, broader and bolder in advancing the voices and demands of the Palestinian prisoners and building the movement for Palestine. 

Click here to support Samidoun’s work as we mark a year of struggle and look forward to a new year of growth and liberation. 

Alternately, checks and money orders may be written and mailed to:
AFGJ/Samidoun
225 E. 26th St., Ste. 1
Tucson, A.Z. 85713-2925
U.S.A.

Below is a brief overview of just some of our work during 2020: 

Growing and Building the Movement for Palestinian Prisoners

In 2020, at least four new Samidoun chapters were officially launched – Samidoun Stockholm, Samidoun Deutschland, Samidoun España and Samidoun Brasil. These join our existing chapters and organizers in Palestine, the United States, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Greece, Belgium, Sweden and elsewhere to organize events and actions and mobilize communities to defend Palestinian prisoners and support the Palestinian liberation struggle. 

We look forward to launching even more chapters, membership initiatives and campaigns in 2021, and we invite you to join us! 

Days of Rage: Confronting Annexation and the “Deal of the Century”

Samidoun Network in occupied Palestine issued a call for action for 1 July 2020, which brought together organizations and activists around the world. Dozens of organizations endorsed the call and organized events in cities globally under the slogan, “No to Annexation, No to Zionism!” Thousands of people took to the streets, in marches, car caravans, distanced protest actions and even online and social media protests, to stand together in the Days of Rage, including organizations like the Palestinian Youth Movement, Al-Awda, the Palestine Right to Return Coalition, NY4Palestine and National Students for Justice in Palestine. From Ramallah to New York, from Detroit to San Diego, from Toulouse to Madrid, Palestinian community and youth organizations, solidarity movements and internationalists came together to march against the threat of annexation and the ongoing colonization of Palestine. 

Marching Forward: Days of Resistance for Palestine

Building on the tremendous momentum produced by the Days of Rage, the Days of Resistance for Palestine between 7-9 August 2020 brought together over 100 organizations and thousands of people around the world to stand together with the Palestinian people to confront imperialism, normalization and Zionism. Despite attacks from high-level Israeli officials that aimed to suppress these actions, noting that they had “warned Western governments” about the protests, over 100 organizations joined Samidoun’s call for the Days of Resistance, with an array of diverse actions taking place around the world. These events included protests, car caravans, art and cultural interventions and public educational events, all in support of the Palestinian people and their right to resist.

Raising Our Voices: Building Virtually, Connecting Organizers

Throughout 2020, Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network organized and participated in dozens of webinars and virtual events and actions for Palestine. These events, conducted in English, Arabic, French, German and Spanish, built transnational connections among Palestinian communities working for a revolutionary alternative for the Palestinian future, provided political education and development for Samidoun members and the movement more broadly, connected with justice movements from around the world and escalated our collective conversations in support of Palestinian liberation. These online events have come in addition to our social media campaigns, conducted in alliance with dozens of other organizations, that have reached millions of people on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media channels. 

Samidoun in Occupied Palestine: Organizing for Liberation

In 2020, Samidoun in occupied Palestine organized a number of events and actions, including protests, press conferences and events, mobilizing Palestinian youth and students, former prisoners, political organizations and activists to march against annexation, resist normalization and organize in defense of Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. Samidoun in occupied Palestine issued the call for the Day of Rage on 1 July that echoed around the world, while playing a leading role in organizing dozens of online workshops in Arabic that brought together Palestinian communities in exile and diaspora with those inside Palestine to discuss a revolutionary vision for the future of the Palestinian movement. 

Fighting Repression: Standing Up for Palestine

In 2020, Samidoun was engaged in struggles against attempts to suppress the movement for Palestine — inside occupied Palestine and around the world. We have ourselves been targeted by Israel’s so-called “Ministry of Strategic Affairs” for a series of attacks – precisely because of our work to highlight the ongoing struggles of Palestinian political prisoners against torture, abuse and unjust detention. We also recognize that Zionist repression is not separate from the attempts to suppress movements for justice in Palestine – and other movements for justice and liberation – internationally. We have built the campaign in solidarity with Khaled Barakat, expelled from Germany for his advocacy for Palestine, and worked with many other groups in Germany to challenge anti-Palestinian repression and fight back against the criminalization of the boycott movement. We have highlighted the case of Issam Hijjawi Bassalat and the Saoradh 9, arrested by the British state in an attempt to target both Palestinian and Irish movements. Most recently, the Collectif Palestine Vaincra – a member organization of the Samidoun Network – has faced threats and attacks from far-right Zionist forces. In 2021, we will continue our efforts to fight back against repression and expand our campaigns for justice. 

