Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, has called on the Israeli Government to release the Palestinian journalist Muhammad al-Qeq who was arrested and imprisoned by the Israeli authorities, held without a trial or charges, and began a hunger strike on 24 November 2015.

Al-Qeq began his hunger strike 50 days ago to protest his imprisonment without any legal proceedings, which the Israeli Government call administrative detention, and he has serious health problems and many now fear he is nearing death.

Deputy Crowe said:

“Israel’s use of ‘administration detention’ against Palestinians is basically internment by remand. Israel continues to use it systematically and as a form of collective punishment.

“Muhammad al-Qeq is a journalist for Saudi TV channel Al Majd and has been on hunger strike since his arrest and detention without trial or charges.

“It is being reported that Muhammad has now lost over 20 kilograms after 50 days on hunger strike and his health condition has reached a critical point.

“There are wide spread concerns that the Israeli authorities may use a new law which allows them to force feed prisoners, a barbaric practice which many Irish political prisoners had to endure.

“I am calling on the Israeli authorities to save Muhammad’s life, release him, and end its systematic use of administrative detention.

“I am also calling on the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan, to intervene and immediately raise this case with the Israeli authorities and to urgently place the upmost pressure on the Israeli Government in order to save Muhammad’s life.”

ENDS