US Congress Members Urged to Demand Release of Gaza Doctor Held by Israel without Charge
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) on Friday called on members of Congress to demand the immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who has reportedly been moved to solitary confinement despite being held without charges.
According to reports from human rights organizations, Dr. Abu Safiya was recently transferred to solitary confinement without explanation. He remains detained without formal charges or trial.
UN experts say Dr. Abu Safiya has been subjected to torture in Israeli custody. Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) wrote: “He is held in Negev Prison in harsh conditions, without access to medication or medical care, as his health continues to deteriorate.”
CAIR recently condemned the extension of his illegal detention.
In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
“Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya should never have been kidnapped by Israeli forces in Gaza and imprisoned without charge. Reports that he has now been placed in solitary confinement while continuing to be held without due process are deeply disturbing and raise even more urgent concerns about his welfare and basic human rights. Congress must demand his immediate release and insist that Israel end the arbitrary detention, abuse, and mistreatment of Palestinian medical professionals and civilians.
“The international community cannot remain silent while a respected physician is reportedly subjected to harsh conditions, denied adequate medical care, and isolated from the outside world without any legal justification. Dr. Abu Safiya must be released immediately.”
The civil rights organization has previously called for the immediate release of Dr. Abu Safiya.
Source: Cair.com
