Monday, 9 October 7:00 – 9:00 pm Solidarity Center 147 W. 24th St Fl. 2, NYC
In celebration of the 51st anniversary of the 1966 founding of the Black Panther Party
“Settle your quarrels, come together, understand the reality of our situation, understand that fascism is already here, that people are dying who could be saved, that generations more will live poor butchered half-lives if you fail to act. Do what must be done, discover your humanity and your love in revolution.”
Fallen Black Panther Field Marshal, Comrade George L. Jackson (1941-1971)
The campaign to free Georges Abdallah is growing as he approaches the beginning of his 34th year in French prisons. Join the movement to free this imprisoned Lebanese Communist struggler for Palestine from French prisons by organizing an event for the international days of action from 14 October to 24 October. Events are being organized in New York, Toulouse, Paris, Lannemezan, Brussels, Dublin, Lyon and more – be a part of the days of action by organizing an event or including freedom for Georges Abdallah in local actions!
Become a part of the campaign – organize events, actions and protests at French embassies and consulates around the world. Where there is not a French consulate, protest at U.S. or Israeli embassies and consulates and in public squares between 14 October and 24 October. Include Georges Abdallah in your actions and demonstrations during that time against war and racism and for Palestine and political prisoners’ liberation. Send us your events! Use this form or email samidoun@samidoun.net
NEW YORK:
Monday, 16 October
Protest to Free Georges Abdallah and Salah Hamouri
5:00 pm
France Mission to the United Nations
245 E. 47th St, NYC
Organized by Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1897506840567283/
MANCHESTER:
Wednesday, 18 October
Free Georges Abdallah! Free all Palestinian Prisoners!
12:00 pm
University of Manchester Students Union
Manchester, UK
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/529973637336876/
DEN HAAG (THE HAGUE):
Friday, 20 October
Freedom for Salah Hamouri and Georges Abdallah
2:00 pm
Embassy of France to the Netherlands
Den Haag
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/182938298942362/
TOULOUSE:
Friday, 20 October
Palestine: They can’t stop our solidarity!
6:30 pm – 11 pm
Le Hangar de la Cépière
8 rue de Bagnolet, Toulouse
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1330369670424161/
LANNEMEZAN:
Saturday, 21 October
National Demonstration to Free Georges Abdallah
2:00 pm
Gare de Lannemezan (March to Lannemezan Prison)
Lannemezan, France
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/814700755345206/
LYON:
Saturday, 21 October
Boxing event and “Soul Train” evening in support of Georges Abdallah
7:00 pm
Lyon 7th-Gerland
Email: csao-harraga@riseup.net
Organized by: Dar Harraga (Lyon) / Jugurtha band’s (St Etienne) / Comité lyon sud/est pour la libération de Georges Ibrahim Abdallah
More info: https://rebellyon.info/Gala-de-boxe-et-soiree-Soul-Train-en-18143
BAALBEK:
Saturday, 21 October
Freedom for Georges Abdallah: 33 Years Without Compromise
5:00 pm
Martyr Basil al-Asad cultural Center
Baalbek, Lebanon
BEIRUT:
Sunday, 22 October
Lebanon demands the release of Georges Abdallah from French prisons
11:00 am
Al-Sham Street
Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth – USJ
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/131239200959946/
NEW YORK:
Monday, 23 October
Free Georges Abdallah and Salah Hamouri!
5:00 pm
Consulate General of France in New York
934 5th Avenue
New York City
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/888197914668181/
SHATILA CAMP:
Friday, 27 October
Solidarity with Georges Abdallah – Organized by the Palestinian Chess Club in Shatila
6:00 pm
Palestinian Chess Club
Shatila Camp, Beirut, Lebanon
Call to Action
24 October 2017 marks the 33rd anniversary of the arrest of Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, revolutionary Lebanese Arab Communist struggler for Palestine, by French police. Since 1984, he has remained behind bars, one of the longest-held political prisoners in the world. From 14-24 October 2017, Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network joins organizations in France and around the world to call for a week of international actions to demand freedom for Georges Ibrahim Abdallah and all Palestinian prisoners!
Georges Abdallah has been committed throughout his life to the revolutionary struggle in Lebanon and the liberation of Palestine. He was involved with the Palestinian leftist organization, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, resisting Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Later, he joined other Lebanese revolutionary leftists in the Lebanese Armed Revolutionary Factions, pointing to a non-sectarian, socialist and revolutionary path to liberation for the people of Lebanon, faced with civil war militias and Israeli invasion and occupation in the south of Lebanon.
