The Palestinian Ministry of Detainees reported Friday that after Israel previously released 10 legislators, including PLC head Dr. Aziz Dweik, the Israeli occupation is still holding captive 26 Palestinians legislators and three former ministers.Israeli previously released 10 legislators, including legislator Fadel Hamdan, who was released just a few days ago.
Riyadh Al Ashqar, head of the media department at the Ministry of Detainees under the dissolved government of Hamas in Gaza, stated that Israeli courts sentenced all detained legislators and ministers to different periods that range between 40 months and several life-terms.
One Legislator of Fateh movement, Jamal Tirawy, is still imprisoned without prosecution as the Israeli courts delayed looking into his case 38 times.
Five legislators are imprisoned under administrative detention orders without any charges or trial.
Al Ashqar also said that 22 of the detained legislators were sentenced to 40-50 months imprisonment, and four legislators were sentenced to high terms, including Marwan Barghouthi of Fateh who was sentenced five life-terms, and legislator Ahmad Saadat who was sentenced to 30 years.
Legislator Jamal Al Natsha was sentenced to 8.5 years and legislator Hasan Yousef was sentenced to 5.5 years.
Israel is still holding captive three former ministers; former minister of detainees Wasfi Qabha, Minister of Education Nasser Al Shaer, and Minister of Local Government, Issa Al Ja’bary.
Al Ashqar said that kidnapping and imprisoned the ministers, legislators and elected officials is a direct violation to the International law, and slammed the idleness of the international community.