Hungry for Justice: Supporting Palestinian Prisoners’ Hunger Strikes and Actions

There are over 4,500 Palestinian political prisoners on the front lines of struggle, confronting threats to their lives and health – not to mention brutal torture under interrogation – on a daily basis. In January 2020, we started the year campaigning for Ahmad Zahran, jailed without charge or trial under administrative detention, who conducted a hunger strike for 113 days.  We mobilized events, actions and social media campaigns in support of Maher al-Akhras, whose victory after 103 days of hunger strike inspired artists, organizers, lawyers and advocates for justice around the world to take a stand, protest and launch solidarity hunger strikes. 

Break the Siege on Gaza! International Actions for the March of Return

Samidoun joined with the Higher National Commission of the Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege in Gaza, Palestine to launch a call for action on the second anniversary of the Great Return March in Gaza in March 2020. While the COVID-19 pandemic forced the transformation of this week of action into a virtual campaign, dozens of organizations, political parties and solidarity groups around the world endorsed the action and joined the “Cyber March of Return,” reaching millions of people on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and keeping the siege on Gaza and the struggle for the right to return of all Palestinian refugees at the forefront of the struggle. Samidoun continued organizing to break the siege on Gaza, organizing a Madrid protest to support Palestinian fishers in November.

Week of Palestinian Struggle Commemorates the Nakba, Continuing Resistance

In May 2020, dozens of organizations responded to Samidoun’s call for the Week of Palestinian Struggle, organizing actions, protests, online events, boycott campaigns and mobilizations to commemorate the Nakba and the ongoing struggle for Palestinian liberation. “For decades, the Palestinian people’s  movement has commemorated 15 May and the week that follows as a week of solidarity, resistance and struggle, affirming a revolution that will continue until victory. This week marks the Palestinian, Arab and international struggle for justice and liberation, a struggle that has continued for 72 years and continues every day. As the Nakba continues, the resistance continues!” As part of the week, Samidoun joined with 100 organizations in a statement initiated by Palestinian youth and students, including Samidoun in occupied Palestine and in the diaspora, demanding an end to the path of Madrid and Oslo and declaring that “the Palestinian leadership must go!”

Prisoners’ Action Weeks: Organizing for Ahmad Sa’adat, Khitam Saafin, Georges Abdallah and all prisoners’ liberation

Of course, 2020 was also a year of building and expanding our core work: solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. In January 2020, we joined with the Campaign to Free Ahmad Sa’adat for the Weeks of Action to Free Ahmad Sa’adat – an initiative we’re spearheading again in 2021. We organized online and in-person protests for student and youth prisoners, including Tareq Matar, Mays Abu Ghosh and Samah Jaradat, throughout the year, and in April 2020, we commemorated Palestinian Prisoners’ Day with a week of action, joining with a number of organizations for the #WeAreWithYou online campaign and producing a series of educational resources, graphics and posters throughout the week. 

The annual march in Lannemezan to free Georges Ibrahim Abdallah on 24 October brought over 600 people – the largest crowd yet – to demand freedom for the Lebanese Communist jailed in France for 36 years for his involvement in the Palestinian liberation struggle. And in November 2020, we joined with a group of organizations, including the US Palestinian Community Network, the National Lawyers Guild, Alkarama Palestinian Women’s Mobilization, the Palestinian Youth Movement and Within Our Lifetime – United for Palestine, to mobilize two days of action to free Khitam Saafin, the imprisoned Palestinian women’s leader and president of the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees.

Global Solidarity for Justice and Liberation

At the heart of Samidoun’s work remains an anti-imperialist, anti-colonialist vision of justice and liberation. This means that we cannot struggle for justice for Palestine alone, but that it is critical to support the Black Liberation movement, Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination movements like the work of the Red Nation, and anti-imperialist movements around the world and within imperialist countries. We organize to free political prisoners in the U.S., UK, Canada, France and elsewhere, including the prisoners of the Black Liberation Movement as well as Palestinian prisoners like the Holy Land Five and Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, and work in solidarity with prisoners’ struggles from Morocco to Turkey to the Philippines. This year, our work included support for Black Liberation movements, joining protests and actions, highlighting the history of Black-Palestinian collective struggle and participating in building and rebuilding those deep links of resistance and revolution. 

Together, we look forward to marching together into 2021, to build a stronger, deeper, more vibrant movement for the freedom of all Palestinian prisoners and for the liberation of Palestine from the river to the sea.  

