Bethlehem youth worker's detention without charge extended

Anas Abu Srour

Last December we reported that the director of a youth centre in a refugee camp near Bethlehem had been arrested by the Israeli army. Anas Abu Srour was stopped as he drove home after an English exam. For several days there was no news of his whereabouts but eventually the Aida Youth Center in Bethlehem wrote in a statement: "After no news for seven days, yesterday morning his family and colleagues at the Aida Youth Centre learnt that Anas has been sentenced to six months 'administrative detention'.

Today we've received the following message from the Centre:

'While destruction in Gaza rages on, we were hoping to share better news with you this week. But after six months of waiting anxiously, Anas Abu Srour's administrative detention has been extended by another four months.

Anas was unlawfully detained by the Israeli occupation on November 28, 2023. He was sentenced, without charges or trial, to six months in administrative detention. This extension was also ordered without a trial or charges. Under Israel's policy of administrative detention, they can prolong his sentence again and again, making it unsure whether he will be released at the end of September this year.

Anas' family, friends and colleagues are devastated by this news. We don't know how Anas is currently doing or how he is being treated. However, released prisoners have shared details of the inhumane conditions in prisons.

Though the Israeli occupation seems to act with impunity, Anas' lawyers are going to the Supreme Court of Israel to fight this unlawful detention.

The team at Aida Youth Center are working hard to continue Anas' work in his community. We are providing aid to many families affected by the difficult situation in Palestine, in the camp and in surrounding underserved areas.

We have launched a fundraiser to continue supporting families who are struggling to put food on the table or pay for school fees. Please donate if you are able to, and share the link in your networks.

We would also like to ask you to keep speaking up about the thousands of innocent Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. They are the hostages no one speaks about.

In solidarity,

Aida Youth Center'

LINKS

Bethlehem: Arrested youth centre director sentenced to six months 'administrative detention' + petition
www.indcatholicnews.com/news/48651

#FreeAnasAbuSrour
www.indcatholicnews.com/news/48619

Aida Youth Centre
www.aidacenter.org/