Hussam Shaheen

he International Secretary of Fatah Youth Organization and the leader of Fatah Youth Organization in Jerusalem

Khader Urges Palestinian Factions to Unite

29/1/2007

In a statement released by Hussam Khader from the Israeli prison of Beer el-Sbia, Khader expressed a deep anger and frustration with Palestinian factions involved in internal fighting among each other. He referred to such attacks as criminal, embarrassing and irresponsible. He also warned Palestinian leaders and factions to be aware of the consequences of Palestinian internal conflict on the pursuit of fundamental Palestinian goals. In directly addressing both Hamas and Fatah leadership and their members, Khader asked them to honor, among others, the legacy of Arafat, Dalal al-Mughrabi, Abu Jihad, Ahmad Yaseen, al-Ranteesi, al-Shakaki and Abu Ali Mustafa.

Letter to Hamas

Khader strongly criticized Hamas’s leadership that appears to be, thus far, unable to fulfill the goals of the Palestinian public that elected them into office. Palestinians expected the new leadership to help them achieve their fundamental goals, end corruption and work collectively with all Palestinian factions in the pursuit of Palestinian national goals. In practice, however, Khader realized that many within the Hamas leadership have been more engaged in planting the seeds of conflict that has now lead Palestinians into a low intensity civil war. He urged the Hamas leadership, therefore, to focus more on fulfilling Palestinians’ daily needs than be engaged in communal fighting with other Palestinians. He warned their leaders that such acts would eventually liquidate the Palestinian question and complicate the pursuit of Palestinian goals.

Letter to Fatah

Khader also presented a vicious attack against Fatah’s leaders who failed to act responsibly as an opposition party within the Palestinian political system to serve the Palestinian people rather than serving the interests of certain leaders. Khader addressed Fatah’s leaders in the context of the historical legacy of Arafat and the history of the movement that has struggled over the course of its history to achieve Palestinian goals. Fatah, according to Khader, must be willing to accept that Hamas is a partner and not an enemy in the struggle to pursue and to achieve Palestinian national goals and claims. It is essential for all Palestinians, notably Fatah, to avoid any involvement in escalating the situation into a real civil war that would eventually destroy the Palestinian cause.

Palestinian Decision-Making

As usual, Khader stressed the need to maintain Palestinian independence in the pursuit of Palestinian goals. Both with respect to diplomacy and other means of struggle against Israel, Khader urged the Palestinian leadership not to compromise Palestinian ability to remain independent in their decision-making.

No Winners, all Losers

In light of recent escalation of violence between the two factions, Fatah and Hamas, Mr. Khader tried to remind Palestinians that they will all lose if the fighting continues. Palestinians need unity among all factions in order to achieve their goals. He warned both factions to “fear God,” to unite and to be more interested in serving the Palestinian public rather than serving any other particular interest.

The Role of the Palestinian Legislative Council

Khader questions the role of the PLC in the recent fighting. As a PLC member himself, Khader tried to encourage the members of the new PLC to focus on preserving Palestinian unity and help to strengthen the public and private organizations within the Palestinian civic society. He reminded them that their focus should be centered on challenging the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.

What Needs to be Accomplished

What is needed, as Khader believes is a simple thing: unity between all Palestinians. He indicated that Palestinians needed to establish a new vision for the future that can bring about such unity. They also need to have a plan to implement such vision successfully and promptly.

In the end, Khader reiterated the same main goals and stated that the Palestinian prisoners are particularly worried about the fate of the Palestinian movement in the struggle against Israel. He urged the Palestinian public to perform rallies in the streets in support of Palestinian unity and in hopes of stopping all forms of internal conflicts and fighting among Palestinians.

Khader Urges Hamas and Fatah’s Leadership to Form a Unity Government

6/9/2006

As reported by Khader’s lawyer, Buthayna Daqmaq, Mr. Khader, who has now been placed in solitarily confinement in Bir el Sabi’aa prison, urges the Palestinian leadership to   formulate a unity government that would represent the Palestinians’ needs and speak in one voice on their behalf

Consequently, he called upon Fatah and Hamas to agree on a nationalist agenda that aims at pursuing and accomplishing Palestinians’ basic national goals. He also calls upon the Palestinian leadership to respond effectively to Palestinians’ immediate and daily needs, including, but not limited to, providing Palestinian workers with their salaries, addressing the economic challenges facing them and providing them with the services that they deserve.

Khader criticized the Palestinian leadership for its inability to fulfill Palestinians’ needs and services and criticized the Palestinian government, along with its oppositions, for failing to properly address and pursue Palestinians’ national objectives.

As far as the status of the Palestinian prisoners is concerned, Khader provided a vivid picture and assessment of the challenges that continue to face all Palestinians and other Arab prisoners, notably the Lebanese prisoners in Israel. He expressed the fear that Palestinian prisoners feel when negotiations for possible prisoner exchange are taking place. He insisted on addressing the status of each prisoner in order to eventually guarantee their release as a step toward addressing and fulfilling the rest of the Palestinians’ national dreams and goals.

Khader Calls for Palestinian Unity at all Levels 

9/4/2006

From the Bir el-Sabi’a prison, Mr. Hussam Khader expressed his deepest concern with the critical situations that continue to confront the Palestinian people and their leadership. Despite having been transferred to more than three prisons in the past few months, Mr. Khader continues to voice his concerns about the status of the Palestinian movement and the challenges facing the Palestinians in the occupied territories. Among the main issues Khader addressed in recent days, the following are the most important:

• Given the new rising challenges that face the PA and the Palestinians since the PLC’s elections, Khader cautioned all Palestinians in their handling of the current circumstances. He urged the Palestinian leadership with all of its factions to act responsibly at this juncture in Palestinian history. He also highlighted the dangers that were associated with the current Israeli policies that aim at liquidating the Palestinian nationalist movement. Khader further urged the new Palestinian government, both at the Presidential and Prime Ministerial levels, to act in a unified way to ensure that Palestinian interests are their main priority. He also warned the leaders to eliminate from the newly formed government any individuals involved in corruption. He urged Palestinians to continue their unity in resisting Israel’s brutal occupation, and to never lose sight of their ultimate goals. In this context, Khader believes the current disputes surfacing among and between the Palestinian elites and their institutions will only hurt the Palestinian struggle and, if not resolved immediately, will endanger the pursuit and achievement of the Palestinians’ fundamental demands.

• Khader also urged the international community to avoid becoming an instrument in the hands of Israeli and U.S. policymakers by penalizing the Palestinian people. All economic pressure that has been placed on the Palestinians must be stopped in order to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the territories.

• Khader also congratulated the Palestinian people and their leadership for their democracy experiment during the PLC’s elections, along with other local elections, and calls upon all parties to accept and support the choices of the Palestinian people.

• Khader also called upon the Palestinian people and their leadership to honor the Palestinians residing in Israel’s prisons on Prisoners’ Day. He also urged all of those who support freedom and justice worldwide to stand along the side of the Palestinians who continue to be victimized by Israel’s brutal military occupation.

• Finally, Khader addressed the 58^th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakbeh (Catastrophe) and asked the community to honor the Palestinians’ sacrifices and encouraged them to continue their struggle until all of their fundamental demands are achieved. Khader particularly highlighted the suffering of the Palestinian refugees in general and those in Lebanon in particular. For Khader, the question of the refugees is a matter that remains at the forefront of the Palestinian struggle for justice.

Khader Offers his Wishes for the Palestinian People on the Day of the Eid

3 Nov, 2005

From his confinement at Hadareem prison, Khader sent his Eid wishes of support and best wishes for all Palestinian people in all walks of life. He particularly addressed the families of martyrs who suffered the most hardships in the Intifada. He also sends his best wishes to the families of the Palestinian prisoners who continue to suffer immensely from the brutality of the Israeli guards in prisons.

At this difficult transition, Khader calls upon Palestinian politicians and administrators to become more involved in defending and supporting the welfare of the Palestinian prisoners and their families both socially and economically. He, once again, reiterated the major difficulties and challenges that continue to confront all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Finally, Khader urged the Palestinian people and their leadership to continue their efforts in an attempt to consolidate democracy in the Palestinian territories and establish a new free and fair political system that is managed on the basis of accountability and transparency. He also urged Palestinians to adhere to the election date and complete their legislative elections without any further delay.

Khader Once Again Pushes for Accountability, Unity and Reforms

28/10/2005
In the past few days, Khader conveyed a detailed message through his lawyer addressing the Palestinian people, their President and the Palestinian leadership and their factions. Although he congratulated them for drafting an honor agreement that forbids intra-communal and factional clashes or hostility, Khader remains disturbed by misconducts and challenges that are weakening the Palestinian unity. He urged all Palestinians and their leaders to maintain and preserve their unity and determination in order to pursue and achieve their cherished goals and objectives by continuing their resistance against Israel's brutal occupation and establish their independent state and resolve all challenges that have been facing them for many decades.