Georges Abdallah was originally arrested for allegedly carrying false documents; his detention was repeatedly extended as French intelligence searched for information to charge him with involvement in armed actions that killed a U.S. diplomat and an Israeli representative in Paris. Even one of his lawyers was reportedly involved in spying on Abdallah for the French intelligence agency. While he was supposed to be exchanged with prisoners held by Arab revolutionaries, the French state reneged after obtaining their own prisoners, keeping Abdallah as a prisoner.
In 1987, when Georges Abdallah was sentenced, he was expected to receive a lengthy sentence of ten yearsor less – as recommended by the prosecutor in his case. Instead, he received a life sentence, as argued by a private lawyer representing the U.S. government.
Today, Georges Abdallah remains behind bars. Despite being eligible for release since 1999, his applications have been denied repeatedly. Even when they have been approved judicially, French officials have intervened at the highest levels to block his release, such as former Prime Minister Manuel Valls. U.S. officials like former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have also intervened in an attempt to block Abdallah’s release. In essence, Georges Abdallah is a prisoner not only of the French colonial state but also of U.S. imperialism and the Israeli occupation. Meanwhile, the Lebanese government has failed to live up to its responsibility in seeking the freedom of its imprisoned countryman.
Despite being held in Lannemezan prison for over 33 years of his life, Georges Abdallah is an active participant in struggle. He has written letters and issued statements in response to revolutionary struggles around the world and always maintains a special eye toward the Palestinian prisoners, who have declared him one of their own.
His words continue to inspire generations of revolutionaries, strugglers and freedom fighters. And his participation is not limited to words – indeed, he has refused meals and organized his Basque and Arab fellow prisoners in Lannemezan to do so as well, in solidarity with the hunger strikes of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Georges Abdallah expressed his solidarity with imprisoned Palestinian national leader, Ahmad Sa’adat, the General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, wearing a shirt demanding his release. In return, Sa’adat issued a public letter to Abdallah from Ramon prison:
We are chained by the common injustices manufactured in the United States of America, which are the same ones used in Palestine, and I do not doubt that there are many examples in all of the strongholds of imperialism.
You and those who unite with you in support and solidarity, the true comrades in France, Lebanon, Palestine and all over the world, are the natural extension of those who once carried hammers, stormed the Bastille and broke into the prison walls…the extension of those who turned the cells of the Zionist occupation into revolutionary schools from which successive generations learn the meaning of will, determination and commitment…the extension of all of the forces and movements for liberation in the world who resist for true democracy and a world free of exploitation, tyranny and subjugation, where the values of social justice, liberation and dignity prevail.
Until we meet one day in the world of freedom, you remain a symbol and a model for us to follow.
This year, on 14-24 October, we call on you to join us, in your cities, communities, neighborhoods, camps, towns and campuses, to organize events, protests, marches and activities to demand freedom for Georges Ibrahim Abdallah and all Palestinian prisoners. Events are already being organized in France, including the mass annual march to Lannemezan prison, in Ireland, in the United States, in Germany, in Spain, in Belgium and in Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine, among other locations.
Georges Abdallah is not alone; his imprisonment comes alongside that of Ahmad Sa’adat and over 6,200 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli jails and the prisoners of Palestine in U.S. and other international jails. They are imprisoned in an attempt to silence and suppress the anti-colonial struggle of the Palestinian people for justice, liberation and return – yet their leadership remains a symbol of hope and inspiration to all those who struggle for freedom. Join the movement to free Georges Abdallah, free Palestinian political prisoners and free Palestine, from the river to the sea!
TAKE ACTION:
1. Organize events, actions and protests at French embassies and consulates around the world. Where there is not a French consulate, protest at U.S. or Israeli embassies and consulates and in public squares. Send us your events! Use this form or email samidoun@samidoun.net
2. Join the broad national protest in Lannemezan on 21 October. Every year, hundreds arrive to demand George’s freedom, raising a call so loud the prisoners can hear us inside. Don’t miss this year’s action!
Join us for our second picket and be part of the global Boycott HP movement.
Hewlett Packard companies play a key role in Israel’s oppression of Palestinians. They provide technology, equipment and services to the Israeli military, prison system and government, including the ID card system that underpin Israel’s apartheid policies and its movement restrictions for Palestinians.
The international Boycott HP campaign has already seen 17 U.S. churches (representing 7 denominations) divest from the company and has also attracted support from student governments.
