Israel extends detention without charge of young Christian woman

Layan Nasir

Richard Sewell, Dean of St George's College, Jerusalem wrote on social media today: "I am really sorry and upset to have to share that today Layan Nasir's administrative detention has been extended by a further four months.

Layan, who is 23, was arrested on 7 April when around 20 Israeli soldiers loudly hammered on the door of her parents' house in the West Bank town of Birzeit near Ramallah, before her mother opened it. On 15 April, Israeli intelligence decided to place Layan in administrative detention for four months without charges.

This is the second time Layan has been arrested. Two years ago on 7 July 2021, she was detained at her house over her participation in student union activities at Birzeit University. Israeli authorities banned the student group in 2020. Layan was released on bail two months later.

The family say the main difference between the first and second arrest, is that this time the soldiers have been much more aggressive. They said: "When she was arrested the first time, the soldiers stormed the house about 5 am, and they were quieter. This time the raid was brutal and violent, and we were held at gunpoint. The soldiers were more aggressive and seemed ready to fire in our direction at any moment."

Layan is a member of St Peter's Anglican Church in Birzeit. The parish priest, Rev Fadi Diab, and her family, have not been allowed to visit her.

After her arrest in April, the Archbishop of Canterbury wrote on X: "I'm shocked and deeply concerned by this news. Together with our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters, I pray for Layan and her family - and for the congregation of St Peter's Anglican Church in the Occupied West Bank. Please pray for Layan's safety and swift release."

Richard Sewell wrote yesterday: "As most will know, Israel's use of administrative detention affects more than 3.5k Palestinians right now. In this procedure, no charge is made and therefore no appeal can be raised against it. It can be extended indefinitely. Appalling.

Our prayers and concerns are for Layan in prison and for all her family."

NOTE: Rev Munther Isaac has just written on X: 'The Orthodox Church in Gaza hit yet again! There are injuries. Lord have mercy.'

and Khalil Sayegh has written: 'A missile just hit the compound of Saint Porphyrius church, and there are two injuries. Among them is my aunt.'