In particular reference to the Palestinian elections, Khader urged al-Fatah movement, its candidates and its supporters to work together on the basis of their commitment to the principles of the movement. Khader expressed discomfort with practices that are often rooted in tribal and family settings, which may lead Palestinians in general and al-Fatah in particular to become involved with secondary issues that have little or no effect on the pursuit and achievement of their fundamental national goals.

In a specific reference to the Palestinian leadership, notably President Abu Mazen, Khader repeated his call for committing the Palestinian leadership to fundamental reforms that must be swift and complete in order to free the Palestinian people and their cherished institutions from all aspects and elements of corruption and misconducts. He specifically pointed to many in the security staff and elites that were deeply involved in corruption cases that had surfaced in the past. Khader would like to see a real application and translation of the slogans that calls for reforms in order to establish a closer relation and a more meaningful system that would be able to serve the Palestinian public.
Khader was deeply troubled and angry about the situation of Mr. Sultan al-Ajloni, a Jordanian prisoner whose health situation has deteriorated. Throughout the past fifteen years, Ajloni has been jailed in various Israeli prisons. At the present time, although Ajloni has been transferred from one hospital to another, he continues to be jailed at the Hadareem prison that lacks the basic facilities to handle Ajloni's needs. Khader, therefore, urged the Jordanian authority that by the virtue of its 1995 peace treaty with Israel can and must interfere on his behalf. He urges all human rights activists to also interfere on Ajloni's behalf.
For his concluding statement, Khader criticizes the mishandling of the Palestinian prisoners by the authorities that are supposed to protect and defend their rights. He would like to see the Palestinian leadership and its institutions acting more responsibly and appropriately on behalf of the Palestinian prisoners. In the end Khader sent his warm wishes to all of the Palestinian people and to all peace loving people worldwide.

Khader Calls upon Palestinians to Exert Restraint and Maintain Unity

2 Oct, 2005

While Khader sends his best wishes from his jail cell to all Palestinians on the eve of the fasting month of Ramadan, he also urges them to remain united and put a stop to all forms of internal conflicts and clashes and pursue instead their collective national goals by struggling in a unified fashion against Israel. Khader particularly refers to the clashes in Gaza and the subsequent events that followed them, labeling these tactics as dangerous and irresponsible. Khader believes, though, that the greatest threat lays in Israel’s policies and therefore, all Palestinian efforts should be directed toward transforming that course. We should not become involved in internal tensions and clashes that will take us away from achieving our primary national goals.

From the experiences he has gained over the years, Khader truly believes that all Palestinian factions, regardless of their ideological and political orientation, must unite and must continue demanding the achievement of all of their legitimate and internationally supported national claims. Although Khader stresses that unity must be always be the Palestinians’ top priority, he also acknowledges that the continuation of Israel’s occupation is the cause behind the accessibility of weapons in the factions. Khader sees a necessity for all nationalist and Islamic factions, along with the PA, to meet and establish conformity between them that entails a rejection of the use of force against each other. This step must, according to the PLC member, start now because Palestinian blood must be valued and we as Palestinians must never retort to fighting each other.

Given that the stakes are very high at this juncture in Palestinian history, Khader calls upon the leaders of all Palestinian factions to organize their priorities more clearly towards serving the Palestinian public and on no account ever become involved in intra-communal and factional fighting. The efforts should be at this moment directed towards the rebuilding of Gaza as an important center for a unified Palestinian struggle and activism against Israel’s occupation of the remaining territories.

In commenting on the third round of local elections, Khader stresses the commitment of Palestinians to the principles of democracy and to the promotion of more accountability and transparency in modern Palestinian politics. Khader would like to see the promotion of democracy expanding to include, among other things, all levels of elections and selections that take place in the Palestinian territories, including the process of electing popular representative fronts and organizations for the refugee camps. Consistent with that, Khader also urges the Palestinian leadership to remain committed to the launching of the Legislative Council’s elections on its scheduled date. Ultimately, Khader announced that the Palestinian electoral process must also include representation of the 8500 prisoners who are incarcerated in Israeli prisons.

Hussam Khader's Trial: Delayed again until 23 October 2005

In its 4 September 2005 session at Salem Military Court, the Israeli Authorities once again delayed the trial of imprisoned PLC member Mr. Hussam Khader until the 23 October 2005. Hussam Khader has been illegally detained for 2½ years in Israel. The charges against him have been changed twice during the prolonged trial as the Israeli Authorities struggle to prove the charges, many of which Isareli Intelligence Officials have already admitted were fabricated. Trial proceedings have violated international law on a number of fundamental issues in Khader's trial, rendering it unfair and in serious breach of international law.

Yesterday's trial began at 10am and continued until 3pm. Khader was brought to trial with both of his hands and legs chained. He repeated his statements on his trial proceedings by again confirming his innocence and accusing the Israeli government of imprisoning him because of his political views and statements focusing on ending Palestinian political corruption and resisting Israel's military and brutal occupation until Palestinian demands are met.

Khader also expressed his support for the establishment of a just peace agreement with Israel on the basis of a peace formula that must, unlike the Oslo process, recognize Palestinian political objectives.

His lawyer, Mr. Ryad Anes, re-entered Khader's plea as innocent and accused the Israeli judicial system of fabricating the charges and evidence against the PLC member. The list of charges against the PLC member was apparently revised, as has happened previously during the trial, as the Israeli Authorities have failed to uphold their witnesses' testimonies and alleged evidence against Mr Khader. At Khader's last trial hearing in June 2005, Israeli Intelligence Officials admitted that witness statements and evidence had been fabricated. The PLC member continues to maintain his innocence, despite his harsh detention conditions and the torture he has endured, as well as all the challenges that he has confronted over the years.

In commenting on the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the maintenance of Palestinian political unity on the ground, Khader confirmed the significant contribution made by Palestinian Political Prisoners to make these developments possible. He urged the Palestinian people to maintain and strengthen their unity, as well as continuing to struggle to acheive their fundamental goals, including the urgent release of all Palestinian Prisoners. He also called upon the Palestinian leadership to exert their influence on influential figures and organisations around the world to intervene on behalf of Palestinian political prisoners, and to ensure that they receive their full rights, as guaranteed by internaitonal law.

Hussam Khader was arrested on 17 March 2003 and since then, he has been detined and transferred to many prisons inside Israel. he has to date had 16 trial hearings. At the conclusion of today's trial, the Israeli authorities allowed members of Khader's family to meet with him for a few minutes, although his family had been waiting for over five hours to meet with him.

Gaza’s Withdrawal: an Initial Step towards Full Independence

19/8/2005

In commenting on Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, the imprisoned PLC member, Mr. Hussam Khader, affirms that such a move would have never been accomplished without the tremendous sacrifices and struggles by the Palestinian people over the years. He considers the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as a clear sign of reversal of the Zionist dream of colonizing the Palestinian territories. He also sees it as the start of a larger process towards a full Palestinian independence from Israel’s brutal occupation. While congratulating Palestinians for their unending struggle, Khader urges them not to exaggerate the value or the effect of Israel’s withdrawal. Khader believes that these and other historic achievements by the Palestinian people must be placed in a larger context of Palestinian politics that must be based on accountability and transparency.

Khader also makes reference to the Oslo experiment that should serve Palestinians with lessons to be avoided during the current withdrawal. During the Oslo process, Khader reminds us, that a number of Palestinian officials and negotiators had to monopolize the political process in ways that would suite their personal interests. In this context, Khader urged Palestinians to maintain a high level of unity and discipline that would allow them to resist all forms of corruption and misconduct that may arise once again and hinder their struggle to achieve a complete Israeli withdrawal from the territories. Khader also warns that Israel is trying to stage a process by which it would emphasize that its withdrawal from Gaza would be the last. Against such attempts, Khader encourages Palestinians to continue their struggle until they achieve all of their fundamental goals including, but not limited to, a full Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and Arab East Jerusalem. Most importantly, the question of the Palestinian refugees and their right to return to their homeland must remain a top priority for the Palestinian people and their leadership.

Finally, Khader conveyed his concerns about the rising violence that was carried out by the Israeli settler’s movement who in the past few days has managed to murder a number of Palestinians, both inside and outside the Green Lines boundaries. Through his lawyers, Khader expressed his sincerest sorrow for the brutal murdering of Palestinian civilians, by Israeli extremists, in Shafa Amer and the greater Nablus area.

Khader’s next trial date has already been moved to September 4, 2005. During this court session, it is expected that new witnesses will be brought in an attempt to affirm the charges made against the PLC member. For his part, Khader has categorically rejected all fabricated charges that were made against him by the Israelis.

Knesset member Wasel Taha Visits PLC Member Mr. Khader
26 July 2005
Knesset member, Mr. Wasel Taha managed to visit the Hadareem prison, where he was able to meet with various Palestinian prisoners, notably the PLC member Mr. Hussam Khader. The Knesset member was alarmed and troubled by the inhuman conditions that Palestinian prisoners are subjected to on a daily basis. Khader told  him about the painful and difficult conditions which Palestinian prisoners have to live under, including, but not limited to, the daily mistreatment of prisoners, the lack of nutritious food, the deterioration of their health, and the continuous transfer of prisoners from one location to the other. Mr. Khader expressed his gratitude for meeting the Knesset member, and urged the PLC to do more in order to help Palestinians prisoners.

