Muhammad
al-Qiq is a Palestinian journalist. Last November 21, Israeli
authorities lawlessly arrested him. He committed no crimes.
On
December 17, an administrative detention order was issued against him,
used when Israel wants someone imprisoned without just cause.
It’s usually imposed for six months, renewable ad infinitum. Thousands of Palestinian political prisoners languish in its gulag.
Al-Qiq
is dying for justice, hunger striking for an astonishing 90 days,
enduring great pain and suffering, more than any human being should be
forced to bear.
Last
week, Israel’s High Court showed no mercy, refused his legitimate
request for release, likely condemning him to death in the process.
He’s
is too weak to function normally. He slips in and out of a coma. His
vision, hearing and ability to speak are badly impaired. In whatever way
he was able to communicate, he told friends, family and supporters to
remain “steadfast.”
His
body’s ability to sustain life could fail at any moment. Death remains
imminent. Medical science can’t explain how he remains alive without
sustenance after three months.
Last
Monday, a video circulated online, showing him crying out in severe
pain. Through his attorneys, he requested transfer to a Palestinian
Ramallah hospital.
Israeli
authorities refused, claiming outside their direct control he’d
threaten national security. He’s helpless near death, virtually unable
to stand, walk, see, hear or speak.
His
wife, Fahya Shalash, and young children are prohibited from visiting
him. On Sunday, Israel’s High Court denied her petition to enter Israel
to be with her husband.
It
refuses to grant al-Qiq’s request to be transferred to a Palestinian
hospital. On February 18, B’Tselem’s executive director, Hagai Elad,
addressed Netanyahu by letter, requesting al-Qiq’s immediate release, so
far in vain, saying in part:
His detention uncharged “reflects a new low in the instrumentalist approach to human beings,” an appalling example of injustice.
“You
bear responsibility for al-Qiq’s life. I urge you – I implore you – to
order (his) immediate release before it is too late.”
Longtime
Israeli collaborator/illegitimate Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas
has done nothing to help him – beyond meaningless lip service promises.
Throughout his excruciating ordeal, al-Qiq refused medical treatment, declining it as long as he’s lawlessly detained.
His
condition deteriorated so badly, it may be too late to save him or
restore functions he lost, regardless of what happens going forward.
His
appalling treatment is one of countless examples of Israeli barbarism,
victimizing millions of Palestinians for not being Jews – supported by
billions of US taxpayer dollars annually.
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.
His new book as editor and contributor is titled “Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III.”
Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.
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cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive
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The original source of this article is Global Research
Copyright © Stephen Lendman, Global Research, 2016
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