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P R E S S R E L E A S E

On September 15, an Israeli military court will announce the sentence to be passed on Abdallah Abu Rahma, the well-known coordinator of nonviolent protest against the settlement and wall construction policies in the village of Bil’in (Palestine). Abu Rahma, recipient of the Carl-von-Ossietzky-Medal for civil courage and extraordinary service in the cause of human rights, has been sitting behind bars for nine months.

On August 24th of this year he was convicted of “inciting” as well as the “organization and participation in illegal protests.” He is facing a sentence of many years in prison. Abdallah Abu Rahma was convicted on the basis of confessions coerced from under-aged minors who were taken from their beds at night, arrested and immediately interrogated. The prosecution was not able to present any other evidence.

The League protests against this unsubstantiated conviction and demands the immediate release of Abdallah Abu Rahma.

Parliamentarians and members of the German government are being called upon to work toward the release of Abdallah Abu Rahma.

Many people compare the 39 year-old teacher and father of three children from the Palestinian village of Bil’in with Mahatma Gandhi. Abdallah Abu Rahma stands for non-violent resistance against Israeli settlement and wall construction on land belonging to Bil’in, as demonstrations along the separating fence have made visible since 2005.

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU, Lady Ashton, reacted to the conviction with extreme concern in a public statement: “The possible imprisonment of Mr. Abu Rahma is intended to hinder him and other Palestinians from exercising their legitimate rights to protest non-violently against the separation wall.”

On August 30th, 2010, the Spanish parliament gave strong support to the statement of Lady Ashton. The League concurs with international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which have also protested vehemently against the unsubstantiated conviction of Abu Rahma.

Now German politicians - “at the last minute, so to speak” - must also make their contribution to the release of Abu Rahmah.

We appeal to the representatives of the Bundestag to do as their Spanish colleagues have already done, to say “No” to the conviction of Abdallah Abu Rahmah!
Please demand his unconditional release!

In addition, we appeal to the German government, to the chancellor and the foreign secretary: Please say “Yes” to non-violence, to human rights and to a peace between Israelis and Palestinians that is worthy of the name!

Give Lady Ashton’s statement additional weight. Make it clear to the Israeli government that you want to see Abdallah Abu Rahma as a free person - not as a prisoner.

Show people here and abroad, that political freedoms, basic rights and self-determination are high ideals which are guaranteed by the German government at home and protected internationally.