More info at: https://bdsmovement.net/boycott-hp
and http://investigate.afsc.org/company/hp-inc
SUPPORT freedom for NATIVE AMERICAN POLITICAL PRISONER LEONARD PELTIER!
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Tarik Haskins, former BPP/BLA Political Prisoner, on
His Time with Leonard in the Federal Prison System
Paulette Dauteuil, ILPDC Co-Director with updates
on Leonard’s health and latest legal campaign
CULTURE AND ACTIVITIES
Mariposa Fernandez and Rafael Landron
Silkscreen workshop, bring a shirt or buy and print your own “Free Leonard Peltier” t-shirt and raffle of leonard’s art and books
Suggested donation:
$5-10; no one turned away due to lack of funds;
Light refreshments will be served.
for More info: nycfreepeltier@gmail.com
Co-sponsors: NYC free peltier, nyc jericho,
prolibertad, nyc anarchist black cross, friends of
the move 9, malcolm x commemoration committee,
international action center
FIGHT AGAINST WAR AT HOME & ABROAD!
DISPATCHES FROM PEOPLES’ RESISTANCE
Join us on Wednesday, October 11 to learn more about the anti-war movement around the world. Sixteen years after the War on Terror began and the US invaded Afghanistan, we still live in a country waging constant war overseas and domestically, especially against working and poor peoples of color.
Hear the reports of delegates who attended the ILPS & IWA Resist US-Led War Movement Conference to answer the questions: What does war and occupation in Palestine have to do with housing issues in New York? Why should people who are facing struggles locally in the US be concerned with what’s happening on the other side of the world?
At least 700 children a year are detained by Israeli military.
Come to listen to the lawyer and journalist Ivan Karakashian from Ramallah in the West Bank of occupied Palestine.
He works for Defense for Children International – Palestine, which acts to protect and legally defend Palestinian children detained in Israeli military prisons. The organization also monitors the rights and protection of children regarding the treatment of minors by the Palestinian Authority.
They also provide legal support to families whose children have been detained or abused.
Organizer: Palestinska Folkets Förening i Uppsala
**
العربي بالأسفل
PALESTINSKA BARN I ISRAELISKA FÄNGELSER
-INGET SÄTT ATT BEHANDLA ETT BARN PÅ!
Israeliska barn sätts inte i fängelse, men det sker med palestinska barn. Minst 700 barn per år fängslas av israelisk militär.
Välkommen att lyssna på juristen/journalisten Ivan Karakashian från Ramallah, Västbanken.
Han arbetar för Defense for Children International Palestine, som försöker skydda och juridiskt försvara palestinska barn som fängslas och sätts i israeliska militära fängelser. Organisationen bevakar också barns rätt och skydd vad gäller palestinska myndighetens behandling av minderåriga.
De ger också juridiskt stöd till familjer där barnen misshandlats eller beskjutits.
Alla intresserade är välkomn
Torsdag 12 oktober 19.00
Information:
FAKTA
Ivan Karakashian är jurist och samordnare för påverkansarbetet inom Defense for Children International – Palestine (DCIP). Han har 15 års erfarenhet av rapportering om Mellanöstern och Nordafrika.
Defense for Children International – Palestine (DCIP) ger direkt och gratis rättshjälp till palestinska minderåriga i det israeliska militärdomstolssystemet och det palestinska ungdomsrättssystemet och arbetar för att begränsa fängelsestraff för minderåriga. DCIP avslöjar grava kränkningar av de mänskliga rättigheterna, inklusive tortyr och annan grym, omänsklig eller förnedrande behandling eller bestraffning, mot palestinska minderåriga under det israeliska militärdomstolssystemet och det palestinska ungdomsrättsliga systemet och håller förövarna ansvariga. DCIP arbetar för politiska förändringar som ska öka skyddet för palestinska minderåriga.
DCIP tillhör den globala rörelsen Defense for Children International, där varje sektion är autonom i sin programmering och finansiering. Organisationen har medlemskap i det palestinska mänskliga rättighetsorganisationsrådet. DCIP är den enda lokala barnrättsliga icke-statliga organisationen i Palestina, som är avsedd att försvara och främja barns rättigheter som bor på Västbanken, inklusive Östra Jerusalem och Gazaremsan. DCIP tillhandahåller gratis rättshjälp till palestinska barn.
DCIP är ledande övervaknings- och rapporteringsorganisation för barn i israelisk militär fängelse i UNICEF-ledda arbetsgruppen för grova kränkningar mot palestinska barn, en FN-insats för att stärka övervaknings- och rapporteringsverksamheten i samband med grava överträdelser mot barn som ingår i säkerhetsrådet resolution 1612. UNICEF använder DCIPs uppgifter då man informerar FN: s generalsekreterare årligen om barn i väpnade konflikter.
