Atallah Hanna calls for release of Sheikh Raed

The Archbishop of Sebastia from the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Atallah Hana, has expressed his sympathy and solidarity with Sheikh Raed Salah who is currently being detained in Britain.
 
In a recent press statement, the archbishop said that, “the action taken against Sheikh Salah is unjust and we completely and totally denounce and reject it.”

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Hanna added, “The Sheikh fulfils his religious and national role and serves the cause of his people; he defends Jerusalem and its sanctities which is the duty of every Palestinian and is a position for which Sheikh Raed deserves commendation and thanks, not to be treated with such harshness or targeted in this manner.” He demanded that the British authorities release Sheikh Raed and enable him to continue his visit of Britain. Bishop Hanna said, “The targeting of Sheikh Raed is a pitiful attempt to put pressure on national figures and the attainment of their roles and prestige.”
 
We hope that the British authorities realise that their audacious actions are a grave mistake which ought to be rectified as soon as possible with the release of the Sheikh.