Statement by the spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on the condition of Palestinian hunger strikers in Israel

Brussels, 18-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

“The High Representative is following with concern reports about the deteriorating health condition of Ayman Sharawna, Samer Issawi, Jafar Ezzedin and Tareq Qaa’dan, Palestinians in Israeli detention who have been on an extended hunger strike. The EU calls on the government of Israel to allow for the immediate restoration of their family visiting rights and calls for the full
respect of international human rights obligations towards all Palestinian detainees and prisoners.

The High Representative reiterates the EU’s longstanding concern about the extensive use by Israel of administrative detention orders, which currently apply to Jafar Ezzedin and Tareq Qaa’dan.

Under international law, detainees have the right to be informed about the reasons underlying any detention and to have the legality of their detention determined without undue delay. The EU calls upon Israel to bring formal charges against any individuals detained, with a view to bringing them
to a fair trial without undue delay.”

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 – +32 2 584 9780- Michael.Mann@eeas.europa.eu
Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 – +32 2 298 65 70 – Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu
Sebastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98 – Sebastien.Brabant@ec.europa.eu
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