This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.
Like thousands of other wrongfully imprisoned Palestinians, Hana's denied all rights, including due process and judicial fairness. They're also subjected to torture, inhuman, and degrading treatment. It's official Israeli policy. Fundamental international law is routinely spurned.
In Hana's case, she denied her right to live. She wants freedom or death. Her lawyer, Jawad Boulos, quoted her saying:
"It's true our lives are very precious, but our freedom is even more precious and more powerful than their cells."PHR-I member Yael Maron said:
"The story of Hana Shalabi, like that of Khader Adnan before, is, in my opinion, a remarkable example of a struggle that's completely nonviolent towards one's surroundings. It is the last protest a prisoner can make, and I find it brave and inspiring."
Except for UN Special Rapporteur for Palestine Richard Falk, UN officials ignore her. In response, Union of Palestinian Women's Committees chairwoman Khitam Saafin said:
"The UN must be responsible for the whole of violations that are going on against our people. These prisoners are war prisoners, not security prisoners, not criminals. They are freedom fighters for their rights."
Falk said her courage "should move even the hard-hearted." She's "young, tender," nonviolent, and dedicated to what deserves universal praise, not lawless imprisonment and brutality.
Hunger striking reflects her struggle against injustice. It's not about her alone. It's for thousands of other wrongfully incarcerated and mistreated Palestinian prisoners. Israel persecutes them mercilessly.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
