Thousands of Palestinian prisoners remain in Israeli prisons even after the signing of Oslo Accords.
They are subjected to torture and inhumane treatment.
Their families and dependents need special assistance in order to function effectively in Palestinian society.
Face the Public has addressed this issue and sought solutions to its problems.
attended by 85 Key guests Hisham Abdul Raziq, Minster of Prisoners, Affairs.
Dr.
Kamal al-Shrafi, PLC member, North Gaza District.
Rafiq Hamduna, Head of Prisoners and Ex-prisoners Association.
Summary of issues raised by the public
The participants, the majority of whom were ex-prisoners, emphasized the necessity of dealing with this issue as a core one and of highlighting it by mutual effort.
They said that classifying the prisoners into several categories (e.
g.
prisoners arrested before, or after, Oslo, or those who were, or were not, involved in armed activities, etc.
) was very dangerous, and that the Palestinian officers should refuse to acknowledge these categories.
The participants stressed the immediate need for unity and hard work in coordination with the Ministry of Prisoners Affairs through meetings and contacting interested groups.
Summary of answers given by the guest speakers
The guest speakers previewed the prisoners, suffering emphasizing the troubles of children and women and the hazards threatening female prisoners, lives, being detained with Israeli criminal prisoners.
They pointed out the role played by the PNA in helping the prisoners and their families.
For instance, the PNA pays university fees for 140 prisoners who joined Israeli universities during detention.
The ministry is also providing support for their families, especially their sons, who study in Palestinian universities and institutes.
“The ministry provides several facilities for the released prisoners including education, health insurance, loans and training,� The release of more prisoners is not expected in the near future.
They demanded that the local political parties coordinate their activities regarding prisoners and arrive at a common strategy for how best to deal with their issues.