Khader was also supportive of President Abu Mazen’s decision to carry on a national debate between all Palestinian factions and allow the marketing of ideas in ways that would eventually enhance the promotion of democracy among Palestinians in general and with regard to the Palestinian political system and processes in particular. Khader believes in the need for realizing Palestinian unity on the fundamental goals of the Palestinian people, as well as in the ways to achieve them. In this context, Mr. Khader called upon the Palestinian  Authority to be extra cautious when dealing with the Palestinian public, and not  to inflict any further pains on Palestinians. Mr. Khader also emphasized the need for more accountability and transparency in the PA’s institutions, and called upon the Palestinian leadership to expel all of those individuals who may have been involved in corruption cases and/or immoral misconducts while serving at any ranks of the PA’s institutions.

 CAMPAIGN ON PALESTINIAN PRISONERS IN ISRAELI JAILS

'The Committee in Support of PLC Member Hussam Khader is helping to co-ordinate a campaign in London on PALESTINIAN PRISONERS IN ISRAELI JAILS. The campaign focuses on the issues of child prisoners, prisoners held in administrative detention, and the issue of torture. In addition, the campaign raises the cases of Palestinian Parliamentarians - Hussam Khader and Marwan Barghouti - currently in prison in Israel.

The aim is to raise these matters with the British Government in respect of its role as a High Contracting Party to the IV Geneva Convention, to ensure that Palestinian prisoners and detainees are afforded their full rights as stipulated under international law.

For further details, including to download a FACT SHEET on 'Palestinian Prisoners in Israeli Jails', see: http://lmec.org.uk/Events/events.html '.

STATEMENT SIGNED BY MEMBERS OF THE KNESSET AND THE PALESTINIAN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL - CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF PALESTINIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN,
HUSSAM KHADER:

April 2005

We, members of the Knesset and members of the Palestinian Legislative Council, call for the immediate and unconditional release of PLC member Hussam Khader. Mr Khader has been illegally detained inside Israel by the Israeli Authorities since March 2003 and, like thousands of other Palestinian political prisoners, has been subjected to physical and psychological torture, inhumane detention conditions, and to legal proceedings that are in violation of international law.

We note that:

• Mr Khader has denied the charges against him and claims they are fabricated and have been obtained from a state witness under duress. According to Mr Khader’s defence lawyer, all the charges against Mr Khader are based on the testimony of one single witness, whose evidence to Court has been inconsistent, and who was himself injured and subjected to physical pressure and torture. This witness has since been tried and convicted by an Israeli court.

•  Following his arrest in March 2003, Mr Khader was subjected to intensive interrogation for a period of 90 days, including sleep deprivation and being tied to a chair while shackled - a common method of torture known as "shabeh" - which, according to the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, is widely used by Israel. He was repeatedly denied access to medical treatment and to his lawyers, all in violation of international law and various international covenants to which Israel is a signatory.

• Mr Khader's defense was repeatedly denied access to him during the first year of his detention when he was held in solitary confinement for 1 year. The Court proceedings were also subject to a media blackout. As a result, on both issues, Mr Khader's defense team was forced to petition the Israeli Ministry of Justice and the Military Courts.

•  In March 2003, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) expressed concern about the use of inhumane methods of interrogation against Mr Khader (Case ISR 190303). They called on the Israeli authorities ‘to order [Khader's] immediate release, in the absence of valid legal charges, to guarantee that he is provided with adequate reparation, and to guarantee that the perpetrators of these acts are brought to justice’.

• The Chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Legislative Council, the Palestinian Minister of Prisoners Affairs, and Fateh’s leadership have all issued statements condemning the continued illegal detention of the PLC members Hussam Khader and Marwan Barghouti, and calling for their immediate release.

We further note that increasing numbers of international bodies have expressed concern about the legal proceedings in Mr Khader's case and the violations of internationally accepted legal standards for him to be guaranteed a fair trial:

• The Inter-Parliamentary Union (an international organization of Parliaments of sovereign States representing 130 parliaments world-wide, including the Israeli Knesset) has monitored Mr Khader's case for 2 years. They have issued 5 resolutions expressing consistent concerns about Mr Khader's case, and the violations of international law that have occurred;

• IPU Resolutions have repeatedly called - including most recently in January 2005 - for Mr Khader to be transferred to the Palestinian Authorities with a view to his being prosecuted and judged by them, in accordance with international law and international fair trial standards;

• The IPU has repeatedly stated that the concerns put forward in its expert report on PLC member Marwan Barghouti’s trial with respect to transfer of Palestinian citizens to Israeli territory, the conditions of detention and interrogation methods, and the competence of Israeli Courts to judge Marwan Barghouti, "apply mutis mutandis in the case of Hussam Khader". These concerns are that:

      - The Oslo Accords transferred to Palestinian jurisdiction the authority to try Palestinians, including with respect to attacks carried out against Israelis, and the Accords have been embodied in Israeli law;

      - Mr. Khader should enjoy prisoner-of-war status pursuant to the Third Geneva Convention;

      - The arrest of Mr. Khader was unlawful since he was abducted from his home in Nablus, a Palestinian area, by the Israeli armed forces;

      - The transfer of Mr. Khader from Nablus, territory under Palestinian sovereignty and occupied by the Israeli army, to Israeli territory to be tried in Israel, is in breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention;

      - The arrest and trial of Mr. Khader violates his parliamentary immunity deriving from his status as a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council.

• Following Marwan Barghouti's trial, the IPU's Legal Expert concluded in his report that 'numerous breaches of international law recalled in this report make it impossible to conclude that Mr. Barghouti was given a fair trial';

• A request from the IPU in November 2004 for a delegation to visit Mr Khader, to enable them to clarify issues related to Mr Khader’s situation, was denied by the Israeli Authorities. At its latest meeting in January 2005, however, the IPU's Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians decided to send a legal observer to Mr Khader's trial, and to again endeavour to send a delegation to meet with Mr Khader and other relevant persons. The IPU continues to monitor all aspects of the case;

•  In December 2004, over 100 British Members of Parliament signed an Early Day Motion tabled in the British Parliament expressing concern about the situation of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, and in particular, the cases of Hussam Khader and Marwan Barghouti. The motion called on the British Government "to request that the Israel authorities address, as a matter of urgency, the serious legal concerns raised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in the cases of the imprisoned Palestinian Parliamentarians Marwan Barghouti and Hussam Khader".

We are concerned that the legal proceedings since Mr Khader's arrest and throughout his 2-year detention have violated international law and international fair trial standards. As a result, he will not receive a fair trial, and continues to be subjected to legal proceedings that are in violation of international law. We therefore call for the immediate and unconditional release of Hussam Khader.

SIGNED:

8 Members of the Knesset: Mohamad Baraka MK, Esam Makhul MK, Abed El-Malek Dahamseh MK, Azmi Bishara MK, Jamal Zahalka MK, Ahmad Al-Tibi MK, Talab El-Sanea MK, Wasel Taha MK

23 Members of the Palestinian Legislative Council: Rouhee Fatouh, President of the PLC, Hassan Khereisha, Deputy President of the PLC, Kadoora Fares, Ahmad Al-Deek, Moufeed Abed Raboo, Othman Gashash, Azmi Shuaybe, Salah El-Taamari, Jamal El-Shoubaki, Moawya El-Masri, Abbas Zaki, Dalal Salameh, Fakhree Al-Turokman, Hattem Abed El-Qader, Rashad El-Kasser, Abed El-Jawad Saleh, Ahmad Hashem Azgayar, Hakam Balawi, Mahmoud Daas, Souliman Abu Sneneh, Daoud Al-Zeer, Emad El-Falogi, Emeel Gargoee.

Remembering Al-Nakba and Honoring Palestinian Refugee Right of Return

29/4/2005
In commemorating the 57^th anniversary of al-Nakba, imprisoned PLC member Mr. Hussam Khader issued a statement reminding the Palestinian people and the world at large of the importance of this occasion and of the need to generate more support for the Palestinian refugees’ rights for return to their lost homeland. Khader urges Palestinians to once again renew their commitment, on the upcoming June 15^th date, for the cause of the refugees. Palestinians should make it very clear to Israel and its allies that the right of the refugees to return to their homeland is a fundamental right that will never be abandoned or compromised. Palestinians and their supporters worldwide must therefore utilize this anniversary to honor the refugees and reflect on their painful and torturous journey. Khader also urges Palestinians worldwide to show solidarity and determination and rally together in the pursuit of our goals, notably those concerning the refugees.