Ivan Karakashian, jurist/journalist
från palestinska Defense for
العنوان : Skolgatan18
وذالك يوم الخميس الموافق 12-10-2017 في تمام الساعه السابعه مساءا ..
جمعيه الشعب الفلسطيني – اوبسالا
Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network in Lebanon organized a symposium on the case of the imprisoned Lebanese Communist struggler for Palestine, Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, held in French prisons for 33 years. The event featured presentations by Lebanese lawyer Fidaa Abdel-Fattah and French organizer Suzanne Le Manceau, representing the Collective for the Liberation of Georges Abdallah in Paris.
The event also marked the launch of the Samidoun Network in Lebanon, coinciding with its establishment in occupied Palestine and as part of the efforts of Samidoun in Palestine and in the diaspora to build a unified Palestinian popular movement to raise awareness of the rights and struggle of Palestinian prisoners and work for their unconditional liberation from Israeli prisons and detention centers.
Human rights lawyer and activist Fidaa Abdel-Fattah delivered the main presentation at the seminar, entitled “The life of a struggler inside the prison.” She discussed the life in struggle of Georges Abdallah, just about to enter his 34th year in French prisons, also focusing on the human rights issues in his case and the importance of popular participation in the campaign to free Georges Abdallah and all political prisoners from French to Israeli prisons, across political and intellectual lines. She also emphasized the need for the Lebanese state and Lebanese officials to carry out their responsibilities in this regard and work to demand Abdallah’s return from the French state.
In addition, activist Suzanne Le Manceau said that the case of comrade Georges Abdallah is part of the struggle against Zionism, imperialism and colonial powers. It is not separate from the struggle of the people in the region for justice and liberation, she emphasized. She gave a brief account of the campaign in France and the ongoing activities for Abdallah’s freedom, including the annual march to Lannemezan prison where he is held, which will take place this year on 21 October.
“This lecture comes as a humble announcement of Samidoun in Lebanon and in Beddawi camp, emphasizing the role of the popular masses, who are the incubator of the Palestinian cause, in the struggle for the liberation of the prisoners,” said Maram Saadi, coordinator of Samidoun in Lebanon. “We look forward to working with all those concerned with the cause of freedom for the prisoners and the campaign of solidarity with Georges Abdallah in Lebanon in particular.” The event closed with participants writing letters and postcards to Abdalllah.
Individuals and organizations in Belgium, including Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, were among the initial signatories to a new Belgian call for the freedom of Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, Lebanese Arab struggler for Palestine, as he enters his 34th year of imprisonment in French prisons in October 2017. The initiative has a Facebook page and additional signatories are encouraged to join the call by emailing de.ly.myriam@gmail.com.
The statement comes as people in cities around the world are preparing for international days of action for freedom for Abdallah, organized from 14 to 24 October. Events will take place in Lebanon, Palestine, New York City, Brussels, Dublin and many cities throughout France, including the 21 October national demonstration at the gates of Lannemezan prison, where Abdallah is held. A demonstration for Abdallah will take place in Brussels on 20 October.
The Belgian call follows below (Dutch and French below English):
The Belgian appeal for the immediate release of Georges Ibrahim Abdallah
We proclaim our solidarity with George Ibrahim Abdallah.
At present, Georges Ibrahim Abdallah is continuing his 33rd year of arbitrary detention in the prison of Lannemezan in France. Thus, he beats the sad record of years spent behind bars until then held by the late Nelson Mandela. He is the oldest political prisoner in Europe. He has more than served his sentence, since he has been eligible for release since 1999. He has filed nine applications for his release, all of which have been denied.
The story of Georges Abdallah is related to that of the Israeli invasion and wars against Lebanon. Like many Lebanese, he joined the Palestinian resistance. During the Israeli invasion in 1978, he fought in the resistance with the PFLP and was wounded. In 1982, he faced the Israeli invasion and siege of Beirut, supported by the US. More than 20,000 Lebanese and Palestinian civilians were killed. This was followed by the massacres of Sabra and Shatila and the occupation of southern Lebanon. It is in this context that Georges joined the Lebanese Armed Revolutionary Fraction (FARL).
