Sunday, May 06, 2012

Sinn Féin Republican Youth Express Solidarity with Palestinian Hunger Strikers


Sinn Féin Republican Youth wish to express solidarity with our comrades in Palestine who hunger for justice. Around 2,800 Palestinians Political Prisoners are on Hunger strike in Israeli jails in protest against the use of administrative detention (internment) and the conditions and treatment of Palestinians inside the jails. The strike began on April 17th and many more prisoners are joining the strike with each passing day. At the moment there are four prisoners who are viewed to be in danger they are administrative detainees Bilal Diyab, Tha'ir Halale, Omar Abu Shlal and Muhammad Siksak. Bilal and Tah'ir are currently entering their 69th day on hunger strike. The Israeli’s have begun to punish the Prisoners who are on the strike with routine beatings, strip searches, confiscation of belongings and periods of isolation.



SFRY activist from Coalisland, Cathal Óg Donnelly who has recently returned from a Republican delegation to Gaza along with 3 other youth activists Ruairi McLaughlin, Mickey McCrossan and Álanna Campbell commented:

“Khader Adnan had ended his 66 day hunger strike shortly before we arrived in Gaza and Hana Al Shalabi ended her 43 day strike while we were there, we had the honour of meeting her in her hospital bed and Álanna presented her with an Easter lily. She told us that during her strike she often thought of Bobby Sands and the Irish martyrs. These Palestinians refused to bend the knee to Israeli violence and injustice just as the many Palestinian prisoners who are on hunger strike now are striking a blow against injustice for their country and people. Bilal and Tha’ir are close to death while 10 prisoners have been hospitalised and over 1300 have entered their 3rd week on hunger strike, the western media as ever are silent, now is the time for action! While our comrades where dying in the H Blocks of Long Kesh the Palestinians stood by us, now it is our turn to stand by them. One people, one cause! Victory to the Hunger Strikers!”  
   



1 comment:

buh said...

Stumbled onto your blog.

Good stuff(!), I'll have to try and become a regular reader.