 Khader himself has already began reflecting on Palestinian history and the refugees’ tragedy, and stressed, among other things, that Israel and the world must not forget that the Palestinian people do indeed exist and that they are deserving people, whose fundamental rights must be fulfilled. The dispersion and the miseries that have confronted the Palestinian people over the years could not and will not eliminate their national attachment to their homeland. Khader also noted in his various messages that the Palestinian leadership must never show any willingness to overlook the refugee demand for return. Khader reiterated that there would never be a lasting, peaceful settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict without, first and foremost, solving the Palestinian refugee problem.

Khader’s message speaks directly to the collectivity of Palestinian refugees globally. A refugee himself, Khader empathizes with the predicament of all refugees. He urges them and the Palestinian leadership, including all of its institutions and factions, to remain united in their backing of the principle of the Right for Return. Khader ended his message by cautioning those individuals who might, under certain circumstances, be tempted by offers that might subsequently compromise the fundamental claims of the refugees.

Another Delay
11 April, 2005

Following a brief session in which new tapes were released to support the government’s case against Mr. Hussam Khader, an Israeli military court in Salem decided once again to delay the PLC member’s court hearing until June 29, 2005. Due to the lack of sufficient evidence that are to be used against Khader, these setbacks have now become a common act that has so far dragged the PLC member’s case for more than two years.  Khader was arrested in March 2003 on allegations connecting him to militant activities relating to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. Despite the fact that Khader has denied all such allegations, the Israel authorities remain determined to implicate the PLC member for the sake of distancing him from Palestinian political activism.

On another front, Khader has issued a statement condemning the Israeli’s threats, notably those carried out by right wing militant factions within the settlement movement, to attack and control the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He congratulates the unity and determination of the Palestinian public to confront these threats and prevent Jewish militants from entering the holy shrine.  Khader, once again, stressed the need to focus the Palestinians’ attention on achieving their national goals of establishing an independent Palestinian state in all of the territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 war. He also emphasized his commitment to resolving the Palestinian refugee problem on the basis of the United Nations Security Council’s Resolution 194. Khader also voiced his opposition to the assurances President Bush gave to Ariel Sharon with regard to the large settlement blocs in the West Bank. Khader calls upon the PA to challenge all attempts that deprive Palestinians of their fundamental national objectives. He also urges the PA and the international community at large to intervene on behalf of the Palestinian political prisoners who continue to suffer immense pain and torture in Israeli jails and prisons.

Delaying Khader’s Trial

21 Mar 2005

The Israeli military court in Salem has once again decided to delay the PLC member, Hussam Khader’s, trial until the 11^th of April 2005. In today’s hearing on March 20, 2005, the court held a short and closed meeting concerning Khader’s case. Among other things, the court revealed audiotapes alleging that the PLC member had made contact with individuals who were placed under surveillance and were suspected of involvement in militant acts against Israelis.

For his part, Khader indicated that all such tapes were fabricated and that he has had no involvement in any militant activities. He called again upon the Palestinian Authority and its leadership to exert more pressure on the Israelis in order to release the political prisoners .He also indicated that the current hudna couldn’t possibly be sustained without the release of the Palestinian prisoners, who incidentally played a constructive role in the making of the current ceasefire between the two parties.  Khader also warns that any repeat of the Oslo process is likely to fail. e  H

He therefore calls upon the Palestinians to maintain their determination to achieve all of their fundamental goals and establish a long lasting peace deal that would guarantee Palestinians their statehood and force Israel to withdraw back to the 1967 boundaries, along with addressing the rights of the Palestinian refugees.

Following hours of delays at the end of the trial session, Khader was finally able to see his family for a few minutes.

Khader: Hudna is Possible when Israel Withdraws from All Palestinian Territories

5/2/2005

In his latest announcements, Khader addressed two important issues concerning Palestinian politics at this crucial juncture. The first relates to the need to restructure the Palestinian institutions and the new government in ways that guarantees accountability and transparency. All sources and elements of corruption must therefore be eliminated from the institutions of the Palestinian Authority.  Khader believes that the new Palestinian government can and should be more willing to meet the expectations of its citizens by freeing themselves from past associations with unethical misconducts and outright corruption. While Khader sent his sincere congratulations to President Abbass, he at the same time urged the new Palestinian government to hold every individual accountable for past and current violations of public trust. Khader believes accountability must remain an essential feature of the new political system and structure oriented towards the promotion of democracy in Palestine.

Khader’s second point related more to the current negotiations for a Hudna, or cease-fire, which Khader believes must be based on certain fundamental foundations. While Khader believes it is possible for Palestinians to arrive at an acceptable settlement to its conflict with Israel, he at the same time stresses that any Hudna must first and foremost include the withdrawal of all Israeli troops from all Palestinian populated areas. In addition, Khader emphasized that a Hudna must also include an agreement on an eventual release of all Palestinian prisoners, namely those who were arrested in the course of the current Intifada. At the outcome of the political process, Khader envisioned a time of arriving at a political solution that would guarantee the establishment of a Palestinian state in all of the 1967 occupied territories, along with a commitment of solving the Palestinian refugee question that remains the central root of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

At the end of his conversations with his lawyers, Khader stressed the need to maintain Palestinian national unity at all costs, and warns all Palestinian factions and leaders not to become engaged in activities that may foster divisions among the Palestinians. Khader is certain that the Palestinian people and their leadership are mature enough and will never be dragged into a low-intensity civil war that was predicted will occur following the death of President Arafat. Finally, Khader’s lawyers informed the public that their client’s next trial date would be convened on March 6, 2005.

Letter from PLC Member, Hussam Khader, addressing the Palestinian People and their Leadership
11 December 2004
In his most recent letter assessing the current juncture in Palestinian history and politics, the jailed PLC member, Mr. Hussam Khader, expressed his deep concern about the fundamental issues in the Palestinian struggle against Israel’s occupation. He spelled out several recommendations that may be useful in assisting the Palestinian people and their leaders. Once again, he expressed sorrow and respect for the legacy of the Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat, who, among other contributors, succeeded in highlighting Palestinians’ priorities and emphasizing their unity while pursuing their national objectives. Khader asked the Palestinian people and their leaders to honour their national claims and objectives at all costs, even under the most difficult circumstances. He pointedly emphasized that the Palestinian people as a whole must remain united in their struggle to establish an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, one that would also guarantee the rights and
claims of Palestinian refugees.

Regarding the current challenges facing the Palestinian institutions and organizations in general, and the Fateh Movement in particular, Khader strongly emphasized the need to respect the institutional authority of the Fatah Revolutionary Council’s institutions and decisions. As a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and as a Fatah leader and activist, Hussam
Khader gives his unequivocal support and backing to the decisions adopted by Fatah’s Central Committee, which nominated Mr. Mahmood Abbas as its official candidate for the upcoming elections. Although Khader believes that, consistent
with the meaning and the conduct of democracy, any Palestinian should have the right to run for election, at the same time he believes that Palestinian unity must outweigh an individual’s personal ambitions and interests. Khader’s main concerns have been, and will remain, focused on both national issues of utmost
importance to the Palestinian struggle, along with the processes and the procedures that must always facilitate unity and determination to organize and materialize Palestinians’ efforts in the pursuit of these goals. Given that it is the future of the Palestinian land and the Palestinian people that is at stake at this juncture, Khader calls upon Fatah members and leaders to support the nomination of Mr. Abbas.

Concerning the elections themselves, Khader once again emphasized the need to ensure a clear, representative and transparent election that will require the maximum number of participants in voting. He, therefore, urges all segments of
the Palestinian society to be willing to participate in a meaningful, fair and free election. Khader particularly addressed the Islamic organizations and groups that have not yet expressed their intention to support the electoral process in Palestine. He urged them to review the viable experiences gained by
Palestinians from the election of the Legislative Council that helped in strengthening the democratization of Palestinian political institutions. Khader would like to see this experience expanded to include all Palestinian institutions, thereby making them more responsible, responsive and representative.

Given that Khader has never lost hope for his people, he expresses his outmost optimism about the ability of the Palestinian nation to remain united and to pursue the democratic choice of the Palestinian people in an attempt to be able to address their national objectives in future negotiations with Israel and on the world stage. He is certain that the elections will be conducted in aresponsible and democratic manner and will include all eligible voters. Khader also expresses his faith in the Palestinian public and asks the Palestinian mass media to direct Palestinians more in the direction of democratic procedures and meanings. Finally, Hussam Khader stated that he foresees a future in which the pain and misery that continues to haunt all Palestinian prisoners will come to an end, and Palestinians will achieve their cherished freedom and rights that they continue to fight for.

In conclusion, Khader thanks the Palestinian people, and wishes them victory in their endeavours.

Khader Stresses Urgency For Unity Among Palestinian Leadership

 30 oct, 2004

In light of recent events, Khader issued a statement from his prison cell at Hadereem expressing support and sympathy for the Palestinian leader Yassir Arafat. The sacrifices that President Arafat has made over the years while serving the Palestinian cause earns him many honorable titles, including, but not limited to, being the symbol of Palestinian struggle and determination to fight Israel and restore Palestinians’ political and national objectives. Given the deterioration of President Arafat’s health in recent days, Khader sends his best wishes to the Palestinian leader, and calls upon the Palestinian people and their leaders to remain united and act responsibly while dealing with the current crisis. More than anything, Khader stresses the need to maintain focus on preserving national unity and continuing the struggle against Israel until Palestinians’ goals are achieved.

