Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, has called on the Israeli Government to save the life of a Palestinian hunger striker, Muhammad al-Qiq,a Palestinian Journalist  who is on the brink of death.

Al-Qiq has been on hunger strike for 61 days in protest at his internment without trial, called administrative detention by the Israeli authorities.

Crowe is calling on the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan, to raise the issue directly with Israeli Government in order to save Muhammad al-Qiq’s life.

Deputy Crowe said:

“Muhammad al-Qiq’s lawyer has stated that he is on the brink of death.

“According to reports the Almajd TV network journalist is unconscious and cannot speak, and now has all the symptoms that suggest his death is imminent.

“The 33 year old father of two has been on hunger strike since he arrested on 24 November in protest against his internment without any trial or charge, and the torture and ill-treatment that he says he was subjected to during his interrogation.

“Approximately 6,000 Palestinians are reportedly being held in Israeli prisons and detention centres without trial or charge under these administrative detention orders.

“On 19 January the medical rights group Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) released a statement which accuses doctors in HaEmek Hospital in Afula, where al-Qiq is being treated, of ‘forcing treatment’ and ‘pressuring him to end his hunger strike.’

“I am again calling on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan, to raise this urgent case directly with Israeli Government, in order to try save Muhammad al-Qiq’s life and to secure his immediate release from his illegal detention.”

ENDS