Free Manal and Nour

Whilst in Palestine, I met lawyers from Addameer, an excellent organisation that represents political prisoners. During my meeting I was told of one particular campaign Addameer is running.

Manal Ghanem, a 29 year old mother of four children, is serving a 50 month sentence for conspiracy in an attempt to kill. The details of her case show that she had attempted to carry weapons from one site to another. The attempt failed and she did not try to do it again. Manal has no previous criminal record. The Israeli Military Judge who ruled in her case said in his judgment:

“Her role was very minor and insignificant in the planning and she did not know any previous information about the attempt… she joined at a very late stage of planning… we have to [show mercy towards] her son who was born in a very tough situation and who will spend his first years at prison… Manal did not participate in planning… she is not a member of or a supporter of any organization… she is not affiliated to any political faction, she had never been part of or accused of any violation in the past”

At the time of her sentencing, Manal was pregnant with her forth child, Nour. She gave birth to him whilst in prison.

Manal (who suffers from thalassemia) and her son Nour needs special medical treatment which are not provided by the Israeli Prison Services. While she was pregnant, Manal received no special medical treatment during her arrest and interrogation. After delivering Nour, both were sent immediately to the prison and in that instant Nour became the youngest prisoner being held inside Israeli prisons.

Nour, a baby, receives the same level of services and treatment as every other, adult prisoner. His outside breaks are not extended, and his family has not been allowed to send him toys and other children's items. Manal says, “I worry for the life of Nour because the prison guards sometimes use gas or water against the female prisoners. He needs the sunlight and fresh air, toys, etc, and none of this allowed. When he is provided with diapers, they are always too small and upset Nour."

According to Israeli prison laws, a mother is allowed to keep her child up to 2 years in the prison after which time the child will be released to his family away from the mother who remains imprisoned.

In addition to Nour, Manal and her husband, Naji, have 3 other children. Since Manal is not able to take care of them and Naji works long hours everyday, the children are forced to live at their grandparent’s home in the Tulkarm refugee camp.

Please take a moment to read more about Manal and Nour's stoy. I would strongly urge you to send a letter to the Israeli Government seeking her release. Address details and a suggested letter are available here.