Wednesday, July 20, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Protesters blocked the path of the Annexation Barrier

Bil'in- 6:00 AM Today
Protesters blocked the path of the Israeli bulldozers working to build the Apartheid Wall in Bil'in. They were chained together in a cylinder six meters long which allowed only their heads and legs to be visible.

The seven protesters include Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals. They were cut out of the cylinder by Israeli soldiers who hit them with batons, prodded them with wire cutters and then arrested them.

The seven include, Bili'in resident Tamer Al Khatib, Co- founder of the ISM Huwaida Arraf, Alison from North Carolina, Nina and Pel'e from Denmark and Israelis Avi Mugrabhi and Moshe Berger. They are currently being held at Givaat Zeev police station.

Muhhamed Al Khatib, one of the leaders of the Bil'in Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements, a group that is committed to non-violent resistance of the Annexation Barrier was singled out from the group of non-violent protesters and detained, but was later released.

Abdallah Abu Rahme and Akram Al Khatib, also members of the Bil'in Popular Committee Against the Wall have been in detention at Ofer Military Base since their arrest during a non-violent demonstration Friday, July 15, 2005.

The cylinder was decorated with symbols of the Palestinian political factions and a Palestinian flag in the center, and carried the message our unity is our strength.

ISM North Carolina is asking for donations to help cover the legal expenses Alison's arrest will incur. You may donate online at the ISM NC blog site, http://ismnc.blogspot.com

More information will follow from ISMNC as soon as it is received. For pictures of the demonstration, go to:
http://freckle.blogs.com/photos/strength_in_unity/index.html

UPDATE (3:20 p.m. North Carolina):
Three international activists are refusing to sign release papers after being arrested alongside a Palestinian protester during a rally against the Apartheid Wall in the West Bank village of Bil'in. The three American citizens say they won't make a deal with police so long as the Palestinian they were arrested with is treated differently.

For more information contact: 054-5892681 or ISM Media Office 02-2971824

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