On 18 January 1982, Lieutenant-Colonel Ray, the US Deputy Military Attaché in France, died in Paris, killed by FARL. On 3 April, Yacov Barsimentov, an Israeli diplomat and Mossad agent, suffered the same fate. Arrested in Lyon in 1984, Georges was first sentenced in 1986 to four years in prison and a second time in 1987 to a life sentence.
The history of George’s trials is made up of exceptional jurisdictions and actions, direct pressure from the US and Israel, and interventions by French intelligence agents. Georges Abdallah has always remained faithful to his positions (and this is also what the French justice holds against him). Behind bars, he organizes solidarity strikes with Palestinian prisoners, supports the struggles against police violence in France …
Following a favorable opinion for release on parole given in November 2012 by the sentencing court, all measures were undertaken by the Public Prosecutor’s Office to block his release. The French Minister of the Interior at the time (Valls) refused to sign the necessary deportation order to Lebanon. The result is multiple referrals and appeals, and an appeal to the Court of Cassation. After 15 months, the request for release was deemed inadmissible.
We denounce the ongoing imprisonment of Georges Ibrahim Abdallah and demand his immediate release.
We reject endless sentences for political prisoners, especially as new anti-terrorism laws threaten our freedoms.
We call for political, humanitarian or cultural solidarity actions for Georges Abdallah.
We ask that the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs intervene with France to obtain his release.
We invite you to write to Georges Ibrahim Abdallah in prison:
Mr. Georges Ibrahim Abdallah
2388 / A221 CP of Lannemezan
204 rue des Saligues
F-65307 LANNEMEZAN
France
Initial signatories’ list. Add your name by emailing de.ly.myriam@gmail.com.
Organizations
Activist ChildCare
Bruxelles Panthères
Campagne Stop Répression
Comité BDS ULB
JOC Bruxelles
Mouvement Citoyen Palestine
Plate-forme Charleroi-Palestine
Samidoun – Réseau de Solidarité aux prisonniers palestiniens (Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network)
Solidarity for all
Individuals
Amy Jean-Jacques, emeritus professor, VUB
Akrab Ibrahim, student
Andersen René, Fédération de Charleroi du Parti Communiste
Awad Mustapha, Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network
Barnet Rudi, cultural performer
Boudart Jean-Marie, former working-class priest, author
Boumazzoughe Nadia, BDS
Burnotte Joseph, CEPAG organizer
Collon Michel, writer and journalist, Investig’Action
Cuesta Barros, trade unionist
David Eric, emeritus professor of international law at ULB
De Ley Herman, emeritus-professor UGent
De Ly Myriam, activist for Palestine
De Witte Ludo, author
Delmotte Paul, professor of history and international politics, retired from IHECS (Brussels)
Delval Luc, retired journalist
Den Hond Chris, vidéo-journalist
Deruette Serge, political scientist, UMons
Ellouze Mohamed, lawyer
Flémal Jean-Marie, author and translator
Galand Pierre, personality in the social movements
Groffils Marie, retired citizen
Hulsens Eric, honorary professor of higher education, Editions Antidote
Hustache Serge, provincial deputy; president of the provincial college of Hainaut
Jamar David, sociologist
Jaroszewski Julie, artist
Kates Charlotte, Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network
Lalieu Grégoire, writer and journalist, Investig’Action
Lothier Marie-Christine, head of Entr’Aide et Fraternité
Malevé René-Paul, former teacher and former permanent union secretary
Martinez Andrade Luis, sociologist
Morelli Anne, professor at ULB
Mukuna Olivier, journalist and essayist
Péromet Mireille, retired teacher
Rosa-Rosso Nadine, teacher
Saïdi Nordine, decolonial activist
Saublains Raymond, photographer
Scordia Manu, designer and artist
Stengers Isabelle, teacher
Takkal Insaf, teacher
Terryn Peter, Solidarity for all
Titom, designer and artist
Van Leeuw-Koplewicz Marianne, éditions du Souffle
Van Loo Michel, theater director
Vanhove Daniel, civil observer and author
Vervaet Luk, Association des Familles et des Amis des Prisonniers (Association of Families and Friends of Prisoners)
L’appel belge pour la libération immédiate de Georges Ibrahim Abdallah
Nous proclamons notre solidarité avec Georges Ibrahim Abdallah.
A l’heure actuelle Georges Ibrahim Abdallah poursuit sa 33ème année de détention arbitraire dans la prison de Lannemezan en France. Ainsi, il bat le triste record d’années passées derrière les barreaux jusque là détenu par feu Nelson Mandela. C’est le plus ancien prisonnier politique d’ Europe. Il a plus que purgé sa peine, puisque libérable depuis 1999. Il a déposé en ce sens neuf demandes de libération qui lui ont toutes été refusées.
