PPS interviews: in Jilboa prison there is no Ramadan, no education

16.09.09 - 16:51

Jenin / PNN – Political prisoners in the Israeli Jilboa Prison were unable to obtain provisions for Ramadan when daily fasting changes dietary needs, the Palestinian Prisoner Society reported today. In separate interviews conducted by PPS, it was revealed that living conditions imposed during the month were particularly difficult in the northern prison. Mohamed Ahmed is sentenced to life in prison. He told a PPS lawyer, “The Jilboa prison administration did not provide prisoners allocations for the holy month of Ramadan, although it is near its end.” The Jenin Refugee Camp man added during a meeting with the lawyer, “The atmosphere of Ramadan for prisoners is very difficult for the lack of needs and requirements.” In another interview with PPS, prisoner Sawafta from Tubas added that registration for the new academic year at Al Quds Open University was blocked. Sentenced by a military court to life in prison on the third of March, 1991, Sawafta implored, “It is crucial that all stakeholders follow up the issue of registration of prisoners at the Open University because there are a number of them still deprived of this right. This means the loss of another full academic year.” Yasser from Qalqilia, arrested on 10 October 2002, said that detainees are being denied matriculation exams in Jilboa. “This requires following-up,” he told a PPS lawyer, “so that it will not be repeated.” The young man added that there are a high number of people who intend to pursue their educations and sit for exams this year. In the southern West Bank, Prisoner Society lawyers visited Etzion, a detention facility housed inside a settlement built on Bethlehem Governorate lands. The PPS noted that Ramadan provisions were lacking, but not as badly as in Jilboa. Sweets for the breakfast were allowed, but the meal quality and quantity both remained poor.