October 17-24: Global Week of Action to Free Ahmad Sa’adat and all Palestinian prisoners

22 September 2013

The Campaign to Free Ahmad Sa’adat issued the following global call for actions October 17-24, calling for freedom of Sa’adat and fellow Palestinian prisoners:

Ahmad Sa’adat, Palestinian leader, parliamentarian and General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, has been held in Israeli jails since March 15, 2006. Before that time, he was held in Palestinian Authority jails, under US and British guard, since January 2002.

After 11 years of imprisonment of Ahmad Sa’adat, we raise our voices once more to say: Free Ahmad Sa’adat! Free Palestinian Political Prisoners!

Events will take place throughout Palestine and around the world to mark these days and stand in solidarity with Ahmad Sa’adat and the 5200 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Sa’adat spent over three years in isolation until the prisoners’ achievements in the Karameh mass hunger strike of thousands of Palestinian prisoners in April-May 2012.

On October 22, 2009, an international day of action was held in support of Ahmad Sa’adat, with events in Ireland, Italy, the US, Palestine, Denmark, Greece, Brazil, Britain and more. From October 5-15, 2010, events took place around the world marking Sa’adat’s 500th day in isolation and solitary confinement, and demanding his release. On October 18, 2011, a hunger strike that began on September 25, 2011 came to an end as 1,000 Palestinian prisonrs were freed in an exchange – and the Israeli state made later-broken promises to end isolation.

This year, from October 17-24, 2013, stand for freedom for Ahmad Sa’adat and his fellow Palestinian prisoners. Demand their release and make it clear that they are not forgotten.

Use the form to let the Campaign to Free Ahmad Sa’adat know about your local action. We will list your events on the Campaign website and publicize them.

Suggested actions:

Protest at your local Israeli consulate or embassy.
Distribute flyers or handbills about Ahmad Sa’adat and Palestinian prisoners (resources to be added to the Campaign site)
Post or drop a banner calling for freedom for Ahmad Sa’adat and Palestinian prisoners in your city.
Hold a forum or educational event on Ahmad Sa’adat and Palestinian prisoners’ struggle.

For assistance and support in your activities, please contact the Campaign to Free Ahmad Sa’adat at campaign@freeahmadsaadat.org.

Campaign to Free Ahmad Sa’adat
September 15, 2013

September 21-30: Global solidarity events with the Hares Boys

22 September 2013

GLOBAL SOLIDARITY WITH THE HARES BOYS

Inminds announced co-ordinated joint protests and events across several countries around the world all in solidarity with the Hares Boys – five Palestinian children tortured and caged in a G4S secured Israeli prison facing life sentence for a crime that never happened! Activists in Argentina, Chile, France, UK and Uruguay will unite and be the voice of the 5 Palestinian children who have already been languishing in an Israeli dungeon for over 6 moths without a trial.

BACKGROUND

On 14th March 2013 in what appears to have been a car accident when a illegal Israeli settler car crashed in to the back of an Israeli truck which had stopped to change a flat tire resulting in four people being hurt, was later at the behest of angry settlers presented as an attack by Palestinian stone throwing youth.

The truck drivers earlier testimony that he had stopped due to a flat tire was replaced with the new reason being that he had seen stones by the road, and an accident that nobody saw suddenly became a terror attack with 61 witnesses including the police!

Over the next few days over 50 masked Israeli soldiers with attack dogs stormed the local village of Hares in the early hours of the morning and in waves of violent arrests kidnapped the children of the village. In total 19 children were taken to the infamous G4S secured children’s dungeon at Al Jalame and locked up in solitary confinement for up to 2 weeks in filthy windowless 1m by 2m cells with no mattress. The children were violently tortured and sexual threats were made against the female members of their families in order to coerce confessions from the boys.

With the confessions and the new “eye-witness” statements, five of the Hares boys were charged with 25 counts of attempted murder each, even though there were only four people in the car. Apparently the military court had decided that 25 stones were thrown, each with an “intent to kill”. The five boys – Ali Shamlawi, Mohammed Kleib, Mohammed Mehdi Suleiman, Tamer Souf, and Ammar Souf are currently locked up in another G4S secured facility – Megiddo prison where G4S provides the entire central command room.

