Letter: End Israeli policy of jail without charge

We welcome the decision of Khader Adnan to end his hunger strike against Israel's inhuman practice of "administrative detention" (Israel agrees release deal for Palestinian hunger striker, 22 February). His hunger strike was a desperate measure meant to draw attention to Israel's violations of international law by routinely abducting Palestinians and holding them without charge or being notified of the reason for their detention.

As you report, more than 300 prisoners are being held without charge in Israeli jails. These prisoners and the thousands who have been similarly detained are subject to inhumane and humiliating treatment and often denied access to family and lawyers. Israel applies this procedure on a large scale as a tool of political oppression. This is a grave violation of the fourth Geneva convention as well as the convention on civil and political rights, and the convention against torture.

Mr Adnan started his hunger strike on 18 December, protesting on behalf of all administrative detainees. His action has brought the issue to the world's attention and we must continue his campaign to end Israel's policy. We urge readers to make direct contact with the Israeli embassy and the foreign secretary, William Hague, demanding the immediate release of all Palestinian prisoners held without charge or trial.
Betty Hunter Honorary president, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Ghada Karmi, Bob Crow, Ken Loach, Kika Markham, Canon Garth Hewitt, Geoffrey Bindman, Bruce Kent, Dr Salman Abu Sitta, Jenny Tonge, Karma Nabulsi, Rodney Bickerstaffe (PSC patrons)

from (author unknown)

via http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/22/end-israeli-policy-jail-without-charge