The 45-year-old Palestinian man died in his cell on Tuesday morning after nearly three months of hunger strike. He opposed Israel’s broad policy of arbitrarily detaining Palestinians under “abominable conditions” and in violation of guarantees of a fair trial.
The call for greater accountability comes from the independent expert, or Special Rapporteur, on the human rights situation in the Palestinian territories, Francesca from Albaniaand the Special Rapporteur on the right to health care, Tlaleng Mofokeng.
Long history of hunger strike
Mr. Adnan began his hunger strike shortly after being arrested – the last time – on February 5, facing terrorism-related charges.
Even though his health deteriorated severelythe Israeli authorities refused to release him, or send him to the hospitaland further detain him in a prison hospital facility, which is said to not provide adequate health care, experts said.
The Dong Nhan Quyen Association– Appointed experts note that Mr. Adnan has been arrested at least 12 times in the pastspent a total of about eight years in prison, mostly in administrative detention, and had gone on hunger strikes five times before.
‘Tragic Will’
“The death of Khader Adnan is a tragic testimony to Israel’s cruel and inhuman detention policy and practiceas The international community does not blame Israel against the callous illegal actions perpetrated against Palestinian prisoners,” the experts said.
Hundreds of people were held without trial
Experts note that Israel currently holds about 4,900 Palestinians in its prisons, of which just over 1,000 are in administrative detention. people detained indefinitely without trial or charges, based on confidential information.
Maximum number of people in administrative detention in Israeli detention facilities highest since 2008despite repeated condemnations from international human rights organizations and calls on Israel to immediately stop this practice.
UN human rights office OHCHR said in its press release that many Palestinian prisoners went on hunger strike to “protest the brutality of Israel’s detention practices”.
Occupation ‘colonial’
Experts say they cannot separate Israel’s prison policies, “from the colonial nature of the country, which aims to control and subdue all Palestinians in the territory Israel wants to control.”
“The systematic practice of administrative detention, is equivalent to a war crime that intentionally deprives protected persons of their right to a fair and regular trial,” said two experts.
They added that it is more urgent than ever for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its illegal actions in the occupied territory and prevent the normalization of war crimes. painting.
“How many more lives will have to be sacrificed, before an inch of justice can be accomplished on occupied Palestinian territory?” they conclude.
About the reporter
Independent human rights experts are all appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council, in Geneva, according to special procedure.
They are tasked with monitoring and reporting on specific thematic issues or national situations. They are not employees of the UN and do not receive a salary for their work.