The military court will hear the case in October. A study conducted by the Israeli NGO ‘No Legal Frontiers’ over a 12 month period concluded that 100% of Palestinian children brought before the military court are convicted. If the five boys are convicted they will be locked up for over 25 years – five young lives ruined with no evidence of a crime let alone their guilt.

We are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all the children and hold G4S complicit in Israel’s crimes, particularly in the torture of Palestinian children.

GLOBAL SOLIDARITY EVENT – #FreeHaresBoys

The global solidarity event for the Hares Boys will start in Perignan, in Southern France with a protest on Saturday 21st September by our friends in the Collectif paix et justice en Palestine. Then on friday 27th September we will continue with a protest in the UK outside the Lonon headquarters of G4S, and in Cordoba, in Argentina our friends in the Organización de Unión Planetaria will organise an Open Cabildo (peoples assembly) on the plight of the Hares Boys in particular, and all Palestinian prisoners in general. A document will be created from the meeting for the government to push a resolution to censure the Zionist state. Then on Monday 30th October in Uruguay our friends in the Comité Palestina Libre and the facebook community “I am Palestinian I am not a terrorist” will protest outside the Israeli Embassy in Montevideo demanding freedom for the Hares Boys. The details of the protests in Chile (at this stage four are being proposed) will be announces shortly as will details of a possible second protest in Argentina, in Buenos Aires. To show global solidarity for the Hares Boys, all the events will use the same ‘Free the Hares Boys’ leaflets and posters in three different languages. All the events will have live feeds on twitter using the hashtag #FreeHaresBoys.

FRANCE

Date: Sat 21 September 2pm
Location: Place François Arago in Perignan
Organiser: Collectif paix et justice en Palestine
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/436928703095481

UK

Date: Fri 27th September 5pm-7pm
Location: G4S HQ, Southside Building, 105 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QT
Organaisers: Innovative Minds (inminds) & Islamic Human Rights Commission (ihrc)
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/579893812074693

ARGENTINA

Date: Fri 27th September 2pm
Cordoba Cabildo, Calle Independencia at Plaza San Martin
Organisers: Organización de Unión Planetaria (O.U.P) Argentina
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/388615354599011/

[ Second protest in Argentina TBC ]

URUGUAY

Date: Mon 30th September 6pm -8pm
Location: Embajada de Israel en Uruguay Bulevar Artigas 1585, Montevideo
Organisers: Comité Palestina Libre & FB community “I am Palestinian I am not a terrorist”
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/274097972715291

CHILE

Details to follow very soon, up to four protest are being proposed

Live updates during protest

We will, inshAllah, be tweeting live (hash tags #FreeHaresBoys ) from the events with live photos being uploaded to our twitter and facebook page. So if you can’t join us on the day, please help us by sharing the photos as they get uploaded.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inmindscom-Boycott-Israel/365007213584914

https://twitter.com/InmindsCom

Abu Sisi remains in solitary confinement, violating agreement; al-Saadi now in isolation for 125 days

22 September 2013

Dirar Abu Sisi remains in isolation in violation of occupation promises and media reports, said Tawfiq Abu Naim of Wa’ad association for prisoner. Despite the agreement for Abu Sisi to end his strike, he has not been moved from isolation and continues to suffer from serious health problems.

The occupation earlier agreed to end solitary confinement as part of the agreement to end the Karameh mass hunger strike in May 2012, but Abu Sisi remained in solitary confinement. Abu Sisi has been held in Israeli prisons since he was kidnapped from the Ukraine by Israeli intelligence while travelling on a train in 2011. Abu Sisi is an engineer from Gaza who ran the Gaza power plant.

In addition, another Palestinian prisoner Nahar Ahmed Abdullah al-Saadi, from Jenin, has now been held in solitary confinement for 125 days, reported the Mohja Jerusalem Foundation. al-Saadi, who has been imprisoned since September 2003, was transferred from isolation in Shata prison to Ramon prison in early September 2013. Saadi had previously been removed from Ramon prison in February 2013 and moved to the Jalameh interogation centre for more than a month, where interrogators accused him of attempting to organize the capture of an Israeli soldier from inside prison.

