Samer al-Issawi Solidarity Demonstration
Palestine Society – University of Sheffield ยท
https://www.facebook.com/events/579787775383995/
3:00pm until 4:00pm
| *FRIDAY 1st FEB: 3:00PM SHEFFIELD TOWN HALL*
Samer al-Issawi, like hundreds of other Palestinian political prisoners, is a victim of Israel’s policy of Administrative Detention. This is a procedure that allows prisoners to be kept without charge, indefinitely and on secret evidence. In protest against the use of this policy, last year Samer went on hunger strike. On Friday, this strike will enter its 191st day. Not only is he going through unimaginable suffering, the Israeli authorities have also targeted his family as punishment for his defiance. His sister has been arrested, and his brother’s home demolished. Nonetheless, Samer remains steadfast in asserting the most simple of demands: Charge me, or let me go. This Friday, people of conscience all over the world are taking to the streets and standing with Samer, demanding that he and other political prisoners are treated with the basic respect due to any human being. In Sheffield we will be doing the same. On Thursday we are meeting at 5:00 in the Zone to paint banners and make t-shirts – any one who wishes to can also begin a 24 hour solidarity hunger strike. Then on Friday we’re gathering at 3:00 at the Town Hall and staging a small demonstration, joining with people all over the world in letting Samer know that he is not going through this alone. As a simple solidarity display this won’t take long, and it would be brilliant to have as many people there as possible. If you can only come on Friday that’s absolutely fine, if you can come along the evening before too then even better! “Your solidarity gives me the power to continue my hunger strike until i achieve my demand of freedom. It strengthens my steadfastness because it makes me realise that I’m not alone in my battle for freedom and dignity”. Samer al-Issawi |