Click here to support Samidoun’s work as we continue that march forward to 2021. 

15-23 January 2021: International Week of Action to Free Ahmad Sa’adat and all Palestinian Prisoners

Call to Action | Take Action | Posters | Sa’adat Writings | Resources about Sa’adat |
Distribution Materials

Languages (for Graphics and additional content): English | Arabic | French | Dutch | German | Spanish | Swedish | Danish | Italian | Turkish | Greek 

“Today, it is critical to besiege the racist, settler-colonial Zionist project, and indeed, to delegitimize this project, and to support the struggle of our people for liberation, self-determination and return as the pathway to a democratic political solution for Palestine. Our people will not bow to the governments of “Israel,” including the current government which represents the will of the colonizers and the ultra-extremist Zionist terror. I call on all forces of progress, freedom and democracy to stand by the struggle of our people through all forms of boycott: political, economic, academic and cultural of the occupation state and the creation of a real economic cost for its industries of colonization and settlement and escalating the global campaigns for boycott of all corporations that support and invest in the occupation militarily and economically.” – Ahmad Sa’adat

As we mark the 12th anniversary of the Israeli sentencing of Palestinian national liberation and international Left leader Ahmad Sa’adat, and the 12th anniversary of the brutal Israeli assault on Gaza, “Operation Cast Lead,” Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network urges all who stand with Palestine and justice for the Palestinian people to join us between 15 and 23 January 2021 in a week of action to free Ahmad Sa’adat and all Palestinian prisoners. 

 

Ahmad Sa’adat is the imprisoned General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a Palestinian national liberation movement leader and a symbol of the international left and revolutionary movements. He was sentenced to 30 years in Israeli prison on 25 December 2008 after being violently abducted from the Palestinian Authority’s Jericho prison in 2006, accused of leading a prohibited organization and “incitement.” The PFLP, like all Palestinian political parties and resistance organizations, is labeled a “prohibited organization” by the Israeli occupation authorities.

Resources and background on the case of Ahmad Sa’adat: https://samidoun.net/2020/04/free-ahmad-saadat-imprisoned-leader-of-the-palestinian-liberation-movement

On 15 January 2021, we will mark the 19th anniversary of Sa’adat’s arrest by the Palestinian Authority in the context of “security cooperation” with the Israeli occupation, a practice that continues to this day, despite broad Palestinian rejection. The Palestinian Authority kidnapped Sa’adat and his comrades under false pretenses and imprisoned them for four years before its prison was attacked by the Israeli occupation. This is just one of the devastating consequences for Palestinians of the Madrid-Oslo path and the creation of the Palestinian Authority in the so-called “peace process” that has been in reality a project for the liquidation of Palestine.

While held in the PA’s Jericho Prison, Sa’adat and his comrades were held under U.S. and British guards, making clear that this imprisonment was anything but an exercise of Palestinian sovereignty. Some of those same British guards previously served to guard Irish Republican prisoners in the occupied North of Ireland. 

The direct involvement of the US and Britain in his imprisonment illustrates why international action in this case is so necessary. The support of the United States, Britain, Canada, the European Union, Australia and others for the Israeli colonial project continues to perpetuate its impunity as it carries out land confiscations, home demolitions, mass imprisonment, extrajudicial executions, the ethnic cleansing of Jerusalem, the siege on Gaza and further crimes against humanity and war crimes. 

The “normalization” project being promoted by the United States and its partners, particularly reactionary Arab regimes, is an attempt to legitimize the illegitimate: the theft of Palestinian land and the expulsion of the Palestinian people at the hands of reactionary regimes in league with imperialism. Standing with the Palestinian prisoners is part and parcel of confronting normalization. During this week of action, we will join with the Global Campaign to Return to Palestine’s call to action against normalization for 2021.  

We also note that prisoners of the Palestinian liberation movement continue to be held in international jails as well, especially Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, jailed in France for 36 years despite being eligible for release since 1999, and we join the call for their liberation. 

Sa’adat is a leader in the Palestinian prisoners’ movement and the Palestinian national liberation movement and a Palestinian, Arab and international symbol of resistance to capitalism, racism, apartheid and colonization. Targeted for his political role and clarity of vision, he remains unable to be silenced despite the oppression imposed upon him and 4,500 fellow Palestinian political prisoners. 

On 15-23 January 2021, join our collective call for the freedom of Ahmad Sa’adat and all Palestinian prisoners, with action and global solidarity to escalate the boycott of Israel, end aid and support to Israel, organize for justice in Palestine and resist imperialism and colonialism. 