However, he denied all of the allegations and was returned to Ramon prison before being transferred to Shata prison in May 21, 2013, where he was placed into the isolation section.

Palestinian prisoner denied family visits with infant son born through “smuggled sperm”

22 September 2013

Palestinian prisoner Abdul Karim Rimawi has been denied visits with his newborn son, who was conceived through artificial insemination with his sperm smuggled out of the prison, reported the Ahrar Centre for Prisoners’ Studies.

His wife, Lida Rimawi, gave birth to the baby boy, Majd, at the Razan Medical Centre in Nablus, where doctors have overseen similar reproductive procedures for other Palestinian prisoners and their families.

The prison authorities stated that as the child was conceived and born while Rimawi was imprisoned, they did not recognize his paternity and would not recognize his status as a father of a child from sperm smuggled out of prison.

confirmed a movement’s leaders captive in a prison whiff on Saturday that the prison administration whiff prevented prisoner Abdul Karim Rimawi to visit his son, who was born in the wake of smuggling sperm and transplant successful, confirmed manage the prison that prevention comes in the context of the absence of son of the prisoner Before the arrest, and they did not acknowledge paternity of sperm smuggled from prison.

On his part, the captive editor Rafat Hamdouna director of the Center of prisoners of studies that this move by the management of prisons is unacceptable and constitute a case of punishment is unsurpassed on the prisoners, who were able to achieve their hopes and wishes reproduction of their sentences high, and added Hamdouna that visitation between father and son is guaranteed in accordance with international conventions, and prisoners will resort to the courts and the law to stop the move unacceptable and unexplained.

The Hamdouna added that there are approximately 18 prisoners waiting for their children by sperm smuggled in the coming months, and nearly 60 other sperm reserved for prisoners of their wives under treatment, and do to prepare for a vaccination and childbirth.

Thaer Halahleh threatens new hunger strike over denial of medical treatment

22 September 2013

Thaer Halahleh is threatening to launch a new hunger strike if he is not provided with appropriate medical treatment, reported the Palestinian Prisoners Society.

Thaer Halahleh, 34, previously was on hunger strike for 77 days in a prior period of administrative detention, securing his release. He was re-arrested and again detained on April 10, 2013. He has been arrested eight times and spent six and a half years in administrative detention total. He was first held in administrative detention in 2000. After many other arrests, he was arrested again in 2008 and spent one year in administrative detention, only to be re-arrested the following year and placed back in administrative detention.

Thaer was informed by a doctor in Ofer Prison that he had contracted Hepatitis C. During a dental operation in Askalan Prison during his previous imprisonment, non-sterile tools were used, and it is believed that this instance of medical malpractice is what has led to this diagnosis.

Thaer reported that he is not being provided with any significant medical treatment. His abdomen is painful and bulging and it is severely painful to sit or even pray.

The Prisoners’ Society said that this is one more example of the ongoing abuse of Palestinian ill prisoners who are regularly denied medical treatment for chronic diseases and severe illness.

September 17 – Surrey: Palestinian Political Prisoners: The Struggle for Freedom

17 September 2013

Tuesday, September 17
5:00 PM
Kwantlen Polytechnic University – Conference Centre A (Cedar 1205A)
12666 72 Ave, Surrey, BC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/365966520200705

Today, over 5,000 Palestinian political prisoners are held in Israeli jails – many without charge or trial. Mass imprisonment is a fact of life for Palestinians; over 40% of Palestinian men in the West Bank and Gaza have done time in Israeli jails. Everything from being a member of most Palestinian political parties, to giving speeches against the occupation, to resistance, can subject a Palestinian to arrest and imprisonment.

While this is happening, the Canadian and US governments are avidly supporting Israel, and Canadian officials have joined in the labelling of Palestinian political prisoners who are struggling for freedom, for themselves and their people.

Who are the Palestinian political prisoners? Why are they held behind bars? And what can you do to take action? Join us to discuss this and more!