L’histoire de Georges Abdallah est liée à celle des guerres d’invasion israéliennes au Liban. Comme de nombreux Libanais, il rejoint la résistance palestinienne. Lors de l’invasion israélienne en 1978, il combat dans la résistance avec le FPLP et est blessé. En 1982, c’est l’invasion israélienne et le siège de Beyrouth, soutenue par les EU. Plus de 20.000 civils libanais et palestiniens sont tués. Suivent les massacres de Sabra et Chatila et l’occupation du Sud-Liban. C’est dans ce contexte que Georges rejoint les Fractions armées révolutionnaires libanaises (FARL).
Le 18 janvier 1982, le lieutenant-colonel Ray, l’attaché militaire adjoint des Etats-Unis en France, meurt à Paris, tué par les FARL. Le 3 avril, Yacov Barsimentov, diplomate israélien et agent du Mossad, subissait le même sort. Arrêté à Lyon en 1984, Georges est condamné une première fois en 1986 à quatre ans de prison et une seconde fois en 1987 à perpétuité.
L’histoire des procès de Georges est faite de juridictions d’exceptions, de pressions directes des EU et d’Israël, d’interventions d’agents des services secrets français. Georges Abdallah est toujours resté fidèle à ses opinions (et c’est cela aussi que la justice française lui reproche). Derrière les barreaux, il organise des grèves avec les prisonniers palestiniens, soutient les luttes contre les violences policières en France …
Suite à l’avis favorable donné en novembre 2012 par le tribunal d’application des peines, tout a été entrepris par le Parquet pour bloquer sa libération. Le ministre de l’Intérieur de l’époque (Valls) refuse de signer l’arrêté d’expulsion nécessaire vers le Liban. Il s’ensuit des reports et appels multiples, un pourvoi en cassation. Au bout de 15 mois, la demande de libération est jugée irrecevable.
Nous dénonçons l’acharnement à l’égard de Georges Ibrahim Abdellah et exigeons sa libération immédiate.
Nous refusons les peines sans fin pour les prisonniers politiques, d’autant plus que de nouvelles lois antiterroristes menacent nos libertés.
Nous appelons à des actions de solidarité politiques, humanitaires ou culturelles pour Georges Abdallah.
Nous demandons que le ministre belge des Affaires étrangères intervienne auprès de la France pour obtenir sa libération.
Nous invitons à écrire à Georges Ibrahim Abdallah en prison :
Monsieur Georges Ibrahim Abdallah
2388/A221 CP de Lannemezan
204 rue des Saligues
F-65307 LANNEMEZAN
France
(NL)
Belgische oproep voor de onmiddellijke vrijlating van Georges Ibrahim Abdallah
Wij betuigen onze solidariteit met Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, die dit jaar al 33 jaar in een Franse gevangenis zit. Hij verbreekt hiermee het trieste record in aantal jaren detentie, dat tot nu toe toekwam aan Nelson Mandela, en is zo de oudste politieke gevangene van Europa. De wettelijke termijn van zijn gevangenisstraf is ruim overschreden, want hij komt reeds in aanmerking voor vrijlating sinds 1999. Maar zijn negen aanvragen voor voorwaardelijke vrijlating zijn allemaal geweigerd.
De geschiedenis van Georges Abdallah is verbonden met de Israëlische invalsoorlogen in Libanon. Zoals vele Libanezen vervoegt hij het Palestijns verzet. Tijdens de Israëlische inval van 1978, strijdt hij in de rangen van de PFLP en is gewond. In 1982 is er de Israëlische agressie-oorlog tegen Libanon (gesteund door de VS) en het beleg van Beirout, gevolgd door de slachtpartijen in Sabra en Chatila en de bezetting van zuid-Libanon. In die context vervoegt Georges de FARL (Franctions armées révolutionnaires libanaises (FARL).
Op 18 januari 1982 werd luitenant-kolonel Ray, een adjunct militaire attaché van de Verenigde Staten in Frankrijk, in Parijs, gedood door de (FARL). Op 3 april, onderging Yacov Barsimentov, een Israëlisch diplomaat en agent van de Mossad, hetzelfde lot. Georges werd hiervoor aangehouden in Lyon in 1984. Hij werd een eerste maal veroordeeld in 1986 tot 4 jaar cel en een tweede maal in 1987 tot levenslang.