Take action!

  1. Organize events, actions and protests to demand freedom for Ahmad Sa’adat and all Palestinian prisoners! Protest in public squares and other open community spaces. Note that these dates are also the anniversary of Israel’s bloody “Cast Lead” attack on Gaza in 2008-2009 –we urge you to include both in your event. We know that your ability to have in-person events may vary from region to region, but we also encourage you to have virtual events and online protests for Palestine! Email us at samidoun@samidoun.net to inform us about your events or actions.

 

  1. Join the social media campaign. Post a photo or a video with a message calling for freedom for Ahmad Sa’adat and his fellow Palestinian prisoners and the hashtag #FreeAhmadSaadat. You can use the posters below. Send us your photo by emailing us at samidoun@samidoun.net or contacting us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

 

  1. Boycott Israel! Take action as Ahmad Sa’adat urges above: hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law. Don’t buy Israeli goods, and campaign to end investments in corporations that profit from the occupation. Join direct actions to challenge war profiteers (like the Elbit campaign with Palestine Action) and boycott complicit corporations like Puma and HP. Build the movement against normalization with Israel by reactionary Arab regimes in league with imperialism by taking part in the campaign of the Global Campaign to Return to Palestine.

Free Ahmad Sa’adat and all Palestinian prisoners, freedom for Palestine, from the river to the sea! 

Posters and Graphics

Languages: English | Arabic | French | Dutch | German | Spanish | Swedish | Danish | Italian | Turkish | Greek 

ENGLISH

Freedom for Ahmad Sa’adat

The General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Sa’adat was arrested by the Palestinian Authority on 15 January 2002 and jailed under US and British guard. After a violent attack in 2006, he was kidnapped by occupation forces; he is now serving a 30-year sentence in Israeli prison.

ARABIC

الحُرّية للقائد الوطني الأسير أحمد سعدات

أحمد سعدات : الأمين العام للجبهة الشعبية لتحرير فلسطين. إعتقلته الأجهزة الأمنية الفلسطينية في مدينة رام الله يوم 15 يناير 2002 وجرى وضعه تحت حراسة أمريكية ـ بريطانية في سجن أريحا . في 14 أذار / مارس 2006 هاجمت قوات الإحتلال الإسرائيلي سجن اريحا واختطفته مع عدد من رفاقه الأسرى. وفي 25 ديسيمبر 2008 أصدرت محكمة صهيونية غير شرعية حُكمًا بالسجن ضده لمدة 30 عامًا .

FRENCH

Liberté pour Ahmad Sa’adat

Sa’adat, secrétaire général du Front Populaire de Libération de la Palestine, a été arrêté par l’Autorité Palestinienne le 15 janvier 2002 et emprisonné sous surveillance américaine et britannique. Après une violente attaque en 2006, il a été kidnappé par les forces d’occupation. Il purge actuellement une peine de 30 ans dans une prison israélienne.

DUTCH

Vrijheid voor Ahmad Sa’adat

De Generaal-Secretaris van het Volksfront voor de Bevrijding van Palestina (PFLP), Sa’adat werd door de Palestijnse Autoriteit gearresteerd op 15 januari 2002. Vervolgens werd hij bewaakt door Britse en Amerikaanse troepen. Maar na een Israëlische aanval in 2006 werd Sa’dat gekidnapt; hij zit nu een 30-jarige celstraf uit.

GERMAN

Freiheit für Ahmad Sa’adat

Der Generalsekretär der Volksfront für die Befreiung Palästinas, Sa’adat, wurde am 15. Januar 2002 von der Palästinensischen Autonomiebehörde verhaftet. Das Gefängnis, in dem Sa’adat inhaftiert war, wurde von US-amerikanischen und britischen Soldaten bewacht. Nach einem gewaltsamen Angriff im Jahr 2006 wurde er von Besatzungstruppen entführt. Er verbüßt jetzt eine 30-jährige Haftstrafe in einem israelischen Gefängnis.

SPANISH

Libertad para Ahmad Sa’adat

Sa’adat, secretario general del Frente Popular de Liberación de Palestina, arrestado por la autoridad palestina el 15 de enero de 2002 y encarcelado bajo vigilancia americana y británica. Después de un ataque violento en 2006, fue secuestrado por las fuerzas de ocupación. Cumple actualmente una pena de 30 años en una prisión israelí.

