Palestinian political prisoner, Bilal Thiab was released on Thursday and was welcomed by his family and hundreds of residents at the al-Jalama Israeli military roadblock, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin.Following his release, Thiab stated that he conducted his hunger strike to defend the dignity of all Palestinian political prisoners, adding that the detainees are steadfast and strong despite the constant harassment and abuse.
Hunger Striking Administrative Detainee to be Released Today
Kelly Joiner, IMEMC News – Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:38:47
Israeli is scheduled to release Palestinian hunger striker Bilal Thiab from Jenin today according to a report issued by the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society. Diab has not eaten for 78 days to protest his administrative detention in Israeli military prison.
The prisoner’s brother, Bassam Thiab told the Palestine News Network that he would be welcomed home at al-Jalama checkpoint, adding, “Today will be a historical day for the family, especially after the death risk that Bilal faced more than once during his strike.’
In addition, Bassam noted that the family is concerned that the release and transfer occur without incident given recent reports regarding the two prisoners Hassan al-Safadi and Umar Abu Shalal.
Bilal Diab was most recently arrested in 2010 and has been held without charge since that time under the Israeli military’s administrative detention policy. This policy has been widely condemned by the international community as a violation of international law and human rights.
Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including Bilal Thiab, went on hunger strike earlier this year to protest this policy of administrative detention, and the ongoing Israeli violations against them and their visiting families.
