Dear Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister :
We, the undersigned community and civil society organizations in Britain,
Europe and around the world, call upon you to act quickly to immediately
release British citizen and Palestinian organizer, Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat,
from British detention in northern Ireland. We were shocked and taken aback by
his arrest on 22 August 2020 by the British security services at London
Heathrow Airport following his return from Dubai.
Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat is a medical doctor, married and a father, and has
been practicing medicine for many years in hospitals in Scotland, where he is a
member of the British Medical Association. In addition, Issam is a prominent
activist in the defense of Palestinian rights, and he works with many
organizations and institutions active in solidarity with the Palestinian people
in European countries, particularly the European Coordination of Committees and
Associations for Palestine (ECCP), which brings together dozens of associations
in support of the Palestinian people from 28 European countries.
Finally, Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat, as part of his activities, communicates
with many sympathetic political, trade union and social organizations in
Britain, Europe, the Arab world and Latin America, with the aim of expanding
the circle of international solidarity with the just cause of the Palestinian
people. He frequently participates in conference and meetings in solidarity
with Palestine, both in Europe and internationally.
Dr. Issam Hijjawi Bassalat is well-known for his commitment to freedom,
equality, justice and human rights, and for his support for the oppressed
peoples of the world. Since 16 September 2020, he and his nine detained
comrades have been on a hunger strike. Not only has Issam been unfairly denied
bail based on sensationalistic and exaggerated allegations, he has also been
subjected repeatedly to isolation. This has been justified as a COVID-19
protection; however, other detainees at the same prison have not been
re-isolated after returning from medical testing. This ongoing isolation
appears to be punitive and targeted.
We urge you once more to immediately respond to the demands of the hunger
strikers and to release Dr. Hijjawi Bassalat and his comrades.
Initial signatories :