De geschiedenis van Georges is er een van uitzonderingsrechtbanken, van directe druk door de VS en Israël en van tussenkomsten van agenten van de Franse geheime diensten.
Georges Abdallah is altijd trouw gebleven aan zijn opvattingen (en dat is ook wat het Franse gerecht hem verwijt). Vanachter de tralies, organiseert hij hongerstakingen met de Palestijnse gevangenen, steunt hij de strijd tegen het politiegeweld in Frankrijk…
In november 2012 gaf de strafuitvoeringsrechtbank een positief advies voor zijn vrijlating, maar alles werd in het werk gesteld om die te blokkeren. De toenmalige minister van Binnenlandse zaken Valls weigerde om het noodzakelijk bevel tot uitwijzing naar Libanon te ondertekenen. Hierop draaide de juridische molen verder: verwijzingen, beroep, cassatie. Na 15 maanden werd de vraag om vrijlating onontvankelijk verklaard.
Wij klagen de meedogenloosheid aan ten aanzien van Georges en eisen zijn onmiddellijke vrijlating.
Wij weigeren de gevangenisstraffen-zonder-einde voor politieke gevangenen, te meer nu nieuwe antiterrorisme wetten onze vrijheden bedreigen.
Wij roepen op tot politieke, humanitaire of culturele acties voor Georges Abdallah.
Wij vragen om een tussenkomst van de Belgische minister van Buitenlandse zaken bij de Franse autoriteiten om zijn vrijlating te bepleiten.
Wij nodigen u uit om te schrijven naar Georges Ibrahim Abdallah :
Monsieur Georges Ibrahim Abdallah
2388/A221 CP de Lannemezan
204 rue des Saligues,
F-65307 LANNEMEZAN
Speaking on Palestinian prisoners and colonialism in Palestine, Charlotte Kates, the international coordinator of Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, joined an evening of solidarity with Palestine organized by Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
The event, “What is Palestine?” brought together university students, faculty members and community supporters for an evening of discussion about the history, present and future of the Palestinian people on Tuesday, 3 October.
The event began with an introduction noting that UBC and therefore, the event itself, were situated on stolen, unceded Musqueam indigenous land due to Canadian colonialism, highlighting the relevance of settler colonialism not only to Palestine but to ongoing struggles to resist the genocide of indigenous peoples in North America.
Kates spoke about comparative settler colonialism, noting research that has been done that indicates that in a number of ways, Canadian settler colonial policies served as a later model or inspiration for Zionist colonialism in Palestine. She also discussed the role of incarceration and imprisonment as a colonial weapon, particularly in Palestine.
Noting that the event is taking place as we mark 100 years of the Balfour Declaration and thus a century of British colonialism – and resistance – in Palestine, she discussed the Palestinian prisoners’ movement and the use of techniques like administrative detention and home demolitions from British to Zionist colonialism in an attempt to stamp out Palestinian indigenous resistance.
“Every Palestinian household in occupied Palestine is impacted by imprisonment; there is always a father, mother, cousin, uncle, aunt, brother, sister, son, daughter, niece, nephew, who has spent time in the prisons of the occupation. 40 percent of Palestinian men in the occupied West Bank have been detained by the Israeli occupation. This experience of mass imprisonment means not only that it is used as a major mechanism of colonialism, but also that prisoners’ resistance and steadfastness is a strong line of struggle throughout Palestinian history,” she said, presenting a series of statistics about Palestinian prisoners.
She discussed hunger strikes and organizing within Israeli jails, the use of administrative detention, military courts and discriminatory “security” status to imprison Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza, Jerusalem and occupied Palestine ’48, throughout all of historic Palestine. She also highlighted several specific cases, including those of French-Palestinian lawyer Salah Hamouri; Palestinian national leader and leftist parliamentarian Khalida Jarrar; and poet Dareen Tatour.
Kates discussed the work of Samidoun and invited people to get involved with SPHR and work together with Samidoun to free Palestinian prisoners and free Palestine, including joining campaigns to build the campus BDS movement or boycott complicit corporations like Hewlett-Packard, which provides IT support to the Israel Prison Service and occupation military. “Many people say that there is a lack of Palestinian leadership or claim to wonder where the next young Palestinian leaders are. There are 6,200 Palestinian leaders being locked up by the occupation, who inspire us all to struggle for freedom,” she concluded.
The event also included a presentation by Khalil Mansour, a Palestinian community activist in Vancouver, who spoke about the story of the Nakba and the Palestinian struggle to return for over 70 years through a personal perspective. Mansour emphasized the simple, true experience of displacement and dispossession experienced by Palestinian refugees, who today number seven million and continue to be denied their right to return home.
