Sinn Fein supports Palestinian hunger striker Kayed

Sinn Fein representatives Fra McCann and Senator Paul Gavan arrived in the occupied West Bnk on Sunday evening and met with the lawyers of Palestinian hunger striker Bilal Kayed.

The men received a full briefing regarding Kayed who is now entering his 65th day of hunger strike while being held under administrative detention by Israeli authorities.

McCann said: “Bilal’s health is a cause of major concern at this point. He is currently shackled by hand and foot to a hospital bed in what is an appalling assault to human dignity. The Israeli authorities must take immediate steps to release Bilal from what is effectively internment without trial.”

Senator Gavan added: “This isn’t just about Bilal Kayed – there are currently 750 Palestinian prisoners, including eight children, being held under so called ‘administrative detention’ which is completely contrary to the principles of natural justice.”

They met with Kayed’s family on Monday, along with representatives of Palestinian prisoner support groups. Their visit to the occupied territories ended yesterday.