21 August 2003 Edition
Prisoners protesting solitary confinement close to death
Palestinian political prisoners Ahmad Barghouthi (26), and Moussad Doudin (31), both being held in Ramlee prison, have now been on hunger strike for nine days. Having also refused water for the last three days, their health is in serious danger.
Muhammad Abu Jamous (28) is being held in Beer Sherva Prison and has been on hunger strike for 16 days, whilst still taking fluids.
All three men are protesting against being held in solitary confinement for consecutive months and want to be returned to their original cells.
Dr Mustafa Barghouthi, President of Palestine Medical Relief, has received reports that the lives of these men are at great risk and has called on all humanitarian, human rights and health organisations to condemn this treatment of Palestinian political prisoners as a gross violation of international law.
He is urging the international community to protest to the following:
Elyakim Rubinstein
Attorney-General/Legal Advisor to the Government
Ministry of Justice
9 Salah al-Din Street
Jerusalem 91010, Israel
Fax: +972 2 6285438
Shaul Mofaz - Minister of Defense
Kaplan St.
Hakirya Tel-Aviv 61909
Tel: 972-3-5692010 Fax: 972-3-6916940
High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Fax: (+41 22) 917 90 12
Email: [email protected]