SWEDISH

Frihet åt Ahmad Sa’adat

Den 15:e januari 2002 arresterade Palestinska myndigheten Ahmad Sa’adat, generalsekreterare för Folkfronten för Palestinas befrielse. Sa’adat sattes därefter i fångenskap under USA:s och Storbritanniens regi. Under ett våldsamt angrepp 2006 kidnappades han av Israels ockupationsstyrkor och nu avtjänar han ett 30-årigt straff på israeliskt fängelse.

DANISH

Frihed for Ahmad Sa’adat

Generalsekretæren for PFLP (Folkefronten til Palæstinas Befrielse), Ahmad Sa’adat, blev arresteret af det palæstinensiske selvstyre (PA) den 15. Januar 2002 og fængslet under US-amerikansk og britisk overvågning. Under et voldsomt angreb i 2006 blev han kidnappet af besættelsesstyrker og har siden været indespærret i israelske fængsler, idømt 30 års fængsel.

ITALIAN

Libertà per Ahmad Sa’adat

Sa’adat, segretario generale del Fronte Popolare di Liberazione della Palestina, è stato arrestato dall’autorità Palestinese il 15 gennaio 2002 e imprigionato e sorvegliato dalle autorità americane e britanniche. Dopo un violento attacco nel 2006, è stato rapito dalle forze d’occupazione. Sconta attualmente una pena di 30 anni in una prigione Israeliana.

TURKISH

Ahmad Sa’adat’a özgürlük!

Filistin Halk Kurtuluş Cephesi genel sekreteri Sa’adat 15 ocak 2002 tarihinde Filistin otoriteleri tarafından göz altına alındı ve ABD ve Ingiliz denetiminde tutuklandı. 2006 yılındaki şiddetli bir saldırı sonrasında işgal gücleri tarafından kaçırıldı; şu an onaylanan 30 yıllık hapis cezasından dolayı Israil hapishanesinde yatıyor.

GREEK

Λευτεριά στον Άχμαντ Σααντάτ!

Ο Γενικός γραμματέας του Λαϊκού Μετώπου για την απελευθέρωση της Παλαιστίνης, Άχμαντ Σααντάτ συνελήφθη από την Παλαιστινιακή Αρχή στις 15 Ιανουαρίου 2002 και φυλακίστηκε υπό την προστασία της Αμερικής και της Βρετανίας. Μετά από μια βίαιη επίθεση το 2006 απήχθη από τις δυνάμεις Κατοχής και εκτίει ποινή φυλάκισης για 30 χρόνια.

Statements and Writings by Ahmad Sa’adat

Resources and Articles on Ahmad Sa’adat

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

English-language poster to Free Ahmad Sa’adat Download PDF
Case of Ahmad Sa’adat – Free Palestinian Prisoners Leaflet (PDF, English)
Resource Guide on the Ahmad Sa’adat Case Download 32-page PDF
Protest Placard for International Week of Action – Boycott HP, Free Ahmad Sa’adat. Download as PDF
Protest Placard for International Week of Action – Free Ahmad Sa’adat and all Palestinian Prisoners. Download as PDF

Magdeburg demonstration calls for freedom for Palestinian prisoners, justice and liberation for Palestine

On Sunday, 27 December, marchers in Magdeburg, Germany, protested for justice and liberation in Palestine and freedom for Palestinian political prisoners. Samidoun Deutschland participated in the demonstration alongside a range of organizations, including Kommunistische Aufbau, Infoladen Magdeburg, Internationalistischer Abend, and people from the Netzwerk Freiheit für alle politischen Gefangenen (Freedom Network for all Political Prisoners).

Protesters gathered outside the central train station in Magdeburg, carrying Palestinian flags and banners with slogans denouncing imperialism, supporting the Palestinian liberation struggle and calling for the liberation of Palestinian political prisoners, including Ahmad Sa’adat, the imprisoned General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and Georges Abdallah, the Lebanese Communist struggler for Palestine imprisoned in France for over 36 years.

Chants and speeches denouncing the so-called “deal of the century” and the normalization project aiming to bring together U.S. imperialism and other imperialist powers, Israel and reactionary Arab regimes rang through the streets as the protesters marched throughout downtown Magdeburg.

The demonstration had strong participation from youth activists and collectives, despite the holiday weekend and ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

Samidoun Deutschland members affirmed as they marched: “We say, Freedom for Palestine, freedom for all political prisoners, freedom for Khitam Saafin, Georges Abdallah and Ahmad Sa’adat; down with the occupation and apartheid states! None of us are free until we are all free!”

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