RAMALLAH, July 2, 2017 (WAFA) – PLO Executive Committee Member Hanan Ashrawi strongly condemned the arrest of Palestine Legislative Council member Khalida Jarrar and chairwoman of the Union of Palestinian Women‘s Committees Khitam Saafin.

“The arrest of Palestinian PLC Member Khalida Jarrar is a violation of her parliamentary immunity, and Israel should adhere to international norms regarding the immunity of elected officials,” said Ashrawi in a statement.

She added, “Clearly, this political arrest is further proof that the judicial system in Israel has no relation to justice.”

Ashrawi called for the immediate release of Khalida, Khitam and all imprisoned PLC members. She also on called on all members who are signatories to the Fourth Geneva Convention to “hold Israel accountable for its blatant breach of international law,” adding: “Israel must not be given a free hand to dehumanize the Palestinian people and systematically devalue their basic rights and lives."

Currently, there are thirteen PLC members and fifty-five Palestinian women imprisoned by Israel.

M.N