- Title: JORDAN: Families demand release of Jordanian prisoners held in Israel
- Date: 12th May 2013
- Summary: AMMAN, JORDAN (MAY 11, 2013) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS GATHERED ON STREET IN FRONT OF THE ROYAL OFFICES VARIOUS OF A YOUNG GIRL HOLDING A PLACARD READING (Arabic): "REFORM IS THE WAY TO FREEDOM FOR OUR PRISONERS" PROTESTER HOLDING BANNERS AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF PRISONERS BANNER READING (Arabic): "MY FATHER TOLD ME OUR KING WILL NOT ABANDON HIS COUNTRY'S PRISONERS" (SOU
- Embargoed: 27th May 2013 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Jordan
- Country: Jordan
- Topics: Crime,General,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVADW68707HRTR9NGPEDL05ARY3K
- Story Text: A week after Jordanian prisoners in Israel went on hunger strike, their families staged a peaceful protest in Amman on Saturday (May 11), urging the Jordanian authorities to push for their release.
The protesters, who gathered in front of the Royal Offices in the capital, chanted slogans and held banners and photographs of the prisoners, with one placard reading: "My father told me the King would not abandon his country's prisoners".
One of the protest organisers, Mazen Mustafa, said he was concerned for the well-being of the prisoners, who began a hunger strike on Thursday (May 2).
"Today marks the 11th day since Jordanian prisoners in Israeli jails began their hunger strike, and their health is deteriorating. Their primary demand is directed at the Jordanian government, which is to work towards the immediate release of all the prisoners from Israel and get them out of jail," he said.
Mustafa added that the protesters had other legitimate demands for the prisoners, including healthcare and better legal representation.
Many Jordanian prisoners of Palestinian origin do not receive regular family visits due to travel restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities.
The mother of prisoner Raafat Asous, who has been in prison in Israel since 2002, demanded regular visitation rights for families.
"We want them to care for our prisoners, our sons. We want to be able to see them, to find out how they are feeling. We demand to be allowed periodical visits to see them. No one cares about them, we don't know what condition their health is in, not even the ambassador can reach them, no one asks about them. Our demands are legitimate, they have rights and all the officials must do something for the prisoners," Um Raafat said.
Mother of Jordanian prisoner Merei Abu Saeedeh, who has 11 consecutive life sentences, said she will not stop protesting until her son is released.
"I protest around the clock, 24 hours, I never get home before 12pm at night. Of course I will protest, there is nothing in the world more precious than my son. Should I wait for the government to act? I gave up on the government a long time ago, they are asleep," Um Merei said.
In a letter published in several newspapers earlier this month, the prisoners accused the Jordanian government of ignoring their plight, humiliating their families and failing to challenge the Israeli authorities over their detention.
The sister of prisoner Muneer Merei blamed the Jordanian government for their inaction and demanded the release of all the prisoners.
"We demand that our children be released alive, they have been on a hunger strike for ten days, and no one cares. We protest everywhere, in front of the ministry of foreign affairs, in front of the royal offices, in front of the parliament, and no one feels our presence. We place the entire responsibility on the officials, if something were to happen to our children, they are responsible," she said.
According to the the Jordanian National Committee to Defend Detainees in Israeli Prisons, there is a total 25 Jordanians held in Israeli prisons, the youngest of which is 17-year-old Mohammad Mahdi Saleh. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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