With the challenges, restrictions and difficulties that were imposed against President Arafat over the past three years, Khader holds Israel causally and morally responsible for the health problems confronting him along with many other Palestinian leaders, namely those who remain confined to Israeli prisons. Khader also warns that while the Palestinian people are entering a difficult political juncture in their history, they must remain unified both on the general strategy and the fundamental goals of the Palestinian people. Palestinians in general and their leadership in particular must manage to run their own affairs in a responsible and collaborative style that will allow them to sustain their harmony and thus continue to advance their goals of establishing a Palestinian state and struggle for finding a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem. In order to accomplish such goals at this current juncture, Khader calls upon all PLO ranks and factions to meet their responsibilities and rise-up to the challenges. Khader finally issued a warning to all of those who may be tempted to follow their personal goals at the expense of Palestinian unity. He wishes the Palestinian leader a quick and lasting sustainable recovery, and wishes the Palestinian people success in all of their endeavors. 

The Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union,

Referring to the outline of the case of Mr. Hussam Khader, an incumbent member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, as contained in the report of the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians (CL/175/11(a)-R.1), and to the resolution adopted at its 174^th session (April 2004),

Taking account of the letter from the Diplomatic Adviser to the Speaker of the Knesset dated 26 September 2004, and of communications from the sources dated 4, 11 and 23 September 2004,

Referring also to the report on the trial of Mr. Marwan Barghouti, drawn up at its request by Mr. Simon Foreman,

Recalling that Mr. Khader was arrested on 17 March 2003 at his home in Balata refugee camp by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on suspicion "of extensive involvement in the terrorist activities of the Tanzim including the financing of specific acts of terror"; considering that, according to the authorities, Mr. Khader has been charged with attempted murder, as well as with performing services for an unlawful organisation under the Defence Regulations (Emergency) 1945; he is also accused of channelling funds to terrorists, ordering others to organise terror attacks and providing funds for weapons to carry out suicide attacks with the intention of killing Israeli citizens; Mr. Khader denies all the accusations, claiming that they were fabricated and obtained from witnesses under duress; noting in this connection that his lawyer was reportedly denied access to the investigation material gathered by the prosecution,

Considering that, according to the authorities, a court hearing was held on 19 September 2004 and the next hearing has been set for the second half of November 2004; the sources say 28 December 2004,

Considering that, according to the sources, Mr. Khader has been constantly transferred from once prison to another, often without his family or legal counsel being informed; he was reportedly subjected to sleep deprivation and interrogation methods which caused him severe back pain; he reportedly does not receive the medical treatment he requires; considering further that, after Mr. Khader had been placed for a long time in solitary confinement, he went on a hunger strike in March 2004 which he ended after nine days, having been moved to a cell with another prisoner; in mid-August 2004, Mr. Khader and fellow Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons started a hunger strike to denounce the poor prison conditions; despite his fragile health, he was reportedly again transferred and is said to be held at present in Haddarim prison,

Considering that, according to the sources, family visits have been extremely limited - only one of his sisters was reportedly allowed to visit him once - and his three small children have reportedly been able to see him only at court hearings; given the many refusals by the authorities to allow Mr. Khader to meet his defence counsel, the latter sent a preliminary petition to the Ministry of Justice demanding that it lift the prohibition preventing him from meeting Mr. Khader; noting in this respect that, on 1 September 2004, the Supreme Court of Israel, ruling on a petition submitted by two non-governmental organisations, decided that the right of prisoners and detainees to meet with their lawyers was guaranteed, including those on hunger strike, and declared that barring such meetings was unlawful,

1. Thanks the Diplomatic Adviser to the Speaker of the Knesset for the information he provided;

    

2. Considers that the legal arguments put forward in Mr. Foreman’s report on the trial of Mr. Barghouti in respect of the forcible transfer of Palestinians to Israeli territory for the purpose of their prosecution and the incompatibility of certain interrogation methods and conditions of detention with international human rights law apply mutatis mutandis also in the case of Mr. Khader;

    

3. Urges, therefore, the Israeli authorities to transfer Mr. Khader to the custody of the Palestinian authorities with a view to his being prosecuted by them, in accordance with international law;

    

4. Urges the authorities, in the meantime, to allow Mr. Khader regular access to his family and defence counsel, to provide him with the medical treatment he needs, and to treat him in accordance with the fair trial guarantees set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

    

5. Reiterates its earlier wish to carry out an on-site mission to gather from the competent parliamentary, governmental, judicial and administrative authorities, as well as from Mr. Khader himself and his family, as detailed information as possible on his situation, and requests the Secretary General to take the necessary steps with a view to organising such a visit;

    

6. Requests the Secretary General to convey this resolution to the authorities and to the sources;

    

7. Requests the Committee to continue examining this case and report to it at its next session, to be held on the occasion of the 112^th Assembly (April 2005).

* The Israeli and Palestine delegations took the floor to comment on the resolution. Their observations may be found in the Summary Records of the 175^th session of the Governing Council.

Assessing the Intifada’s Fourth Anniversary

29 sept, 2004

On the Intifada’s fourth year anniversary, Mr. Khader called on the Palestinian people and all of its political factions to improve their unity and escalate their challenge to the Israeli authorities in an attempt to achieve the Palestinians’ national goals and objectives. From his prison cell, Khader seems certain that the Palestinian people will continue their struggle and maintain their determination to confront their enemies and achieve their objectives. He also recognizes and acknowledges that the so-called war on terror has given the Israeli authorities more power to crack down on the Palestinians, despite the fact that Palestinians’ demands enjoy widespread international legitimacy, backing and support. The current changes relating to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with other related regional and international changes may have downplayed the urgency of the Palestine issue while highlighting other developments that are largely attributed to the so-called war on terror.

Despite being faced with this situation and these challenges, the Palestinian people and their supporters around the world are fully aware that the Palestine question remains the central issue in all other Middle Eastern conflicts. The Palestinians are determined to continue pursuing their goals of establishing a viable Palestinian state that would include in it all territories that were occupied by Israel since the 1967 war. Khader also emphasizes the right of the Palestinian refugees to return to their homes. Regardless to his confinement in prison for the past two years, Khader remains hopeful for a peaceful political settlement that would honor Palestinian claims and allow them to coexist and live peacefully with all their neighbors. The PLC member still believes that resistance to Israel’s occupation is by far the quickest and most appropriate way to address and pursue the achievement of the Palestinians’ claims. In addition to providing insight into the ongoing conflict with Israel, Khader also stressed the need to perform a more effective and lasting political reform in the Palestinian territories. He supports the establishment of a more representative, honest, transparent and democratic system that can help Palestinians achieve their fundamental needs while at the same time confronting all external threats and challenges to the Palestinian people and their cause. At the end, Khader salutes the Intifada and honors all of the Palestinian sacrifices and prays for a better future for the Palestine cause.

Khader’s Trail Delayed Until December

 20 sept, 2004

In its special session held on September 19^th, 2004, the Israeli military court, handling Khader’s trial, has once again decided to delay his trial until the 28^th of December of this year. The court made this decision in order to bring more evidence and confessions against Khader.

Khader’s lawyer, al-Anees, managed to refute most fabricated confessions and allegations made against Mr. Khader. Anees argued that the confessions which Israeli authorities claim others made about Khader while in their possession, implicate him in connection to militant acts against Israelis. As the lawyer began questioning the use of torture in obtaining these confessions, the Israeli authorities managed to use security concerns to avoid discussing the issue, stating that they can not reveal the means by which the Israeli police used to obtain information about activities such as those attributed to Khader. One of the witnesses brought to court by prosecutors has changed his earlier confession and denied any involvement on Khader’s part to any militant activities. Others, however, were reluctant to change their confessions, fearing severe retribution of torture to be carried out by Israeli authorities.

During the procedure, Khader appears to have lost significant weight, resulting from the hunger strike he has participated in for much of the past month. Although Khader’s family went to the trial hoping to see him, the Israeli authorities gave only his mother and his young son permission to visit with Khader, depriving him from seeing his two daughters and his sisters. Khader’s daughters have been looking forward to seeing their father, and were very devastated when they failed to see him. Their father was removed from their home in the Balata Refugee Camp almost two years ago in the middle of the night. They all wish to see him come back home and thus end their ordeal and lead them to live a normal life like other kids.

Israel’s Forces Raided Khader’s Office in Nablus

10 Sep, 2004

In a surprise move, a group of Israeli soldiers, equipped with machine guns, raided Hussam Khader’s office in Nablus and inflicted serious damage inside the office, namely its entrance, and property. They damaged computers and files and searched and destroyed all existing posters, leaflets and pamphlets inside the office. Mr. Khader, the PLC member, has been in an Israeli prison for almost two years, and he is among the main activists who led the hunger strike in Israel’s prisons.

