Addameer: Bilal Kayed to be Released in December

August 25, 2016 News
Bilal Kayed began his own hunger strike on June 13. (Photo: File)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff

Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association said in a statement that Palestinian hunger striker, Bilal Kayed, will be released on December 12, 2016, on condition he ends his 71-day hunger strike.

The statement read, “Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association announces the victory of hunger striking administrative detainee Bilal Kayed, who suspended his 71-day hunger strike after an agreement was reached between Addameer attorney Mahmoud Hassan and the military prosecution.”

It added, “The agreement stipulates that Mr. Kayed’s administrative detention will not be renewed beyind December 12, 2016 …”

Addameer noted that Israel initially proposed to deport Kayed from the West Bank for four years if he ended his hunger strike – a proposal he refused.

It stated, “The intelligence initially proposed Mr. Kayed’s deportation outside of Palestine for four years, which was originally put forth as a non-negotiable term of his release. During the last hearing at the High Court (22 August 2016), the Israeli intelligence was adamant about this condition. The modification of the proposed conditions followed a request by the High Court judge for the provision of further information by the Intelligence regarding secret information, as well as a medical report on (Kayed’s) health.”

Addameer thanked all solidarity activists across the world who stood by Kayed in his battle to gain his long-awaited freedom saying: “Addameer would like to express its sincere gratitude to all local and international solidarity activists who have taken to the streets expressing solidarity with Bilal Kayed and other hunger striking detainees.”

Two days ago, Kayed sent a letter to his family and the Palestinian people that read: “I write to you with honor and dignity at a time when my body is very weak, and my brain is losing its abilities, yet my very soul is still steadfast and committed to continuing the hunger strike. This is a decision that no force in the world could change: either to win or to win – so raise your victory fingers, always and forever.”

Kayed started an open-ended hunger strike on June 13, 2016 after Israel placed him under administrative detention on the day he was meant to be released after serving a 14.5-year prison sentence in Israeli jails.

(PalestineChronicle.com)

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