Organized by Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network. More info: http://samidoun.net samidoun@samidoun.net

ALL ARE WELCOME – FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Take action: Palestinian lawyer Anas Barghouti arrested by Israeli occupation

17 September 2013

Updates: On September 22, Anas Barghouti’s detention was extended at Ofer Military Court to a new hearing on September 24, when military prosecutors announced an indictment would be announced. Anas’s next hearing will be on October 9, following his charges of membership in an illegal organization and organizing a demonstration. Amnesty International has issued an alert demanding his release.Take action now to demand Anas’ release!

Palestinian lawyer Anas Barghouti was seized by Israeli forces on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at the Container checkpoint near Ramallah. Anas is 30 years old and a lawyer and human rights defender. Click here to take action now and demand Israeli officials free Anas Barghouti.

On September 17, his arrest was extended for five days by Ofer Military Court for further interrogation. He was held before his hearings in Etzion settlement in harsh conditions, reported Mahmoud Hassan of Addameer, where Barghouti formerly worked as a lawyer for four years. He has eaten twice in 36 hours, was not allowed to shower, change clothes or use personal hygiene items.

In addition to his distinguished legal advocacy for Palestinian prisoners and Palestinian human rights, he is also a dedicated activist, involved in marches, demonstrations and popular actions in support of Palestinian prisoners, against the so-called negotiations, and demanding the implementation of Palestinian rights.

TWEET NOW: Tell Israeli occupation forces to free Palestinian lawyer + HR defender Anas Barghouti now! Act now: http://wp.me/p2cx3f-No

He has been sharply critical of the Palestinian Authority’s practice of security cooperation with the Israeli occupation, as well as politically motivated detentions and arrests of Palestinian political figures. He continues to volunteer with Addameer to work on the cases of political detainees held by the PA. Barghouti himself was summoned on March 6 of this year to the PA’s Preventive Security headquarters for questioning.

Like his fellow human rights defender Ayman Nasser of Addameer, who is currently facing charges of organizing demonstrations and actions in support of Palestinian prisoners, Anas Barghouti is a human rights defender facing repression by the Israeli occupation because of his work in support of Palestinian prisoners and Palestinian national rights.

Join the Facebook page to support freedom for Anas: https://www.facebook.com/pages/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A-%D8%A3%D9%86%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%BA%D9%88%D8%AB%D9%8A-Free-Anas-Barghouthi/1374228022814318?fref=tck

Myassar Atyani sentenced to 3 months and 2000 NIS fine

11 September 2013

Palestinian activist Myassar Atyani was sentenced to 3 months in prison and a fine of 2000 NIS at a court hearing at Salem Military Court on September 11, 2013, on charges of entering Palestine ’48 without a permit. Myassar Atyani was arrested on August 15, 2013 while visiting former prisoner Woroud Qasem, along with fellow former prisoners Linan Abu Ghoulmeh and Leena Jawabreh. Myassar Atyani is a leading activist in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners and is a former detainee herself.

Linan Abu Ghoulmeh was sentenced to 60 days and a 1000 NIS fine, and Leena Jawabreh to 30 days and a 1000 NIS fine.

Ayman Hamdan suspends hunger strike after 127 days

4 September 2013

Ayman Hamdan suspended his hunger strike after 127 days following an agreement with Israeli prison administration that he will be released at the end of his current administrative detention period, announced Jawad Boulos of the Palestinian Prisoners Society on September 4. He has been on hunger strike since April 28 protesting his confinement without charge or trail under administrative detention.

Hamdan’s most recent detention order, on August 21, was reduced from six months to four months on August 27 at a hearing in Ofer Military Court. He has previously been held for 6 and one-half years in Israeli prisons. Boulos said that Hamdan thanked all the organizations, institutions and people who supported him in his struggle.

Palestinian prisoners’ advocate Sami Hussein arrested by Israeli forces

3 September 2013

Sami Hussein, the director of the Follow-up Department at the Palestinian Prisoners Society, was seized by Israeli forces on Monday, September 2 at Jaba checkpoint near al-Ram and taken to an unknown location.

Hussein, 44, was recently released from Israeli custody after over a year in administrative detention without charge or trial. He has been detained on numerous occasions and served over 23 years in occupation prisons.

He was first imprisoned for four years, and then after his release, he was seized again and was imprisoned for 15 years, then from 2005 to the present, he has been repeatedly held without charge or trial under administrative detention.

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