In response to the brutality of the Israeli forces, the Palestinian people in general and the Committee that defend the rights of political prisoners, condemned the attack and considered it as one of the many crimes being carried against the Palestinian people by the Israeli occupation authorities. The Committee stands in defense of Khader and urges the Palestinian people and all peace loving people in the region and around the world to intensify and exert more pressure on the Israeli authorities in order to win the release of the political prisoners and help end Israel’s brutal occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Khader’s Transfer from Prison After 18 Days of Hunger Strike

Prison authorities in al-Jalemeh jail managed to transport Hussam Khader for the third time since the starting of the hunger strike to the Hadareem prison. His transfer came as a surprise to his lawyer who was expecting to meet with Khader on the same day of his transfer. Khader’s lawyer expressed outrage with the move, given that the Israeli high court had finally permitted lawyers to meet with their clients. In this context, prison authorities intentionally decided to isolate Palestinian prisoners, including Khader, from the outside world, in a desperate attempt to end their strike. Furthermore, it is believed that prison authorities decided to remove and isolate Khader after he began suffering from severe medical problems attributed to the strike.

Khader Declares Strike Will Continue

On September 2^nd, Khader’s lawyer was finally able to meet with his client and revealed the latest developments that took place during the prisoners’ hunger strike. For one thing, the lawyer, Mr. al-Anees, noticed that Khader had lost over 14 kilograms of his weight during the past 18 days of his open hunger strike. Despite his deteriorating health and weight loss, Khader was able to convey the strength of the Palestinian prisoners, who remain determined to continue their strike until their goals are achieved. Contrary to the claims of Israeli authorities, suggesting that no contact had been made between the prison authorities and the prisoners to end the hunger strike, Khader indicated that continuous and detailed negotiations had indeed taken place. During these negotiations, prison authorities tried to pressure the detainees into ending their strike by offering to provide them with some, but not all, of their humanitarian demands. The Israeli authorities had  tried to exert more pressure on Khader in a desperate attempt to crush the will of the prisoners from continuing with the hunger strike. Given that the Israeli authorities had eventually agreed to discuss the objectionable demands of the prisoners at a later stage, the prisoners decided to partially and temporarily break their hunger strike. Khader stated to his lawyer that although the prisoners have began to consume liquids, they will refrain from eating solid food until all of their demands, which are humanitarian in nature, are met.

Mr. al-Anees, Khader’s lawyer, also indicated that the prison authorities met once again with Khader in an attempt to pressure him to break the strike. For his part, Khader once again refused and informed the prison authorities that Palestinian prisoners were willing to accept a deal only when their fundamental goals are met. In response to Khader’s stubbornness, he was isolated from other prisoners, notably prison leaders and activists. Following heated discussions between Khader and prison authorities, it became obvious that they were willing to accept some, but not all, of the prisoners’ demands. It is in this context that Khader and the rest of the prisoners continue to insist on maintaining their strike until they are treated with the dignity that they deserve. As Khader indicated, this transitional period is crucial for the future of Palestinians residing in Israeli prisons, it is important that Palestinian prisoners continue to struggle in order to achieve their basic demands. Failing to do so will only strengthen the prison authorities and allow them to apply harsh and humiliating measures against the prison population. Khader finally called upon the Palestinian people and the Palestinian institutions to continue their pressure on the Israeli authorities and expand their activities in order to materialize more regional and international backing to their humanitarian goals. In addition, Khader criticized those inmates who broke the strike and made personal decisions that were contrary to the general will and determination of the ability of the striking prisoners.

Khader Urges the PLC to Challenge Israeli Prison Authorities

 20 august, 2004

Following his sixth day of  hunger strike at the Hadreem prison, Khader demanded from the PLC to live up to its responsibility in backing Palestinian  prisoners’ hunger strike and exert more pressure on the Israeli authorities, utilizing all legal means and procedures in order to ease the difficulties facing the prisoners. Mr. Khader expressed the obvious with respect to the prisoners deserving to be treated in a dignified and respectable manner. However, given the mistreatment that they are subjected to on a daily basis, the prisoners have been denied their basic human rights and needs. It is in this context that the strike has been justified in order to restore their threatened dignity and existence.

Khader also responded to statements made by prominent Israeli officials, which among other comments, indicated that Palestinian prisoners could strike until they die. These racist and inhumane statements only reveal the brutality of Israel’s leaders in general, and prison authorities in particular. For the past few years, prison authorities have been utilizing every physical, psychological and other cruel means and procedures in an attempt to manipulate, torture and brutalize Palestinian prisoners. For example, prison authorities have often prohibited prisoners from having access to nutritious food, hygienic clothes and blankets, along with denying them basic daily needs. Those prisoners who happen to be part of the hunger strike have been further subjected to isolation in solitary confinement in ways that endanger their lives.

Consequently, Khader demanded from the Palestinian Authority to contact all humanitarian movements and organizations in order to attract more attention to the dangers facing Palestinian prisoners and work towards pressuring the Israelis to comply with international regulations regarding the treatment of political prisoners.  Khader expressed more concern about the fate of the many prisoners who have been reallocated to other prisons as part of Israelis response to the strike. Finally, Khader urged all Palestinian factions and fronts to rally Palestinians in support of their imprisoned brothers. Along with that, Khader urged Israeli-Arab Knesset members to increase their visits to these prison populations in a show of solidarity with the prisoners’ just cause. 

Khader Demands Immediate Response to End Prisoners Misery at Hadereem

 1 August, 2004

At his location in the Hadereem prison, Khader along with 360 other prisoners, have been constantly subjected to various inhumane and repressive forms of treatment that threaten their lives and well-being. Khader’s lawyer, Buthayna Daqqaq, managed to visit the prison and conveyed a horrifying picture of the Palestinian prisoners’ situation at the Hadereem prison. The lawyer met with many prisoners, including Khader, who described for her the many difficulties still facing them on a daily basis. Among other things, the prisoners suffer from constant humiliation and pressures that deprive them of their basic human needs. They are denied any contact and visitation rights with their families. Moreover, at this prison, the Palestinian prisoners have none or very limited access to medical and nutritional needs. They are often subjected to torture and serious risks that threaten their very existence. 

The prisoners that expressed outrage and anger while stating their views on the prison situation included Khader, Salem, al-Qintar, Dowdeen and others. They have all experienced and witnessed torture and have been subjected to severe and inhumane treatments. It is because of the severity of their conditions that enticed Mr. Khader, along with the rest of the prisoners, to call upon all international and local humanitarian groups to intervene and save them from an assured demise. Each prisoner told his personal story that reflects, among other things, the depth of pain and misery they face under Israel’s brutal prisons. Palestinian detainees ask for international protection to exert pressure on Israel in order to meet its international obligations concerning the treatment of prisoners.

Confronting Occupation and Corruption:

19 july, 2004

 In commenting on the current crisis in Gaza and the internal challenges experienced in the Palestinian territories, jailed PLC member Mr. Khader expressed the fact that Palestinians continue to be challenged by two fundamental challenges, which are rooted in Israel’s occupation along with the PA’s political corruption. As an advocate of reform in the Palestinian territories, Khader was not surprised to hear that the large majority of Palestinians are also demanding more meaningful political reform, oversight and transparency in the institutions of the Palestinian Authority. Although Khader is a champion of political reform, he also realizes that the current challenges facing the Palestinian leadership and the Palestinian public at large are very dangerous, especially if and when such challenges are transformed into a civil war that may hinder Palestinian struggle against Israel’s military occupation.

In the meantime, Khader remains subjected to solitary confinement in an Israeli prison. His trial has been delayed numerous times, and his current health condition continues to deteriorate. On occasions, Khader’s only form of communication with the outside world is conducted through his lawyers.

Khader Voiced Anger against outside Interventions and on Attacks on Palestinians

02 Jul 2004

In a rare opportunity, Khader was finally able to convey, through his lawyers, his condemnation against continued Israeli attacks against Palestinians civilians. Khader considers the likely Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip as a first step towards the completion of Israel’s complete withdrawal from all of the territories that it occupied since the 1967 war. Khader believes that the planed Israeli withdrawal from parts of the Gaza Strip would not have been possible without the continuation the Palestinian resistance and struggle, which must be continued until Palestinians achieve all of their fundamental and legitimate claims and be able to live side-by-side with Israel.

As far as the talks concerning all forms of outside intervention in Palestinian political and security affairs are concerned, Khader warns that any regional and/or international intervention must be limited in ways that would not undermine Palestinians political independence or hinder their ability to maintain control over their territories. He maintains that Palestinians must continue their struggle in order to fulfill all Palestinians objectives that enjoys widespread international backing and support. 

