Young Palestinian Christian woman freed after eight months in prison + UPDATE

Layan Nasir

A young Palestinian Christian woman, who was kept in prison by the Israeli authorities without charge for eight months, was released yesterday.

Layan Nasir, 23, who together with her family attend the Anglican church of St Peter's in Birzeit on the West Bank. was forcefully taken from her parents' home on 7 April. Armed soldiers woke up the family around 4am. They blindfolded and handcuffed Layan and took her away. For the next eight months Layan was not allowed to speak with her parents and had just brief contact with a lawyer.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, was one of several church leaders who appealed for Layan's release. He pointed out that administrative detention was being used as an "instrument of occupation", and that it could not be "legally or morally justified". He also said that Layan's transfer outside the West Bank, to the notorious Damon Prison in Israel, was a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. During his recent visit to the West Bank, Archbishop Welby met members of Layan's family.

The news of Layan's release was first announced yesterday by Rev Munther Isaac, Lutheran Pastor in Bethlehem. He wrote on X: "Layan Nasir is free. We pray for freedom for all prisoners of justice and all detainees."

In a press release today, the Episcopal Church said: "The Episcopal Church is thankful for the release of Layan Nasir, a 23-year-old Anglican Palestinian woman, who has been in Israeli custody since April 6. We give thanks to God for answered prayers and to the advocates who have worked tirelessly to secure her freedom.

"While celebrating Layan's release, we mourn the thousands of Palestinians who remain in administrative detention without charges, without a timeline for trial, and without contact with loved ones and religious leaders. We ask that all Palestinians who are unjustly detained be released, and that all Israeli hostages be allowed to return home.

"The Episcopal Church continues to advocate for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and an end to impunity and violence. We remain committed to pursuing a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land."

UPDATE: Another young Christian Palestian woman, Lian Kaid, was released from 'administrative detention' on the same day as Layan. The news of her release was confirmed by the Palestinian Ambassador to the Holy See, Issa Kassissieh. L'Osservertore Romano reported on 12 November that her mother had written to Pope Francis seeking his support and prayers. She reported that she had never been allowed to visit her daughter in prison. Her parish priest who wanted to bring her Communion was also denied access.