Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Israel releases Hamas PLC member

Published Sunday 04/10/2009 (updated) 05/10/2009 19:56

Nablus – Ma’an – Israel released Hamas-affiliated parliament member Riyad Al-Amlah from prison on Sunday when he finished a three year, five month sentence for membership in a “illegal organization.”

Al-Amlah was seized by Israeli forces in the summer of 2006, during a sweep of senior Hamas officials following the capture of soldier Gilad Shalit by militants from Gaza.

Al-Amlah was arrested by Israel several times in prior to 2006 for his activities in various charitable and educational organizations. He also served as the mayor of the West Bank village of Qabalan, south of Nablus.

Twenty-two Hamas members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and three from other parties remain in Israeli jails. Israel’s arrests of lawmakers have largely paralyzed the legislature since 2006.