Khader also made reference to the difficult circumstances facing all Palestinian prisoners confined to Israeli prisons. The torture that Palestinians are experiencing daily in Israel exceeds those tortures seen in Iraq and elsewhere. Despite all of these and other similar challenges, Khader remains determined in his convictions to back Palestinians goals in general and the goals of the Palestinian refugees in particular. He also continues to call upon Palestinians and their supporters worldwide to maintain their ongoing struggle in support of all political prisoners who made the ultimate scarifies in pursuit of Palestinians national goals.

The Situation of Palestinian Prisoners in Israeli Jails

Talk by Ghassan Khader, London, 27 May 2004

Organised by Al-Awda PRRC London and SOAS Palestine Society

 Chaired by Neil Gerrard MP, Chair of All-Party Committee on Refugees and Member of the Joint Parliamentary Middle East Councils Commission of Enquiry on Palestinian Refugees – Right of Return more

Khader  Demands More Responsible Restructuring of the Palestinian Security Apparatus

14, may 2004

After failing to secure a visit for the past few months, Khader’s lawyers were finally allowed to meet with him. At their meeting, the lawyers indicated that Khader remains confined to an individual cell and continues to be subjected to harsh treatment from Israeli prison authorities. Khader calls upon the Palestinian people to continue their struggle against Israel’s occupation in order to achieve their fundamental goals.  Khader insists that Palestinians must be united at this difficult juncture of their history and must, therefore, continue to provide public support for their protracted Intifada. Khader also indicates that the proposed meeting between the Palestinian prime minister and the U.S. national security advisor is an achievement that has convinced the U.S. administration of the inability to pursue any political deal without consulting the Palestinians. Addressing various practices of misconduct that began recently surfacing among Palestinians, Khader calls upon Palestinians and their leaders, namely the legislative council, to work on restructuring Palestinian security apparatus in ways that would maintain discipline and unity among Palestinians in the territories. Khader finally conveyed his sincere regard to the Palestinian struggle in general, and to the public pressure to secure the release of Palestinian political prisoners and reveals the way they are treated under occupation.

Khader Expresses Outrage over Latest Events

1st, may 2004

The Popular Committee defending PLC member Hussam Khader, released a statement made by Mr. Khader expressing, among other things, condemnation of the Israeli atrocities against the Palestinian people specifically regarding the barbaric assassination of Hamas’s leading members, Sheik Ahmad Yaseen and Dr. Abdul Azeez Al Ranteesi. Khader expresses deep sorrow and anger at their loss, and a determination to continue the struggle in order to achieve Palestinians’ fundamental demands. Khader also criticized the Bush Administration’s unconditional backing and support for the Sharon government, and referred to any agreement made between the U.S. and Israel regarding the future fate of the Palestinian refugees and the Palestinian territories as simply null and void. Khader understands that for negotiations to succeed, they must first and foremost address the fundamental and basic claims of the Palestinian people, including a full Israeli withdrawal from all Palestinian territories, an establishment of a viable Palestinian state, and the restoration of the right of return for the Palestinian refugees. Khader is confident that the Palestinian public in the territories and the Diaspora will continue the struggle in order to fulfill Palestinian legitimate demands that are supported by the international community. Finally, Khader indicated that the Israeli threats against President Arafat must be taken seriously, and challenged immediately in order to prevent the Sharon government from implementing such threats. Although the PLC member seems outraged by the latest developments, he continues to be optimistic about the future.

Khader Ends His Hunger Strike

25, March 2004

The PLC member decided to end his hunger strike that began 9 days ago. Khader’s hunger strike, which followed his latest trial, was in response to the inhumane treatment that the PLC member was subjected to over much of the past year. In the past month, prison officials decided to confine Khader to a separate individual cell that lacks basic facilities needed by any human being. Through his hunger strike, Khader managed to convey his anger and frustration with the challenges facing Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Khader continues to suffer from general health problems that were largely caused by the way he and others were mistreated in Israeli prisons. Although Khader, along with other Palestinians prisoners, seem unable to achieve their goals, they remain determined to continue their legitimate struggle against the Israeli oppressive and brutal authorities.

PLC Member Hussam Khader Remains on a Hunger Strike

22, March 2004

Ms. Buthayna Daqqaq, a lawyer affiliated with the Mandela institute that monitors the affairs of Palestinian prisoners, managed to visit PLC member Mr. Hussam Khader earlier this week, and has reported back with disturbing news about his health and general condition. Among other things, it appears that Mr. Khader, who continues to be confined to an isolated cell in Beir el-Saba’a prison, has decided to go on a hunger strike. Mr. Khader was forced to take such a drastic and dangerous action in response to the miserable and merciless treatment the PLC member and other prisoners are exposed to in Israeli jails. The isolated cell that Khader is occupying lacks the basic and fundamental facilities that is normally requested of civilized restraining institutions. Ms. Daqqaq also described the brutal treatment that Khader and other prisoners have been subjected to over the course of their stay at Israeli prisons.

Ms. Daqqaq has also been able to meet with other high profile Palestinian prisoners, including, but not limited to, Khaleel Abu Hashiyeh from the Balata Refugee Camp, and Nael el-Barghouti from Kober. Both of these prisoners suffer from severe health problems and difficult challenges. Aside from those prisoners she was able to meet at Beir el-Saba’a, Ms. Daqqaq was also able to pay another visit to the Nafha prison where she met other Palestinians suffering from similar difficult circumstances. Daqqaq’s report on prisoners’ situation reveals the extent of brutality that the Israeli authorities are willing to exercise, despite the fact that such practices violate basic international laws and regulations regarding political prisoners.

Khader Goes On Hunger Strike

15, March 2004

The Popular Committee defending PLC member Hussam Khader, along with other political prisoners, has issued a statement revealing difficulties still confronting Mr. Khader, and called for more international pressure upon Israel in an attempt to secure the release of the PLC member and other Palestinian prisoners. The statement describes, among other things, the fact that Mr. Khader has been confined to a small prison cell that does not exceed 2 meters in length and lacks the basic needs a human being must have in order to survive. This form of mistreatment may have contributed to an announcement he made during his trial where he called upon Palestinians to continue their legitimate struggle against Israel’s brutal occupation. Mr. Khader has also been denied medical treatment and other basic needs. In response to this inhumane condition, Khader has decided to go on an open hunger strike that may, if continued, threaten his very life. Worried about his fate, the Popular Committee has increased its activities and pressures on local and international organizations and bodies that may help in putting an end to Israel’s mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners in general and Khader in particular

 Rallying Support for Khader at the Red Crescent Center in Damascus

17, March 2004

On another front, groups advocating the right of return for all Palestinian refugees to their homes in Palestine have also managed to organize a rally in support of the PLC member, Mr. Hussam Khader. At a recent rally in Damascus, supporters chanted for Khader’s release and spoke in defense of the right of the Palestinian refugees. Against all existing deals and pressures, Khader continues to support the right of return for the Palestinian refugees, especially those refugees residing in Lebanon and Syria. The demonstrators called upon local, regional and international human rights groups to pressure the Israeli government in releasing Khader from jail. For its part, the Israeli authorities have shown no response to all pressures and, with the unconditional backing of the US, continues to mistreat Palestinians in general and those in Israeli jails in particular.

One Year Later

15, March 2004

The support and backing for Mr. Hussam Khader, which has been reveled quite often in much of the past month in the form of rallies and marches across the West Bank, affirms Khader’s leadership, contribution and struggle to the Palestinian cause. Among the many leaders and activists that spoke in support of Palestinian prisoners at those rallies, the following were particularly important:

Mr. Abbas Zaki, a member of el-Fatah’s central committee, stated that peace with Israel was inconceivable without the release of all Palestinian prisoners. Abbas also gave a statement on behalf of Mr. Arafat, who conveyed a message of support for the prisoners. In particular reference to Khader, Abbas and other speakers stressed themes and ideas that have always been raised by the PLC member, emphasizing among other things, the Palestinian need to combat and challenge all cases of corruption and misconduct that have or may surface in any of the Palestinian Authority’s institutions.  The speakers all called for the need for public, regional and international support in order to win the release of Khader, Barghouti and other Palestinian prisoners.

Mr. Rafeeq al-Natshah, PLC member, also expressed similar sentiments that reflect the views of the PLC and its members with regard to their support and backing of all Palestinian prisoners. He stated that none of the PLC members would likely rest until all Palestinian prisoners are released. He also indicated that the Palestinian struggle is a legitimate resistance to one of the most brutal forms of occupations in history. He sent a special salute to Khader and the other prisoners for their contributions to the Palestinian cause.

On behalf of the Islamic and nationalist groups, Mr. Qais Abdel Kareem read a statement that also confirmed Palestinian support for Khader and the other prisoners. Mr. Mahmoud Ziyada also addressed the gathering on behalf of the families of the Palestinian prisoners. Among other things, he asked the PLC to do more in order to secure the release of the Palestinian prisoners.

At the end of the rally, Mr. Tayseer Nassrallah read a statement that echoed similar themes concerning the support for the political prisoners and the determination to put pressure for their immediate and unconditional release.