Mansour also urged attendees to become involved in the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. He noted that the occupation of Palestine is also an investment project that benefits imperial powers and global corporations, and that boycott campaigns can create significant pressure to make complicity with occupation no longer profitable. Taking action, he said, is the next step toward achieving justice in Palestine.
The event included group discussions and a dinner hosted by SPHR, and concluded with a performance of several Arab songs by an SPHR member as well as enthusiastic dabkeh dance by event organizers and participants.
Dozens of people gathered on 5 October in Toulouse, France, to demand the immediate release of Salah Hamouri, a French-Palestinian lawyer held in Israeli administrative detention.
The Coup Pour Coup 31 anti-imperialist collective – also a part of the Samidoun network -spoke at the event, as follows:
“We are once again gathered to demand the release of Salah Hamouri.
Alongside him, there are thousands of Palestinian prisoners, including several hundred in administrative detention.
Behind his case lies the active collaboration of French imperialism with Israeli apartheid, represented in particular by the detention of Arab Communist struggler for the Palestinian cause, Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, who this month enters his 34th year of imprisonment in the French prisons.
Behind his case lies the repressive policy of the colonial state of Israel to advance Zionist colonization of occupied Palestine.
Yet the Palestinian people continue to resist. The Palestinian prisoners continue to struggle in the occupation prisons.
And Georges Abdallah refuses to yield to the blackmail of denial and continues to support all peoples in the struggle against imperialism and Zionism.
We have some good news to celebrate this week, like the release of Khitam Saafin, a Palestinian feminist leader, and Kifah Quzmar, a Palestinian student activist.
So do not give up, let us continue to intensify our solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners as part of our support for the entire Palestinian Resistance.
Monday, 9 October
In celebration of the 51st anniversary of the 1966 founding of the Black Panther Party
24 October 2017 marks the 33rd anniversary of the arrest of 
Join us for our second picket and be part of the global Boycott HP movement.
FIGHT AGAINST WAR AT HOME & ABROAD!
At least 700 children a year are detained by Israeli military.
Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network in Lebanon organized a symposium on the case of the imprisoned Lebanese Communist struggler for Palestine, 
The event also marked the launch of the Samidoun Network in Lebanon, coinciding with its establishment in occupied Palestine and as part of the efforts of Samidoun in Palestine and in the diaspora to build a unified Palestinian popular movement to raise awareness of the rights and struggle of Palestinian prisoners and work for their unconditional liberation from Israeli prisons and detention centers.
Human rights lawyer and activist Fidaa Abdel-Fattah delivered the main presentation at the seminar, entitled “The life of a struggler inside the prison.” She discussed the life in struggle of Georges Abdallah, just about to enter his 34th year in French prisons, also focusing on the human rights issues in his case and the importance of popular participation in the campaign to free Georges Abdallah and all political prisoners from French to Israeli prisons, across political and intellectual lines. She also emphasized the need for the Lebanese state and Lebanese officials to carry out their responsibilities in this regard and work to demand Abdallah’s return from the French state.
In addition, activist Suzanne Le Manceau said that the case of comrade Georges Abdallah is part of the struggle against Zionism, imperialism and colonial powers. It is not separate from the struggle of the people in the region for justice and liberation, she emphasized. She gave a brief account of the campaign in France and the ongoing activities for Abdallah’s freedom, including the annual march to Lannemezan prison where he is held, which will take place 
“This lecture comes as a humble announcement of Samidoun in Lebanon and in Beddawi camp, emphasizing the role of the popular masses, who are the incubator of the Palestinian cause, in the struggle for the liberation of the prisoners,” said Maram Saadi, coordinator of Samidoun in Lebanon. “We look forward to working with all those concerned with the cause of freedom for the prisoners and the campaign of solidarity with Georges Abdallah in Lebanon in particular.” The event closed with participants writing letters and postcards to Abdalllah.
Speaking on Palestinian prisoners and colonialism in Palestine, Charlotte Kates, the international coordinator of Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, joined an evening of solidarity with Palestine organized by 
The event also included a presentation by Khalil Mansour, a Palestinian community activist in Vancouver, who spoke about the story of the Nakba and the Palestinian struggle to return for over 70 years through a personal perspective. Mansour emphasized the simple, true experience of displacement and dispossession experienced by Palestinian refugees, who today number seven million and continue to be denied their right to return home.
Dozens of people gathered on 5 October in Toulouse, France, to demand the 