Along with speeches, various other statements were issued in support of Palestinian prisoners, including, but not limited to, a statement from Gaza and the Popular Committee.

Rally In Support of Khader at the Dahesha Refugee Camp

13, March 2004

In commemorating the anniversary of Mr. Khader’s arrest one year ago today, the Popular Committee, supported by the other organizations, managed to launch a large rally in support of the PLC member at the Dahesha Camp near Bethlehem. Many prominent public leaders and figures spoke at the rally in support of Khader. The first speaker was Mr. Mohammad Khaleel el-Laham, the head of the Popular Committee in Dahesha, who spoke about Khader and other prisoners who have been able to transform Israeli jails into educational institutions that support and struggle for the achievement of Palestinian rights. Mr. Hisham Abu Ghosh, also a Popular Committee member, particularly addressed Khader’s contribution to the Palestinian struggle and his determination to continue the struggle until Palestinians’ goals are fulfilled. Mr. Issa Qaraqi’s statement was directed more towards the suffering of the Palestinian mothers and sisters of prisoners, who have been subjected to a difficult life given that most of them have been abandoned by PA’s political institutions.

 Many others who spoke, including Mr. Mahmoud Abed Rabo and Tayseer Nassrallah, expressed similar reflections on the challenges facing Palestinian prisoners and their familes, and conveyed the strength of Palestinian prisoners in their undeterred commitments and scarifies to the Palestinian people and their national cause. The rally also included patriotic songs and cultural dances that calibrated the achievements and sacrifices made by the Palestinian people in general, and Palestinian prisoners in particular.

 Responding to Israel’s Unending Aggression

 March 2004

Israel’s continued attacks on Palestinian leaders, including the latest assassination of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, along with nine others accompanying him, are just some of the latest crimes that are being carried against the Palestinian people in the occupied territories. Israeli aggressive policies against the Palestinian people are also obvious when reviewing the inhumane conditions and circumstances that surround the treatment of Palestinian prisoners. Given these general challenges that continue to confront Palestinians in the territories in general and those, like Hussam Khader, in Israeli jails in particular, the committee that stands for the defense of Khader has issued the following guidelines:

1.      It declares that Khader’s life, along with other prisoners’, is regarded as the sole responsibility of the Israeli authorities, warning that any harm inflicted on Khader will likely bring about harsh and unprecedented responses from the Palestinians

2.      It demanded from international bodies and organizations to do more in order to secure Khader’s release and ensure that he is treated in accordance to international laws and regulations regarding the treatment of prisoners of war.

3.      It calls for local and regional organizations to continue their active support for Khader and for all other Palestinian prisoners.

4.      It considers the Day of the ‘Aseer (Prisoner’s Day), which falls on April 17^th, as a day of unity, cooperation and collective action for all responsible popular organizations to work together in order to win the release of all Palestinian prisoners.

Once Again: Khader's Trial has been delayed for the Fifth

 Time on March 15, 2004, the Salem's military Court House has decided to delay Hussam's Khader's trial until May 16^th, 2004. In so doing, the Israeli authorities have managed, for the fifth time, to delay Khader's trial since his arrest over a year ago. Khader's lawyer, Riyad el-Anees, spoke during the trial about the witnesses who were forced and/or told to fabricate stories about Khader's alleged involvement in violent activities against Israel. Against their pressures, however, it has been mentioned that the main witness has decided to change his earlier confession, making it less useful for the Israelis.

For his part, Mr. Khader insisted on denying all fabricated charges that were issued against him. He maintained his innocence and called upon the Palestinian people and their popular institutions to continue their struggle against the Israeli brutal occupation. At the same time, Hussam's lawyers indicated that the Israelis lack the legal justification for the arrest of the PLC member. It is believed that Khader's imprisonment has been, for the most part, motivated by political objectives that aim  for breaking Khader's will and determination to challenge Israel's occupation.

On another related topic, the past few days has witnessed rallies and gatherings supportive for Mr. Khader. The head of the popular committee, Mr. Tayseer Nassrallah managed to organize many of the supportive activities in various towns and cities in all major West Bank cities along with Gaza. Nassrallah, along with others, have voiced their unhindered support for the PLC member, demanding, among other things, from the Palestinian Prime Minister to place more pressure in order to win the release of Mr. Khader.  Various popular leaders also spoke at such gatherings in defense of Khader for his struggle against the Israeli occupation, along with his struggle and objection to cases of corruption and misuse of authority often found among various members of the Palestinian Authority. It must be noted, that Khader's popularity is largely linked with these two issues (fighting occupation and corruption) that represent the fundamental issues in the current Palestinian struggle to pursue and achieve their basic national goals and rights.

A Year After: The Annual Report

29 Feb 2004

The office of the PLC member Mr. Hussam Khader, in cooperation with the Popular Committee for the Defense of Palestinian Prisoners, has issued a new yearly report describing and assessing Mr. Khader’s condition in Israeli prisons a year after his arrest. Among other things, the report reviews Khader’s political activities in the months preceding his arrest, the days of the arrest and focuses on the general conditions facing Khader in various prisons. For the most part, according to the report, Khader has been mistreated, tortured and confined to isolation and psychological and physical pressures over the past year of his imprisonment.

The report also addresses and assesses the public reaction to Khader’s arrest. It surveys various reports, statements, meetings and other public activities that were launched in an attempt to pressure Israel to release Khader and the rest of the Palestinian political prisoners. The statement makes references to the writings and views of various experts, activists and defenders who described Khader’s determination in maintaining and continuing the struggle for the Palestinians’ basic and fundamental demands. All such reports and assessments can be found at Khader’s electronic Web site: www.hussamkhader.org. 

The isolation that Khader has been subjected to over the past year was best described by the coordinator of the Popular Committee, Mr. Tayseer Nasserallah, who conveyed, among other things, a vivid and painful picture of Khader’s inhumane treatment aimed at breaking his spirit in order to prevent him from remaining committed to the principles of the Palestinian cause and struggle. The report also includes a number of Khader’s personal notes and letters that were delivered from his cell to the family and friends through his lawyers. The report is encouraging in the sense that it conveys a message of determination and commitment that should serve as an example for other Palestinian leaders, and the public as a whole, to emulate while being challenged by Israel’s brutal occupation.

Calling upon Fatah’s Revolutionary Council to Meet its Responsibilities

February 26, 2004

During the latest meeting between PLC member Hussam Khader and Ms. Fatin el-Aseebi, an attorney representing Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, Mr. Khader issued a statement indicating various important points at this juncture in Palestinian politics. Among other things, the following are especially significant:

1. Khader had expressed the painful situation that confronts Palestinian prisoners in general, especially those, such as himself, confined to individual cells that lack the basic standards for humane treatment.

2. He called upon the Fatah Revolutionary Council, which has currently began to meet in the occupied territories, to include in its procedures voices representing Palestinian prisoners affiliated with the Fatah organization. Khader seemed concerned by the fact that the prisoners’ needs have not yet been properly addressed at such meetings.

On a separate issue, a letter has been issued by imprisoned Fatah members who, among other things, supported Khader’s call for their inclusion in the council’s process, along with emphasizing the needs to bring more organizational and popular support that would materialize as a means to accelerate the prospect for their release. In addition, the prisoners’ letter clearly rejects what the Americans and Israelis view of the Palestinian struggle as nothing more than an act of terror. Contrary to such allegations, the prisoners emphasized that their struggle is legitimate and aims at restoring Palestinian fundamental goals in ways that would, in the process, also restore Palestinian dignity.

PLC Member Suffers Silently from Deteriorating Health

February 7, 2004

In a recent statement issued by the Popular Committee in solidarity with PLC member Hussam Khader, revealed a dangerous and difficult circumstance that surrounds his imprisonment. For one thing, Khader has been confined to constant isolation in a small prison cell located in Division 14 of Beir el Sabba’ prison. While being subjected to inhumane treatment in isolation for the past few months, Khader has started to feel tremendous physical pain in his back and his general health is deteriorating.  Additionally, Khader has not been allowed to meet with his lawyer and has been denied all visitation rights. Furthermore, Khader has been subjected to more mistreatment resulting from his unwillingness to cooperate with prison guards, who were attempting to strip search him. Hussam’s objection to this humiliating search was seen as a form of incitement that may influence other prisoners, and a challenge to prison authority. Since this incident, Khader has been denied any nutritious meals and accordingly, his general health has declined. Khader’s family, supporters and friends are continuing to plead for any help and support that any human rights groups and organizations can provide for Khader and other prisoners. Despite the growing pressure on the Israeli authorities to release Mr. Khader, the PLC member’s condition remains unchanged as Israeli authorities continue to use false accusations against him in order to distance Mr. Khader from any involvement or contact with Palestinian issues. Since his imprisonment from over a year ago, Khader has been transferred to many prisons and his ordeal has not yet been concluded. The Popular Committee, along with others in the Palestinian territories and around the world, believe that Khader’s mistreatment is, to say the least, in direct violation to basic international norms, laws and conduct.